The Crystal Creek Lodge Blog is a place of possibilities, where you can learn deeper insights into how to explore the tens of millions of acres of wild Alaska surrounding us. Whether you’re after fishing, wildlife, the perspective of history or simply feeling the awe of being in wide-open spaces, it’s all here. Enjoy the journey.
Becharof National Wildlife Refuge embraces the largest lake in the National Wildlife Refuge System. Becharof Lake nurtures one of Bristol Bay’s largest sockeye salmon runs, part of the foundation for the regional economy. The Refuge, protecting 1,157,000 acres, also includes an active volcano, unusual geological features, historically significant landmarks, and a federally designated Wilderness. 1….
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Best practices to catch, handle, and release fish. High fives for Fish Need Water! Check out some amazing shots of catch-and-release underwater footage of rainbow trout, char, and dollies. Thirty years ago, when Crystal Creek Lodge was founded, it was one of the first Alaskan fishing lodges to fully embrace catch and release, with zero…
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By Max Dorsi On top of some of the best coho salmon fishing you can find anywhere, the backdrop at Yantarni Salmon Camp is simply jaw-dropping. Don’t believe us? Check out this Panorama Gallery from our camp manager Max Dorsi. The Yantarni Salmon Camp is a private, wilderness tent camp. Crystal Creek Lodge guests fish…
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Come along and experience Alaska and the amazing changes that it goes through as the summer season progresses. It’s all about the return of the spawning salmon from the ocean to the rivers and lakes. This major event is to be witnessed and experienced in person, and it is for any wildlife or fishing enthusiast….
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Alongside Orvis and Costa Sunglasses, Crystal Creek Lodge has joined the Kick Plastic campaign, eliminating plastic water bottles from our programs. We have set up a water station where you can refill reusable water bottles that we gift to all our guests. The purpose of our efforts is to keep plastic out of our waterways and…
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Kalispell Montana’s The Daily Inter Lake published a wonderful article on the Oberholtzer’s. Please check it out. Every summer, Heather Oberholtzer and her family migrate from Coram further north. It’s for a season spent running a remote fishing lodge in Alaska, a lifestyle she said she never envisioned but would never change. Growing up in…
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Autumn in Alaska is full of Wonders The best time to visit Alaska depends on many things, but September is always considered a wonderful time of the season. The truth is, this time of year has some special things going for it. Whether it’s for solid fishing, uncrowded adventuring, or amazing sightseeing, you’ll leave blown…
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Check out this months edition of our One Minute Alaska Vacation with footage provide by guests from the 2017 season. Guests at Crystal Creek Lodge are encouraged to share their collected media during their stay. Both images and videos are welcome and are easily uploaded to our media station located in the bar. It’s a…
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Wondering what else there is to do at Crystal Creek Lodge outside of fishing? Well here’s the short list. The long list? Your imagination is the only limitation. Design an Alaska adventure itinerary based at Crystal Creek Lodge to trek across the sky of Southwest Alaska. See a region that is wild, dramatic, and incredibly…
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You have a box of wild Alaskan salmon (hopefully caught at Crystal Creek Lodge) and now you’re looking for some great salmon recipes right? Crystal Creek Lodge Chef Brian has outlined one of his favorite salmon recipes below. Give it a whirl and tell us how it goes. INGREDIENTS STEP 1 Combine thyme, rosemary, garlic…
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