Icy Bay Lodge
Travel Guide
What you need to know for your trip:
Thank you for choosing Icy Bay Lodge for your Alaskan adventure! Whether you’re visiting for an offshore fishing trip in pursuit of giant halibut, a silver salmon slam in the fall, or an unguided moose hunt on our pristine and vast private piece of paradise, we strive to exceed your expectations and leave you with sore arms, fond memories, and an experience you can’t wait to relive with us season after season.
GETTING TO ICY BAY LODGE
At Icy Bay Lodge, we like to think of ourselves as being “half as far, but twice as remote.” Getting there is easy, but you’ll feel like you’re a million miles from nowhere.
Depending on your home location, there are a number of options for starting your trip to IBL, but you should think of your trip as starting in Seattle, WA. Most of our guests choose to overnight in Seattle to rest up for their vacation. From Seattle, you must book a ticket on ALASKA AIRLINES FLIGHT 61 with service to Yakutat. This flight leaves Seattle everyday at 7:50 AM, stops briefly in Juneau, and lands in Yakutat around 11:00 AM. Every guest must book a ticket on flight 61 either the Saturday or Sunday (depending on schedule provided at time of booking), their week begins and a flight out on ALASKA AIRLINES FLIGHT 66 the following Saturday. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate early or late arrivals due to our high volume of guests and short turnaround time, so please book your flights early for the best pricing and availability.
An option many of our guests choose to take advantage of is applying for an Alaska Airlines Signature Visa card which comes with a yearly companion fair after you spend $1,000 within 90 days of opening the account.
More information can be found at https://www.alaskaair.com/content/credit-card/visa-signature
Upon landing in Yakutat, you will be met at the airport by a friendly representative from Yakutat Coastal Airlines (http://www.flyyca.com) and transported across the parking lot to their facility where you will be briefed on the schedule. Our staff will make all of the arrangements with YCA and will make sure they have everyone's names and schedule. Assuming weather is good, and scheduling is on time, you will board a smaller plane promptly for the short flight to Icy Bay. We are at the discretion of YCA's schedule so please understand that if you have to wait for the flight to Icy Bay Lodge, it is for good reason. Have a drink at Yakutat Lodge which is right next to YCA's hangar if there is a delay. You are on vacation so enjoy every step along the way!
The 30-minute flight leaves Yakutat and heads west over Yakutat Bay, where humpback and grey whales can sometimes be seen from the air. The rest of the flight takes you over the breathtaking Malaspina Glacier, a 65 mile long field of ice that resembles a moonscape and sits in the shadow of 18,008’ Mt. St. Elias, the second tallest peak in the United States. Keep your eyes peeled for brown bear and moose sightings along the way!
Shortly after takeoff you’ll land on a well-maintained gravel airstrip in the forest, unload, and meet some of your Icy Bay Lodge staff who will transport you approximately 4.5 miles from the runway to the lodge.
WHAT TO EXPECT UPON ARRIVAL AT IBL
JUNE - AUGUST OFFSHORE TRIPS
Arrival days are transition days at Icy Bay Lodge, so when you arrive at the lodge, our Captain and First Mate will likely be cleaning/prepping the boat and fishing gear and performing routine maintenance to ensure the best offshore experience during your stay. After room assignments and a staff introduction, complete with lunch and drinks, we encourage you to relax and enjoy the view, toss some horseshoes, or take a stroll down the beach (bear spray is provided in each of our guest cabins for your safety). Our friendly staff will be happy to answer any questions and help you get comfortable for the week. If you have not purchased your Alaska fishing license, you may do so at the lodge, but we strongly encourage purchasing a license in advance in case of internet outage. Depending on weather forecasts and ocean conditions for the week, the Captain may decide to get you on the boat right away to fish a specific spot or head up the bay to collect glacier ice for the fish tote and your drinks.
THE REST OF THE WEEK (OFFSHORE)
We like to remind our guests that this is YOUR trip, not ours, so we will do everything in our power to accommodate your wishes while you are here. If there is something you’d like to see or do at the lodge, PLEASE let our staff know. In addition to the fishing, there is prime wildlife viewing, glacier viewing, berry-picking, beach-combing, hiking, and kayaking opportunities to take advantage of during your stay.
GENERAL SCHEDULE
- Breakfast around 7:00
- On the boat around 8:00-8:30 (no other charter boats, no rush to beat the fleet!)
- Fish hard!
- Back to camp around 5:00 (times vary depending on conditions and group wishes)
- You relax while we process your fish! Drinks and snacks are provided.
- Dinner around 7:00
Please keep in mind that depending on weather, the bite, fishing regulations, etc., the schedule is not set in stone and will vary. We will do our best to accommodate the desires of the group as a majority. We highly recommend at least a half day of scenic glacier viewing depending on the ice conditions!
FALL SILVER SALMON TRIPS
An advantage to booking a salmon fishing trip at Icy Bay Lodge is the opportunity to start fishing as soon as you get to the lodge. Once we take you through the formalities of room assignment, introduction, etc., you are welcome to relax with a drink and enjoy the scenery or rig up and start casting right in front of the lodge. Our knowledgeable and experienced guide staff will assist you with fly/lure selection and advise you on the best spots to get on the fish right away. The water in front of the lodge is saltwater, and when conditions are right the fishing is phenomenal. Cast to jumping salmon or stalk a school of tailing fish in the shallows. There is nothing like the fight of a bright chrome Coho in the salt!
GENERAL SCHEDULE
- Breakfast around 7:00
- Gear up for a the day
- Depending on conditions, we may choose to take the boat for a trip across the bay or in the airplane for a short fly out to some of our other salmon fishing opportunities. The weather and fishing conditions determine each day’s destination.
- Although offshore conditions tend to be less than optimal in the fall, halibut fishing and glacier viewing opportunities may be an option depending on weather.
- Fish hard!
- Return to lodge around 5:00
- We process your fish while you relax! Drinks and snacks will be provided.
- Dinner around 7:00
Please keep in mind that depending on weather, the bite, fishing regulations, etc., the schedule is not set in stone and will vary. We will do our best to accommodate the desires of the group as a majority.
WHAT TO BRING
At Icy Bay Lodge, we pride ourselves on providing the ultimate all-inclusive experience to simplify your planning and provide the you with the best experience. Although you are welcome to bring your own fishing gear, flies, lures, etc., we have top quality gear for you to use free of charge, including waders and wading boots. We do have a few suggestions for items that we don’t provide that will enhance the comfort of your stay, and we encourage you to contact us with any questions before your trip.
- High quality rain gear (tops and bottoms) is essential. Rain is a constant threat during all seasons in southeast Alaska and staying dry is important to keep you warm and comfortable during your stay.
- Simple needle nose pliers are good to have on hand during the salmon season.
- Rubber boots are recommended for all offshore fishing trips; nothing fancy required, just something to keep your feet dry on the boat.
- Bring items for layering – the weather is unpredictable, and we want you to be comfortable
- Start with light, medium or expedition weight thermal underwear or long johns. Keep your metabolism and personal comfort in mind.
- Wool, Poly Pro, or Fleece sweater, shirt or pullover. If needed an additional vest, wind stopper jacket or fleece pullover.
- Your final layer should be your wading jacket and will serve as your rain gear.
High quality Gortex products are highly recommended. Non-breathable
products are not our first choice.
- By utilizing this layer system, you should be prepared for any condition at Icy Bay. We suggest 3 full sets of layered clothing. We do have limited laundry service available if needed.
- Socks - Anglers should bring at least enough socks to rotate on a daily basis. Wool, Polypro, or a synthetic combination are good choices. If you plan to bring your own waders, try on your waders with the boots and socks you plan on bringing and make sure you are going to be comfortable.
- Camp Shoes - Comfortable shoes to wear after you get out of your waders (slip-ons). Crocs are a lodge favorite.
- Fishing Hats - A ball cap or oil treated cotton hat is good for sunny weather and a beanie or stocking cap for colder weather.
- Gloves - For boat rides or the trip to the Yahtse from camp.
- Polarized Glasses - Amber or brown.
- Day Pack - Preferably a dry bag to put valuable like cameras, reels, extra jacket or sweater, etc…
- Fishing Vests - Carries tippet material, fly box, and other misc. gear
Very Important to Note: All packing needs to be 1 soft duffel bag under 50lbs + 1 small carry-on rod. This is due to the weight limit of the air taxi to the lodge.
- Even though we provide some toiletries, it is recommended you bring your personal toiletries.
- Camera
- Motion sickness medication
Very Important to Note: All packing needs to be 1 soft duffel bag under 50lbs + 1 small carry-on rod. This is due to the weight limit of the air taxi to the lodge.
Fishing licenses may be purchases in advance online at http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=sportlicense.main
Please keep in mind that due to our unique location, the weather is highly variable. Temperatures throughout the season can vary from the high 30s to mid 70s, so come prepared with layers to keep you warm. Remember the saying “cotton kills.” We recommend wool or synthetic insulation over cotton and down.
We also have Icy Bay Lodge apparel available for purchase at the lodge! Don’t forget to treat yourself and your loved ones with new IBL gear!
IBL FIREARMS POLICY
Unless you are a hunter, personal firearms are not allowed at Icy Bay Lodge. Our staff are always armed, always near and a well trained to observe and assure your safety.
MOOSE AND WATERFOWL HUNTERS:
Please see separate information packet regarding daily schedule and policies regarding hunting.
GRATUITIES
Our staff takes pride in providing the best guest experience possible and accommodating all of your needs in the remote Alaskan wilderness. If there is anything we can do to improve your stay, we encourage you to reach out to us, and we will do our best to make it happen. If you have any special needs (dietary, health, etc.), please contact lori@icybaylodge.com.
Although gratuities are up to the guest and based on the quality of experience and your personal preference, the typical or standard gratuity is anywhere from 750.00 to 1200.00 per guest. Gratuities may be left in cash in the envelopes provided in your rooms, paid by check or Venmo. Gratuities will be split equally among the staff.
Although we strive to fulfill every guest’s needs, we understand that sometimes things happen that are beyond our control, and we welcome all suggestions, comments, etc. on how we can better provide the ultimate remote Alaskan adventure.
Celebrating a birthday, anniversary, etc.? We want to celebrate with you!
Please contact Ruth Robertson – ruth@icybaylodge.com - before your trip. We want to make this experience unforgettable!
Thank you for choosing Icy Bay Lodge, and we look forward to seeing you in the bush!!
Important contact information:
Todd Robertson (303)520-6344 or todd@icybaylodge.com
Ruth Robertson (Guest Relations/Hospitality) ruth@icybaylodge
While in season, it is best to reach Ruth through email as there is no cell service in our neck of the woods.