The atmosphere at the lodge is casual, so comfortable medium-weight clothes are the normal attire. While on the water, we recommend that you dress in layers to best regulate your body temperature. Expect temperatures in July and August to range from 45 – 75 F with lower temperatures possible in June and September.
The baggage weight allowance is 50 lbs. per guest. Your clothing and gear should fit into at least two small soft-sided bags and a rod case. Any excess baggage may have to be flown in at a later time on a space available basis. Storage is available at the office in Anchorage for items not required at the lodge.
Essentials
High quality rain gear, a warm sweater or jacket, long-sleeved shirts, warm socks, fleece pants, and polypropylene or merino wool underwear (for use under your waders) is highly recommended. Cool morning boat rides and cool/wet fishing days require warm hats and finger-less gloves.
Dry storage is also limited on our boats, so we recommend a waterproof ‘dry bag’ to store extra layers, camera equipment, and other items that you don’t want getting wet while on the water.
Comfortable walking shoes or boots for wearing around the camp is also recommended. A waterproof pair is ideal.
Guests should also bring their toiletries and other personal items. However, bedding and towels are supplied at the lodge for guest use.
Fishing Gear
Anglers will need line clippers, needle-nosed pliers, insect repellent, sunscreen, and polarized sunglasses. You can bring your own or purchase these items, along with various souvenirs, shirts, and hats in the small fly shop at the lodge.
Fly Fishing
- Fly Rods and Reels. We recommend a 6-7 weight fly rod to get the most sport from our resident rainbow trout, Arctic char and lake trout. For Salmon and Pike, we recommend a heavier rod in the 7-8 weight range. Reels do not need to be the most expensive, but we recommend those with a reliable drag system. Sage 7 weight rods and Ross Reels are available for guest use at the lodge.
- Fly Lines. For those bringing their own gear, we recommend both a floating and a fast sink-tip line rigged with enough backing to fill the spool.
- Leader and Tippet. We typically use 8 lb. test tippet material for most applications. A common exception is when dry fly fishing, in which case we often use a 7 1/2 to 9 ft. tapered leader with 3x – 4x tippet. A selection of 6 through 12lb test tippet should cover the majority of situations.
- Flies. Fly selection generally depends on timing. For more information on fly selection by month, take a look at our sport fishing sample itinerary and packing list.
Conventional Fishing
Conventional anglers should pack their favorite light or medium action rods and a good quality reel spooled with at least 8 lb test line. Expect to lose tackle to snags! We recommend bringing plenty of large spoons and spinners and extra terminal tackle (including swivels). Almost any color combo will work, but we find silver and orange to be the most consistent producers.
Please note that only single hooks are permitted. All treble hooks must be replaced with singles or trimmed down to one hook. Also keep in mind that American Creek, one of our main fishing destinations is designated as fly fishing only by Katmai National Park regulations.
Waders
We offer waders and boots for our guests to use during their stay. You can save some weight and bulk when packing by using our waders and/or boots.
Some folks prefer their own waders and boots, however please note that felt soled boots are no longer allowed in Alaska. Boots with metal cleats are also not allowed at our lodges. A common compromise from our guests is to bring their own waders but use a pair of our wading boots during their stay.
Those interested in using loaner waders must pick them up at Kulik Lodge before your flight over to Grosvenor.
What Not to Bring
Please do not bring sleeping bags, towels, nylon landing nets, gaffs, creels, or any type of firearm. If you do bring bear mace, be sure to inform you pilot as it can’t be packed inside the planes. We do not recommend bringing bear mace.
For more packing suggestions, take a look at our printable packing lists, or get in touch with us by clicking right here.
