Alaska Sportsman’s Lodge, AK

The remote setting along the Bristol Bay drainage is exactly what I hoped for, and the daily float trips put us right on the fish. I’ve never seen such aggressive rainbows and sockeye in water this clear. A week here ruined me for any other lodge.

The guides knew exactly where to put us on the river, and even a beginner like me hooked into a healthy rainbow within an hour. The float plane ride over the lake was a surreal bonus I wasn't expecting.

The chef packed our lunch for a full day on the water, and the smoked salmon dip was incredible. Our guide knew exactly where to find the rainbow trout, even when the wind picked up. I’m already checking flights for next year.