Uganik Lake is a short,
scenic 10 minute flight from Quartz Creek Lodge in a float
plane. Flying through a mountain pass treats you to a
birds eye view of rugged rocky mountains, green grassy
meadows and scattered beaver ponds. The blue water of
this glacial fed lake, settled between the towering cliff
faces of the mountains that loom up on either side, is
surrounded by rich green cottonwood trees.
After
landing and unloading the rafts & gear we begin
assembling your fishing gear ... fishing begins where
the plane lands with plenty of Dolly Varden awaiting
the angler. Once the rafts are pumped up & loaded
and you've caught enough for starters, we begin the
slow, scenic float down the twisting, winding river
with lots of trout and salmon water to be fished. Easy
wading and lots of fishing holes make for a long, fun
day. It's a very relaxing trip with deep rolling pools,
long trailing riffles with plenty of slow, smooth stretches
and just enough splashes to keep it exciting!
The
green grassy banks are spotted with patches of wildflowers
~ everything from lupines to wild roses and plenty of
birds and wildlife ~ a nature lovers dream!
Giant
cottonwoods line the banks of the river. Small grassy
meadows, towering mountains and deep valleys align the
river as it twists and winds its way down to the ocean.
Bear trails line both sides of the banks, making for
easy walking and letting us know that we're not the
first fishermen to the hole!
There
are always bears at the bottom of the river on the tide
flats. Salmon backs, like stepping stones across the
river, dart out in front of the raft as we float along.
Don't be surprised to come around the corner and see
a sow & cubs fishing for them!
A
skiff meets us at the river mouth. You can fish away
as we deflate the rafts and load everything into the
skiff for a short 15 minute ride to the lodge. It's
not uncommon to pass fishing boats with their seines
set around schools of pink salmon, trying to catch them
before they enter the river. Sometimes you'll see bears
& deer along the rocky beaches, eagles will be sitting
on bluffs & points and there can be millions of
seagulls diving after fish in the ocean. Oftentimes
we're entertained by humpback or fin whales, sea otters
and seals along the way.
On
really clear days you will be 'WOWED' by the snow &
ash covered mountains of the Alaska Peninsula, 30 miles
across the Shelikof Straits ~ it is a sight to behold!
When we arrive at the lodge there will be hot showers
and a nice dinner waiting to be served. Everyone is
sorry to see the day end but enthusiastic stories will
be shared over dinner. It's a day for making memories
that will last forever.
