​There are fishing trips… and then there are the ones you measure everything else against.
At Angler’s Alibi, June isn’t just the start of the season—it’s the moment everything lines up. The fish are aggressive, the river is alive, and for a short window, you get a version of Alaska that few anglers ever truly experience.
If you’ve ever dreamed of throwing dry flies to oversized trout in untouched water, this is your time.

Early season on the Alagnak River is something special.
Water conditions are ideal flows have stabilized after the spring thaw, clarity is excellent, and the river hasn’t yet seen the heavy pressure of peak season. But the real magic lies in what hasn’t arrived yet: the salmon crowds.
Before the influx of salmon changes the ecosystem, trout are focused, aggressive, and looking up. Insect activity builds steadily, and fish respond accordingly, feeding with intent rather than opportunism.

What this means for anglers is simple:

• More predictable fish behavior
• Cleaner presentations
• Less competition—for both you and the trout

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It’s a “calm before the storm” window—and it’s exactly why seasoned anglers target June. 

There’s a line from Clint Eastwood that stuck with me the first time I heard it:
“Don’t let the old man in.”

It’s simple, but it says a lot. It’s a reminder to keep moving, keep exploring, and keep saying yes to adventure while you can. For anglers who dream about remote Alaska, that message couldn’t be more fitting.
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Out here in Bristol Bay, the rivers are wild, the country is vast, and the fishing is as good as it has ever been. But more importantly, it’s the kind of place that rewards those who are willing to hike a little farther, wade a little deeper, and cover a little more water in search of that unforgettable fish.

If your idea of trout fishing doesn’t include staring at a bobber and dredging egg patterns, June at
Angler’s Alibi is your kind of season.

Our June Trout Weeks are all about one thing: wild Alaska trout looking up. With all fly-outs
included for the week, guests get access to remote rivers and creeks at the absolute best time of
year to fish dry flies, mouse patterns, and streamers to aggressive, unpressured fish.

​As you are settling in for your holiday season – I thought you might enjoy a quick read on the crazy good season that was 2025. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed typing it!

​As we closed out yet another spectacular season at Angler's Alibi – I can’t help but smile as I reflect on all the incredible experiences and laughs that defined this year! As most of you know, our lodge is fortunate to be located right in the heart of Alaska’s stunning Bristol Bay wilderness and this affords our guests the combination of a homey and charming lodge, crazy good fishing, and breathtaking views of the Alagnak river and beyond. This season was especially exciting on two fronts - the introduction of our six brand new log cabins (with full bathrooms) and the “all inclusive” fly-out fishing weeks that exceeded even our lofty expectations (translation: the fishing and wildlife viewing were spectacular!). 

​The 2025 season is officially underway on the Alagnak River, and if the first two weeks are any indication, we’re in for a wild ride. From strong king action to early waves of sockeye—and even a few surprise visitors in the form of chrome-bright chums—it’s been a start to remember here at Angler’s Alibi.

If there was ever a time to chase dry flies in Alaska, 2025 is proving to be it. The season kicked off with two weeks of unreal dry fly action — the kind most anglers only dream of. Every single day delivered rising fish, eager trout, and wide-eyed guests experiencing the very best of Alaska’s early summer magic.
Before the salmon arrive and fill the rivers with competition, Alaska reveals a short, extraordinary window where trout are dialed in on bugs and looking up. This is our lodge’s favorite time of year. Fly-out streams are uncrowded, hatches are thick, and the trout are hungry.

There is obviously no such thing as a “sure thing” in destination fishing options on a global point of view- but we truly believe we are getting close!  The key is to have options and options abound at Angler’s Alibi Lodge!

No one wants to get burned by bad weather or a “blown out” river on a trip of a lifetime. I know firsthand! Last year I spent a full week in remote British Columbia and only had ONE half day of fishable water and not only was it remote – it was also very expensive! Oof!  Wind can have the same effect on saltwater destination trips with pristine flats that suddenly look like a muddy ocean!
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However, we feel that our secluded location in Bristol Bay on the Alagnak River gives us what we think is as close to a “sure thing” as you will find in the entire state of Alaska!  Let me explain.

​As fall gives way to winter – are you starting to dream of battling a fresh sockeye salmon or a big king salmon in 2025? Or is your mind focused more on slaying trout and grayling on dry flies and mouse patterns on light fly rods? Who knows. But what I do know is that some clients simply do not have the time to spend a full week doing it.

​Normally we recap the previous season and then talk about what’s new for coming season.  However, I am so excited about the dramatic changes coming in 2025 that I am leading off with all the 2025 announcements! Pour a yourself your favorite beverage and read on…

Background
Every year for the last 30 years or so we have taken the feedback from our guests and made minor modifications/upgrades to the camp. I think you would agree it has served us well. However, after a lot of soul searching and feedback from my guests and our own staff – we have decided to put our mark on Bristol Bay and create a unique atmosphere and an experience that simply cannot be rivaled by any other lodge. How?

​The 2023 season got rolling a touch late for our traditional 4th late week of June opening, but as usual – the mighty Alagnak River just kept building!  The fishing got fast and furious by July 4th for sockeye salmon as record numbers of fish slammed into the river daily on high tides providing nonstop action for our guests.  Along with this near record numbers of sockeye salmon came a strong run of king salmon that was welcomed eagerly by our anglers.  Some of the largest kings came “on the swing” with spey rod anglers wading shallow sandbars in the lower river.  It is hard to beat the fight of a 25 pound+ king salmon on a fly rod covered with sea lice fresh from the salt!