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.
Exclusive flyout fishing is our passion and specialty. Ugashik Narrows connects two large lakes on the Alaska Peninsula—Upper and Lower Ugashik. It is a world-renowned fishery and a favorite of fly anglers at the Lodge. Grayling, trout, Arctic char, and silver salmon are all caught there. It’s a remote area with spectacular scenery and wildlife;…
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The native and wild Alaska Rainbow Trout is a fish that evolved as an opportunist and, accordingly, is built for speed and aggression. They migrate scores of miles each year, moving in, out, and through the rivers, streams, and lakes of Bristol Bay in search of salmon fry, small fish, lampreys, salmon eggs, salmon carcasses,…
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Meet Alex and Experience the Thrill of Alaska Fishing Alex Oberholtzer is the head pilot and guide at Crystal Creek Lodge. He’s the guy who works with you to craft your Alaska fishing & adventure vacation. He’s been guiding the rivers and streams of Alaska for 25 years, 20 of them with Crystal Creek Lodge….
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Catch-and-Release When Crystal Creek Lodge first opened its doors in 1988, we were early adopters of the “Catch-and-Release” policy for native fish such as rainbow trout, char species, and grayling. Despite initial resistance, this practice has proven to be a highly successful conservation strategy, ensuring the survival of fish populations and maintaining healthy fisheries. Now,…
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Katmai National Park Fishing The world of Alaska is yours to discover, experience, and cherish. The staff of Crystal Creek Lodge takes pride in opening up that world to you through hospitality, adventure, and interaction with nature. Let’s take a minute to walk together in Katmai National Park to see many of its natural wonders….
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Brown Bear Photo Safari in Katmai National Park & Preserve Bears, Bears, Bears! We are surrounded by millions of acres of roadless, untamed wilderness full of wild Alaska brown bears. The nearby Katmai National Park and Preserve alone holds an estimated, stable population of 2,250. Without searching for them, the guests of Crystal Creek Lodge often…
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Fishing Monument Creek, Alaska At Crystal Creek Lodge, finding wild and unique adventures for our guests is just as important as the quality of the fishing. While we do offer our guests the opportunity to visit the “classic“ locations of Katmai National Park, we constantly search for and then offer destinations that provide the true…
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A truly exceptional wilderness experience offering diverse scenery, wildlife viewing, and some of the most amazing fishing in the world is at American Creek. It is a world-famous, prolific rainbow trout, dolly varden, and grayling fishery. Located in Katmai National Park, the American is deep in the Naknek River watershed but is a short 20-minute seaplane…
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Explore the Naknek River with Crystal Creek Lodge, King Salmon, Alaska. Take a cruise with us and explore the Naknek River, our home water. A short walk from the lodge down our boardwalk brings you to our floating dock, the launchpad of the great daily seaplane, and boating adventures. Twisting 35 miles from Naknek Lake…
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The Wildlife, Scenery, and Brown Bears of Katmai National Park & Preserve When people envision Katmai, they think of brown bears and salmon… mostly bears. Yes, Katmai is one of the premier brown bear viewing areas in the world but it is also a wonderful backyard playground for guests at Crystal Creek Lodge to explore…
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