Our season runs from approximately mid-June through September, and like most Alaska fisheries, what we fish for (and how we fish for them) is largely dependent on the time of year.
Sockeye Salmon
Two of the rivers accessible from Grosvenor are known as the largest spawning streams for sockeye (red) salmon throughout the entire Naknek drainage, each receiving over 100,000 fish annually.
Often revered as the hardest fighting Pacific salmon ‘pound for pound,’ sockeye can make for fast-paced action on fly or conventional gear. However, while typically only available to target from approximately mid-July through the beginning of August, it is their offspring referred to as “smolt” that attract the most desirable species to our home waters such as..
Rainbow Trout
Home to Grosvenor Lodge, the Bristol Bay watershed is regarded as one of the most productive fisheries for native rainbow trout in the world.
As a resident species, rainbow trout are available throughout the year at Grosvenor Lodge, allowing us to target them using a bunch of exciting methods depending on the timing of your trip.
During the front half of our season, large quantities of big predatory rainbows can be seen corralling thousands of salmon smolt within walking distance of our lodge. In an attempt to evade their predators, its not uncommon for these smolt to create ‘boils’ on the surface of the water, allowing anglers to key into the location of their quarry before delivering their offering. Its fast paced and extremely visual, and just as intense as it sounds.
We also target rainbows using a bunch of other popular methods as well. Skating mouse patterns, stripping streamers, dead-drifting flesh and/or egg patterns, as well as conventional techniques (excluding fly fishing only waters) are all effective during certain times of our season.
Lake Trout
Aside from trophy rainbow trout, exceptional fly and/or conventional fishing for native lake trout is available on or home lake system.
Like our resident rainbow populations, impressive quantities of lake trout key in on the smolt run from approximately mid-June through mid-July, allowing anglers to target lakers in shallower water (with fly or light tackle) than is typically possible during warmer months. A similar phenomenon exists during the month of September when lake trout move back into the shallows as they prepare to spawn.
As water temperatures warm (approximately mid-July through August), most lake trout migrate to the deeper ares of our home lakes, often requiring more traditional open water methods such as trolling.
Arctic Char and Dolly Varden
Arguably one the most ‘picturesque’ fish throughout Alaska, the vibrant colors (particularly during the back end of our season) of Arctic char and dolly varden are a welcome addition to the species you’re likely to catch during your stay.
Techniques used to target char and dollies are similar to those used for rainbow trout, and can be found in several of the creeks and streams we frequent.
Northern Pike
Our home lakes, Lake Grosvenor and Lake Coville, also contain healthy populations of aggressive Northern Pike. Tossing large surface flies/poppers or top-water plugs is the norm when targeting these big (up to 40-inches or more) toothy predators, and many anglers find it to be an exciting change of pace during their stay.
Peak pike fishing opportunities at Grosvenor typically exist from approximately mid-June through mid-July, and often picks back up during the month of September.
Learn more about where we fish at Grosvenor Lodge, or better yet, start planning your trip today to experience it for yourself!
