The Fish of a Lifetime, Day After Day
At Mission Lodge, you’ll have the chance to fish for an incredible variety of species — from hard-charging salmon fresh from the ocean to brightly colored trout and aggressive Arctic char. With access to a wide range of rivers, lakes, and streams across the Bristol Bay region, every day brings new water, new species, and new opportunities to make unforgettable memories.
Here’s a look at the primary species our guests target throughout the season:
All Five Pacific Salmon Species
Bristol Bay is home to the largest wild salmon run in the world. Depending on the time of year, you’ll have the opportunity to pursue:
- King (Chinook) Salmon
The biggest and boldest of the salmon family. Kings can weigh over 30 pounds and deliver deep, powerful runs. They arrive early, typically from mid-June through mid-July, and are prized for their strength and size. - Sockeye (Red) Salmon
Known for their brilliant crimson coloration during their spawning phase, and unmatched abundance, sockeye arrive in massive numbers from late June through mid-July. While known as being an extremely hard fighting fish, sockeye are also considered by many to be the best table-fare in the bunch, and many of our guests choose to take some home with them. - Chum (Dog) Salmon
Chum salmon are aggressive fighters and known for their dramatic coloration during the spawn. They often strike flies with force and offer great action on lighter gear from mid-July through August. - Pink (Humpy) Salmon
These smaller salmon return in huge numbers in alternating years. Their willingness to bite and high volume makes them great fun on light tackle, especially for newer anglers or those who want constant action. - Silver (Coho) Salmon
An angler favorite. Silvers are feisty, aerial, and aggressive — readily taking flies and lures. They arrive in August and remain into early September, offering some of the most exciting fishing of the season. They’re also a great tasting fish for those interested in taking fish home as well.
Rainbow Trout
Bristol Bay is legendary for its native rainbow trout — large, beautiful, and hard-fighting. These fish are often found in clear water rivers and spring-fed streams, where they crush anything from mouse patterns, to swung or stripped streamers, to traditional dry flies, to salmon egg and flesh imitations. Some trophy sized fish are known to push upwards of 30 inches or more, with incredible color and wild genetics.
Lake Trout
Found in deep lakes and glacial waters, lake trout are powerful predators that can reach impressive sizes. They offer a unique fishing experience and are often targeted early or late in the season when they move into shallower areas.
Arctic Char
Char are cousins to both trout and salmon, and their vivid spawning colors in late summer make them a visual treat. They thrive in cold, remote rivers and lakes, especially in the western parts of the region.
Dolly Varden
Often mistaken for Arctic char, Dolly Varden are colorful, aggressive, and abundant throughout the Bristol Bay watershed. They offer steady action and are a favorite on light fly gear. In fall, their colors become stunning — with deep pinks, fiery oranges, and contrasting spots.
Northern Pike
For those seeking explosive topwater takes and toothy grins, northern pike deliver. Found in stillwater lakes and slow-moving backwaters, pike strike with aggression and offer an entirely different kind of excitement. They’re an excellent target for anglers looking to break away from trout and salmon for a day of something wild and different.
Arctic Grayling
Elegant, graceful, and often caught on dry flies, Arctic grayling are a northern gem. These small, sail-finned fish inhabit cold, clear streams and are a joy to catch on a light rod — especially in the early and mid-season.
Something New Every Day
The true magic of fishing at Mission Lodge lies in the diversity. Whether you’re swinging for salmon, skating a mouse for trout, or sight-casting to Arctic grayling, each day offers a different experience tailored to the season, conditions, and your personal goals — all with expert guides and seamless fly-out access.
Ready to cast into the best freshwater fishery on Earth? Then start planning your trip today.
