ACTIVITIES
“ Out here , you only hear the trill of bald eagles and the river rippling around your boots . ”
YOU COULD SPEND A LIFETIME exploring the glacial fields , mountain lakes , and complex network of freshwater rivers in Southeast Alaska .
When most people imagine fishing in Sitka , they picture a day out on the waters of Sitka Sound , catching massive halibut and sleek coho . “ A lot of times , people come to Sitka and just do ocean fishing ,” says Duane Lambeth , who owns and operates Dove Island Lodge with his wife , Tracie . “ But it ’ s a completely different experience to go out into the wilderness – on land – for freshwater fishing .”
Most of the rivers in Southeast Alaska are only accessible by boat or float plane . For Duane , taking guests out on his de Havilland Beaver float plane for a day of fly fishing is one of the best parts of his job .
“ We bought the float plane before we even bought the island – that ’ s how much I wanted to do this ,” Duane adds . “ When you ’ re flying up in a float plane , you ’ re not at 30,000 feet . You ’ re flying low through all the valleys and fjords . It ’ s not uncommon to see three or four waterfalls , an ice field , and wildlife all in 20 minutes . I ’ ve been flying here for 18 years , and there ’ s never been a boring flight .”
The fly out is just the start of your adventure . Surrounded by old-growth spruce forests and rugged , snow-capped peaks , even Sitka ’ s small-town charm feels a world away . Out here , you only hear the trill of bald eagles and the river rippling around your boots .
If you ’ ve never tried fly fishing before , don ’ t be intimidated . “ You don ’ t have to be a big strong person to cast a fly rod ; it ’ s all in your wrist ,” Duane explains . “ After 15 to 20 minutes of fly casting lessons , people start to get it .”
Duane brings both fly fishing and spin casting gear , so guests can choose between either for a day of catch-andrelease fishing . For those who want a shore lunch included in their excursion , Duane will fly out a chef and server for a mouth-watering four-course meal .
While fly-out fishing is one of the lodge ’ s most popular programs , Duane and Tracie offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences for every type of traveler . In addition to freshwater and saltwater fishing packages , Duane and Tracie will help organize helicopter tours to neighboring glaciers and ecotours throughout Southeast Alaska . For an expedition that ’ s much closer to home , they also have skiffs and kayaks available for guests .
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