Alaska Island Retreat

One of the wonderful things about Alaska Island Retreat is the fact that there are no bears on the island. This means kids have the freedom to be kids and fishermen can enjoy the rivers without competition. The island is a perfect place to fish for freshwater fish or saltwater Salmon, Halibut, and Rockfish.

The island is home to many species of fish and like other parts of Alaska, the seasons vary. For those who dream of the big salmon, the Chinook pass by the island from mid-May to the beginning of June. These are the Salmon that have not yet entered the freshwater and offer outstanding flavor and fight. From late May through most of June the Sockeye Salmon are present. Sockeye or Red salmon, are wonderful to eat and full of nutrition. These are fish that can be found in the ocean or the local streams. From late June through early July guests can partake of the hand-pulled net fishing if they want. The lodge has a smoker that guests can use. Enjoy the awesome experience of fresh smoked salmon, a good sunset, and terrific friends. By mid-July and into August the Sockeye salmon are still migrating upstream, and the waters around the island are rich with Coho or silver salmon. This is also a good time for halibut fishing or if you prefer, head to the lake and fish for Rainbow Trout.

Throughout the summer and fall are opportunities for hunters. The island offers fairly good bird hunting. From late August through the first week of September, moose season is open. This is not a guided hunt and restrictions of one moose group is in place.

Your hosts here are David and Gdaiva. Gdaiva offers some outstandingly alternative events throughout the summer season. The third week of June is Gdaiva's Nutritional Bootcamp, which is a focused time for women and children and the occasional man. During the second week of July is singles parents and kids fish camp that offers discounted rates so that children can experience the joy of fishing. The third week of July is Military Appreciation week and service personnel and families are invited to enjoy the lodge at discounted rates. In early September Gdaiva's Nutritional Bootcamp returns with a focus on the silver salmon and wild berries that grow in abundance on the island. By mid to late September duck and geese season begins.

Expect to find an amazing setting without the crowds. Life here is slower and gentler and offers fishermen and families an amazing adventures with outstanding fishing in a natural setting. Few place in Alaska can claim to be bear free. Yet, for guests of the island, there is plenty of wildlife to see. Many enjoy walking along the beaches. There are eagles fishing in the rivers, moose in the glens, and from time to time you might get to watch a red or arctic fox prowling the prairies. If you want a quiet fishing experience, this is the place to come.