English
Deutsch
Chinese
French
August 2025 at ATA Lodge was full of great guests, and great fishing!
In this fishing report we will be "telling the story" of what happened here at ATA Lodge mostly pictorially with a few words scattered through out this blog post. So keep on scrolling through these images of what August 2025 looked like at ATA Lodge and you will also be able to read the whole narrative. The pictures will not be organized as in past fishing reports as per species, or subject matter. We have decided to just upload most of them as things happened through out the month. We hope you enjoy vicariously the visual journey through the whole month of August here on the Alagnak Wild River!!
While the month of July is filled with huge numbers of Sockeye Salmon and Bears, August is when we get the greatest variety of species of fish in the river.
As with the end of July, you will still see a few Sockeye Salmon coming through and Chums, Kings and Jacks are the most numerous nearest the lodge (it's a shame they show up in better numbers once the King Salmon Season closes across Alaska on July 31st), together with Rainbow Trout, Grayling, Lake Trout and Dolly Varden in early August.
But by the first week of August we are in the peak of the Chum Salmon run and the Silver (Coho) Salmon start to trickle in.
Even on odd numbered years, we still get a few Pink Salmon as well at this time of the season. Together with a whole lot of Big Chum Salmon, we are regularly catching the resident fish that live in the river all season long, like our beautifully spotted Leopard Rainbow Trout and Arctic Grayling!!!
In fact, the trout fishing has been excellent all season long from June through August.
In August, the various salmon species that started to enter the river back in July, are now starting to spawn.
The female salmon drop their eggs in the river to be fertilized by the male salmon of the species. This turns on what we call the "Bead Bite". Resident fish start to gorge on the salmon eggs as their main source of food for the whole year.
With so many salmon spawning in the river, the millions and millions of eggs that are being dropped during the spawning activity means that we can have days where we catch dozens of fish per boat while fishing beads that imitate the size and color of the eggs the salmon are dropping.
During the fishing day, many guests enjoy a "Shore Lunch" cooked by their guide on the banks of the river where they get to enjoy eating some of the salmon that they have only just caught themselves that same day!
It's always great to have groups of guests who all know each other, either as members of the same family, or fishing buddies that have fished together for years in their local waters, or fishing clubs. The camaraderie shared during a week here is infectious whether you come together with a group you already know, or just become part of the ATA Lodge extended family while here!
One of the things we really love about August, is that the days are getting a bit shorter, and both sunrises and sunsets can be spectacular! They happen late enough in the morning (for the early riser) and early enough in the evening; that you actually get to witness the purity of the colors reflected off the clouds as the sky "lights up" with vivid displays of color you never dreamed could be this stunning!
With the first week of August in full swing, Silvers are starting to enter the river in tide water. Days fishing downriver at this time of the season are regularly rewarded with the very first "dime bright" Coho Salmon that are so much fun to catch. We are still catching fresh Chum Salmon too that are still coming in from the ocean.
Silver salmon are a favorite to catch as they can give some incredible acrobatic displays, with long hard runs and aerial leaps that are so exciting to watch!
But you don't have to go all the way down to tide water to target the silvers. In fact, the first silvers of the season are often caught up by us in our home waters, closest to the lodge. These salmon don't come in to our river in the same numbers as the Sockeye in July, or even the Chum salmon from mid July through August.
The Silvers start to come in with a trickle in late July/early August, and build in number, spreading throughout the whole system. And as we get deeper into the month of August, they will begin to filter through all the way up to our lodge and even further upstream of us, to the waters where they will also eventually start to spawn themselves in September.
The nice thing about that, is that we can target Silvers in certain locations all throughout the upper, and mid river. And then, in the same day, we also spend time targeting the Rainbow Trout, Char and Grayling, or other salmon species.
In fact during the early to middle part of August, it is not unusual for guests to catch 5, 6, 7, 8 or even 9 different species of fish during their week with us...and occasionally that happens in just a single day!
Fishing tide water for fresh, sea-liced salmon can be epic if you "roll the dice" and hit the area coinciding with a good push of salmon that have just come in from the ocean on that tide!
You will be rewarded with Chum Salmon as well as Silver Salmon in tide water. The fresh Chums can be so bright, that you can be fooled into thinking that you have a Silver Salmon on the hook. It is not until they are in the net that you may see that it's a Chum from the "color bars" that are only faintly starting to reveal themselves.
Chum salmon fight so hard, and we have days in tide water, where someone's rod is bent most of the day. It is not unusual to see 2, 3 or even 4 rods are all bent at the same time!
If Coho are the acrobats, then Chum salmon are the "Bull Dogs" of the river. Although they will occasionally leap out of the water, what they are know for is their hard hitting "eats" on a swung fly, and brutish, long, hard runs deep into the backing of your fly reel!
It is not unusual to get one close to the net, only for it to turn and run off again downstream (or upstream for that matter), back deep into your backing again, and again and again, until they finally succumb to the net!!
Some of what guests enjoy the most about being at ATA Lodge, is not just the fantastic fishing we have, or the variety of species, but rather, the opportunity to view and photograph wildlife in their natural environment while fishing, without any encroachment of any kind by the pressures of civilization.
That is not to say, we are not "civilized" here at ATA Lodge. In fact, we feel as if we have struck the perfect balance between comfort and "blending into the scenery". You will stay in a heated cabin, with flushing toilets and hot showers. And our kitchen and hospitality teams, ensure you will not go hungry - with ample and delicious meals that cater to every dietary restriction of each guests.
Our chef will amaze your tastebuds, and make you wonder, "How can I be eating in such style, so deep within the Alaskan hinterland!"
You'll be fighting those fish with a full belly; and after a long day on the river, you will be welcomed back with a smile and an amazing three course dinner and complimentary glass of wine; all of which will be proceeded by various different tasty appetizers each day!
August is when we start to catch more Dolly Varden as well. Although our char fishing hasn't been as prolific as it was pre-2020, we still get a few nice Dollies most weeks. As we progress into August and September, we will see more being caught when fishing beads that imitate the salmon eggs that are being dropped during the spawning process.
We also have some interesting fly out excursions that can be organized for Arctic Char and Dolly Varden when the fishing starts to "heat up" on small spawning streams throughout the region in August.
But for many of our guests, the "egg drop" and "bead bite" means looking for hungry Rainbow Trout in August. We have fantastic days drifting beads or fishing egg patterns during this part of the season. It usually starts right around the middle of the first week of August and can fish well on through into September.
When you fish over spawning salmon, the trout, grayling and char fishing can be prolific! Our guides are on the water everyday and talk to each other so that they all know what's happening and where its happening on the river. The resident fish are "keyed in" on the salmon eggs and move around a lot looking for those salmon that have started spawning.
As already mentioned above, during this time, you can catch dozens of fish per boat fishing in this fashion. It's a real mixed bag of different sized fish as well as different species. You will catch a lot of "dinks" this time of the year (about the only part of the season we catch some smaller trout). But you will also get some good fish, and some GREAT fish as well.
And it is not just the trout that eat the beads. Grayling and Char do too, as well as Jack Kings, and even Silver Salmon will also grab a drifted bead. This is the time of the year that we regularly have guests come back to the lodge at the end of the day all excited about "ticking off" species from their "Alaska Bucket List" of species to catch!
The "Egg Drop" also means that many of our headwater tributaries and streams, where the Sockeye are spawning in, start to "heat up". Each creek has its own timing, for "when it's hot or when it's not" as a fly out destination to go fish.
We keep our finger on the pulse of what's happening throughout the region. As a result, each week a few of our guests choose to exercise the option to fly out in a float plane to a different creek and target gluttonous trout raiding the spawning beds of the Sockeye Salmon.
Famous creeks, streams, lakes and rivers all over the Katmai Region are the destination of these fly out adventures. We had some epic days fishing for Trout behind spawning salmon in small, clear water creeks this season.
Guests were excited to catch big trout that were fattening up on salmon eggs, while watching bears chasing the schools of salmon around trying to add as many calories as they can "while the getting's good".
This is prime time to feast on the bounty of salmon that Bristol Bay watersheds represent before the encroaching winds of winter signal that hibernation is fast approaching.
The nice thing about viewing bears on our river is that there are no other people, except our own guests around. There are no crowds and we have the whole "bear show" to ourselves here.
You will encounter numerous bears most days just by being here. Often we see them while out fishing, but you will also see them looking for their next meal, while we are sitting down and eating ours at the dinner table in the lodge.
The great fishing and bear viewing right on our river means that most guests don't feel the need to incur the extra cost of paying for a fly out excursion.
They are satisfied with the fishing and wildlife viewing available right here near the lodge on the Alagnak Wild and Scenic River where ATA Lodge calls home.
Although we have gotten great runs and had fantastic fishing from opening day in June through to the end of the month of August; we have seen that as we move into this last part of the season that the Silver Salmon run has been a bit slower than it typically is.
Also, with the early arrival of the Sockeye, and then the King and Chum salmon, they have mostly all spawned and died already whereas we would typically still have spawning Chums in the system well into early/mid September.
The Silvers that are here will be starting to spawn soon. Anglers will now start to hunt down the big trout that should be around waiting for the Silvers to start to drop their eggs. Dry fly fishing for Grayling continues to be a highlight and loads of fun for many as well.
At this point, I'd like to share with you some of the over 70 current 5 Star Reviews on TripAdvisor and Google that were written by guests from this season.
These satifiesd guests enjoyed their stay so much that they have taken the time to tell others what their stay at ATA Lodge was like!
It is reviews like these that have seen us ranked as Travelers Choice on TripAdvisor as the #1 Destination in Bristol Bay for 7 years in a row! We are proud of this accomplishment as it has only been 10 years that we have been the owners of ATA Lodge!
Wayne and Sue and their family, staff, and guides are friendly, attentive, responsive, and so much fun to be with! Everyone works hard to be sure guests have the very best stay possible. Time flew by, and by the end of the week, I knew I'd be back. Do yourself a favor ... book your stay early because it fills up quickly!
Incredible!!
🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢
Simple words just cannot fully describe the incredible experience 13 of us had while staying at ATA Lodge during a week that spanned the end of July and beginning of August.
Wayne, his wife Sue, his son Jacob, the guides (who are the best in the industry), and the lodge staff who do the cooking and the cleaning of the rooms are all so amazing that you may arrive as strangers but you leave as family.
And the fishing - ohhh the fishing was the best experience I have ever had in over 60 years of holding a fly rod in my hands. Such a variety of salmon, leopard rainbow trout, grayling - each day brought about a different memory of landing fish. I have always known that life is so short, and I am so very glad that I was able to share this incredible place with 12 others.
If you're reading this and considering ATA lodge for your next adventure - do it. There is no need to look elsewhere. It truly is a magical place in an incredible setting that supports the one of the best ecosystems on the planet. Again - life is short - you have to experience ATA lodge. Thanks to Wayne and his staff just is not enough for what I and the others have experienced this past week.
Tom H
But what i actually RECEIVED was.....
1) Over the top fellowship and enthusiasm from the owners, (Wayne & Sue) who under their direction had themselves and the entire staff call me by my first name after just a few hours! Wayne's ebullient enthusiasm for fishing and wildlife viewing is infectious and genuine! He was excited to see our photographs and asked for copies of certain ones. His appearance is deceiving......rough and tough in a photo on the web until you meet him and realize what a gentle giant he is among men. And so devoted to his family (which includes his staff!) What a pleasure!
2) Sue!... this point is important for all women going to a place off the grid as much as you can get in the USA....Sue was so accommodating, so friendly, so concerned that everyone had a great time.....she went out of her way to lend us items we needed, rounded up a hair dryer for 4 ladies to use, attended promptly to concerns with our cabin; she is invaluable to this operation and such a sweetheart!
3) The FOOD was AMAZING!!!! The chef deserves recognition for featuring fresh greens, fruit and vegetables the entire week! You know it has to be flown in (the only way to get there) and there was no skimping on hearty, fresh meals! Oh and did I mention prime rib, eggs benedict, fresh grilled salmon, and to die for desserts?!? Also, guests were able to make their own lunch, with salmon salad, sliced meats, PB&J, snacks, drinks, whatever you wanted and as much as you needed!
4) Pilot Son....Jacob.....yes, their own pilot brings you to their own airstrip and in between ferrying guests he delivers the fresh food and supplies needed to run this wonderful place. Kudos Jacob! But next time can I sit with you in the front seat please?!?
5) Guides.....too many to name individually, however I will be eternally grateful to Matt (Shep) for teaching me to fish but mostly for his excellent eye spotting a nursing sow with 3 spring cubs, a sight not easily or often seen! Just wow, all the guides were so helpful and knowledgeable! Matt cooked salmon for us at a "shore lunch" one day and it was so tasty!
6) The staff of servers, housekeepers, maintenance people, all too numerous to mention individually deserve special recognition as well. If you have a food allergy....they prepare you a special plate! Housekeeping was performed daily....that was so unexpected in a rustic setting! Boats were maintained well, despite the sometimes muddy conditions after rain. No stone left unturned! Special events were held (I won't give the surprises away), special trips could be arranged (we went to Brooks Falls), nothing is too much trouble for this delightfully wonderful, piece of paradise and I hope you can visit some day soon!
Thanks to everyone who made this stay so special and a forever memory for the rest of my life!
Trip of A Lifetime!!
🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢
I thought my trip to ATA would be a once in a lifetime experience. It was, but, I will be returning! The hospitality and attention to detail was outstanding. Comfortable accommodations, restaurant quality food and dining and friendly, caring staff provided for a relaxing stay.
The fishing was outstanding with dedicated guides who love fishing and want to share that passion. So many fish each day! The Morraine Creek flyout into the Katmai Wilderness Area was a highlight of the trip. The scenery, bears and sockeye spawning grounds was spectacular. Highly recommended and if provided, take advantage of it.
Thank you Wayne and Sue McGee and Jacob and Ashley McGee for your hospitality and friendship. You guys go above and beyond in everything you do at ATA.
David Z
Fantastic Experience at ATA Lodge!
🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢
Our stay at ATA Lodge was simply amazing and way beyond our expectations. From the moment we arrived, Wayne, Sue and their family and staff went out of their way to ensure we were made feel welcome and enjoyed our stay.
Our cabin was clean, cosy and comfortable and had an amazing view over the river. The food was outstanding and it was great to share stories with fellow guest over dinner each evening. The fishing was brilliant and our guide Andrew went out of his way to make sure we had the best experience possible each day.
The river is full of different varieties of salmon, trout, grayling and I even managed to catch a char. Unforgettable experience. Thank you Wayne and Jacob.
Pat O
Trip of A Lifetime That You Won't Want To End!
🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢
I had an excellent time at the ATA lodge! The staff were great, the food was great, the accommodations were great, the bear viewing was great, and the fishing was incredible! Wayne, Sue, and Jacob run a very smooth organization that was inspiring to watch.
All of the staff were friendly, hardworking, and would go out of their way to make sure all the guests had what they needed and wanted. The fishing guide staff were incredibly knowledgeable, we had Tyler and we ALWAYS found fish. We caught every species, short of one, in the river.
This was one of those stays where I didn't want to leave and very much wanted to ask Wayne for a job so that I could stay longer and join their stellar team. Thanks again for everything ATA!
Jay Dee
Bucket List Item Checked!
🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢
The entire staff at ATA Lodge is fully committed to make your adventure the best it can possibly be. The fishing guides are knowledgeable and safety oriented. I went with no expectations and was blown away by the entire experience.
Every small detail has been addressed so your needs have been anticipated far in advance. Wayne, the owner is involved in the operation and Sue, his wife is as well. I can think of no way the experience could have been improved upon.
If you are skeptical of all of the raving reviews, don't be, ATA Lodge is the real deal !
Rick
Breathtaking Remote Fly Fishing Experience!
🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢
The experience my son Owen and I enjoyed at the ATA Lodge was beyond any expectations we both had going in. Owner Wayne McGee, and his family have surrounded themselves with a supporting staff of the most kindhearted and helpful people with a total commitment to the quality of a remote Alaskan experience.
The accommodations, the food, the fishing guides, and the organization of every event throughout our stay was spot on in every way. Whether you are looking for a remote nature experience, or are coming to fish, I highly recommend the ATA Lodge.
We came to fish, and believe me, the fishing is lights out fantastic! The breathtaking beauty of this remote Alaskan experience is truly life changing. We have already committed to return in 2027.
John S
You Won't Be Disappointed!
🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢
Second time back and it was as good as ever. Fishing was different - both techniques and variety of fish - but caught plenty. As always the guides and staff were amazing as was the food. If you love fishing and nature this place is a must.
Jim B
Exceptional Fishing Lodge in a Wilderness Setting!
🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢
My fifteen-year-old grandson and I spent a fabulous week at ATA Lodge fishing for trout, salmon and pike. Wayne McGee and his entire team made our first big river fishing trip an extra special experience. Their hospitality, expertise, and attention to detail was top shelf in every way.
The food was exceptional, the fishing was challenging and exciting, the service was friendly and cheerful, and the accommodations were quite comfortable. And they manage to pull all this off in a spectacular but remote wilderness setting.
Five Stars, and well-deserved.
Curt L
One Of The Best Trips I Have Ever Been On!
🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢
The ATA lodge is amazing and everything during our stay was fabulous. The staff was very friendly and made us feel at home and very comfortable. The view from the lodge is magnificent and we watched bears across the river several days during breakfast.
The meals were excellent with a nice variety dishes. Our daily trips on the river were great. The guides knew every bend in the river and where the fishing was best.
Overall it was a wonderful week in the Alaskan wilderness.
Walt B
Totally Unbelievable Trip! So Grateful We Got to Go!
🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢
We had a fabulous time at ATA. The whole family run business was first class. Our guide was so knowledgeable and helpful. Wayne and Sue made everyone feel welcome. The accommodations were fabulous.
The best part was the fishing. Well, maybe the best part was the food. It was all wonderful
Renee D
The Perfect Lodge!
🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢
We were made to feel so welcome. Everyone there is so nice. The lodge is situated in such a beautiful location, with views from the main building up and down the river from where we were often able to watch the bears from a distance.
The food was exceptional, and each morning we were able to make our own packed lunch for the day out from a large choice of fillings. We had so much fun fishing and the wading is not difficult. It’s usually gravel or sand, and rarely boulders. Lars our guide helped make the day, moving spots to try new ones, helping us out when we needed it, showing us the wildlife, slowing down when I couldn’t walk so fast!
We had a great time everyday. We saw a lot of bears, eagles and ospreys. If you get the chance it’s well worth taking the side trip to Morraine, where there are many creeks you can work your way along fishing for salmon and trout. You will also pass close by so many bears - they are everywhere, but they don’t bother you. They are more interested in the fish. Such beautiful animals to see.
All in all an amazing lodge, great people and an awesome location.
David B
Once In A Lifetime Experience!
🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢
As they say, "Alaska is truly the Last Frontier!" Words, pictures nor videos do any justice on the beauty of this place.
The same can be said about ATA Lodge and their staff.
From the moment you arrive you are made to feel as if you had never left home, with all the comforts and amenities one can ask for. The fishing is just the icing on the cake! And speaking of the fishing, there is no other place like the Alagnak River. At any given time of the day, without a moments notice, one can be entangled with a fish of a lifetime. Whether it is the targeted species or not.
This trip was the trip of a lifetime for me and the fact that I was able to share all of it with my father, made it that more special. If you are looking for a place to visit, fish, bear watch and just be one with nature. Look no further, as ATA Lodge is your place.
Going into it, I said this would probably be the only time in my life that I would visit. Well I can honestly say that two days into my stay I approached Wayne and booked my next visit back. I cannot wait till that time comes around and I am already counting down the days.
John J
A Great Week in Alaska at ATA Lodge!
🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢
What a wonderful time myself and other members of Fly Fishers of Virginia had at this beautiful lodge. This was my 4th trip to Alaska for fishing and when I go back this will be the only lodge I'll go to. Why you may ask and I'll tell you. Most of the remote lodges in Alaska you are sharing a bathroom with several other people, and the same with showers. Myself and a friend shared a cabin that was everything you wanted. Very comfortable beds, a dresser, table and our own bathroom with plenty of hot water for a shower. I was shocked when I came back from fishing all day only to find my bed made and fresh towels.
This is a family owned business and the family is there the whole time you are. I can gladly say the McGee family are wonderful people. They made you feel right at home and if you needed anything they got it for you.
The staff and the guides are all top notch. When fishing you do from time to time allow one to get off the hook. My guide had a tear in his eye when I lost a big one. All guides are very knowledgeable and spend their day off (Sunday) looking for the best spots for the upcoming week.
The Chef prepares wonderful meals and they are served by a great staff. I say great because they learn your names quickly and seve everyone virtually at the same time.
While you are there they can arrange fly out trips for fishing or bear-watching at Brooks Falls or other destinations.
Safety is first with all of the staff, guides, and the lodge. All boats are due back by 5PM unless other arrangements have been made. If you are not back in time they have their own airplane and pilot that will go out looking for your boat.
Lastly, things can happen in remote Alaska, injuries can occur. With their own plane they can get you back to civilization for a doctor or a hospital the same day.
In closing if your are going for a fishing adventure of a lifetime look no farther than Alaska Trophy Adventures.
Peter S
Once Visited, Never Forgotten!
🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢
Wayne and his team went out of their way to make our stay Comfortable, Exciting, and Relaxing.
Without a doubt, my time at ATA Lodge was the most fantastic experience in my life so far!!
Alan C
Great Trip!
🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢
My wife and a friend had a wonderful time at Alaska Trophy Adventures in August 2025. The trip was exceptional in every aspect. The accommodations were great - we were lucky enough to get the "Chalet" and were very comfortable; fresh coffee every morning, warm and comfortable beds, and hot showers. The food was a bit too good; working to shed off some extra pounds gained during the visit.
And the fishing was exceptional!
We caught fish every day; we arrived after the sockeye run although we caught a few beautiful red sockeye right next to some enormous brown bears (this was a fly out trip). We saw bears every day. We caught dozens of chum, and several silver salmon. The grayling were a great time off of dry flies.
But the bonus for us were the enormous rainbow trout caught on both mouse patterns and egg patterns. Those fish can fight!
Overall this is a great family-run adventure, with exceptional guides and staff.
Mike T
Quintessential Alaska At It's Best!
🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢
Each week has its own personality depending on the guests that are here. But we seem to attract the most amazing guests and every week is fun filled and many friends, both old and new! It is our desire to make all our guests feel like they have "come home" to their new "home away from home".
Many return guests feel like part of our family now as they come back year after year. And each year the ATA Lodge family is growing with new return guests that often rebook before even leaving the lodge that week.
Next season is already over 80% subscribed in 2026, with many weeks either fully booked, or only having a few beds left. A huge contributing factor to this situation is the quality of staff we have here at ATA Lodge.
From the guides, to the Kitchen, Hospitality and Camp Staff, to a person, they are the friendliest and most talented group of employees that you could ever hope to hire as an employer, or serve you as a valued guest!
Here's a last photo of most of the 2025 crew that worked here this year!
We hope to welcome you for the very first time to ATA Lodge if you haven't been here yet. And if you have been here, then you already know, that we will be waiting to welcome you back again "With the Kettle On"!
Be sure to reach out soon if you hope to come to ATA Lodge during the 2026 season as spaces are very limited and going fast.
You can email Wayne at atalodge.wayne@gmail.com, or call us on +1 877 801 2289.
We Hope to Hear From You Soon!