We’ve listed some answers to our most commonly asked questions below for your convenience. Rather get a hold of a member of our team? Contact our trip experts by clicking right here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: WHERE DOES THE TRIP START?
A: Dillingham, AK. The lodge provides van transportation to/from the Dillingham (DLG) airport to Mission Lodge. The drive is approximately 20 minutes from Dillingham to Lake Aleknagik where the lodge is located.
Q: WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE PRICE?
A: Transport to/from Dillingham and Mission Lodge as described above, all meals, beverages accommodations, fully guided daily adventures (including float plane transportation), all necessary gear and equipment (including fishing gear, waders and wading boots), Alaska fishing license, and filleting, packaging, freezing of Salmon species.
Q: WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
A: R/t air transportation to Dillingham, AK, gratuities (suggested 15-20% of package price), items of a personal nature such as massage, gift shop and smoked fish.
Q: WHAT AIRLINES SERVICE DILLINGHAM (DLG):
A: As part of your Mission Lodge package, we arrange your round-trip air travel between Anchorage and Dillingham with Katmai Air, our own lodge-operated flight service. These flights are timed to coordinate with your lodge schedule and offer a comfortable, scenic route directly into the heart of Alaska’s pristine landscape.
However, Some of our guests choose to fly commercially on Alaska Airlines or their partner, Ravn Air, which also offers service between Anchorage and Dillingham. If you choose this option, please consult with us in advance to ensure your arrival time aligns with our lodge transfer schedule.
Q: HOW MUCH FISH AND WHAT KIND CAN I TAKE HOME?
A: We ask that each client not take more than one 50 lb. box of SALMON ONLY.
WE PRACTICE A STRICT CATCH AND RELEASE POLICY ON ALL RESIDENT SPECIES (Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden, Arctic Char, Grayling, Pike and Lake Trout).
Q: WHEN DOES THE DAY START AND END?
A: A typical day starts at 7:00 am with breakfast (coffee is available at 5:00 am) with planes leaving between 7:30-8:30 am and returning between 5:00 & 6:00 pm. Depending on the group size and scheduling for the day you are welcome to request a later start. Dinner is generally at 7:00 pm .
Q: WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE?
A: In a nutshell, our typical schedule looks something like the following:
- 7:00 am full sit down breakfast
- 7:30-8:30 am depart for a full day of guided activities
- 5:00-6:00 pm return to lodge
- 6:00-7:00 pm appetizers are served and activities are scheduled for the next day
- 7:00 pm Alaska gourmet dinner is served
- After dinner, guides sit down with guests and talk about the next days activity.
Q: CAN I CHANGE MY MIND ABOUT WHAT I WANT TO DO WHEN I GET THERE?
A: Absolutely, no plans are made before a guest arrives. Each night the head guide will talk to each guest about his/her desires for the next day and then prepare a plan for the following day. The plans will be posted on a guest board each evening.
Q: HOW OLD SHOULD A CHILD BE BEFORE BRINGING HIM/HER TO MISSION LODGE?
A: Every child is different. Days are full and depending on the child and how engaged he/she is in the outdoors will determine the proper age– remember there are no price reductions for children. Our aircraft holds 6 passengers – no matter what the age.
Q: WHAT KIND OF AIRCRAFT DOES THE LODGE USE AND WHAT IS THE SAFETY RECORD?
A: The lodge operates four De Havilland Beavers on floats. Our safety record is without injury incident the last three decades of operation.
Q: HOW FAR DO YOU TRAVEL TO DAILY DESTINATIONS?
A: We will have so many destinations it is hard to answer this question. Your destination travel time will be anywhere from 10 minutes to one and a half hours. Much of this depends on winds and weather. In a normal week, you will generally only travel 20-40 minutes a day by plane each way. Some of our destinations are close and only a 10-40 minute boat ride from the lodge.
Q: WHAT ABOUT THE WEATHER IF WE CAN’T FLY?
A: We have several opportunities within easy boat access from the lodge. On a seasonal average, we have approximately three days in which the planes cannot fly at all. We will NEVER compromise on safety-EVER. If it is not safe, we DO NOT fly.
Q: HOW WILL WE TRAVEL ONCE WE REACH OUR DESTINATION?
A: Mission Lodge has over 40 boats stashed throughout the Bristol Bay region. Many of the destinations you will fly in and meet your guide who will be waiting for you with a boat. Other destinations you will fly with your guide and will have a boat at your destination. Some destinations will be accessible only by foot. All of this will be pre-planned the evening before and will be fully orchestrated by your professional guide.
Q: HOW BAD ARE THE BUGS?
A: It depends on the month and the season – Wet seasons are worse than dry seasons. Normally, unless you are hiking in the tundra, the bugs are not bad at all. They can be pesky at times in the evening on the deck if the wind is still. A good bug repellent with deet is highly recommended. Mosquito netting is normally not recommended, but if you plan on doing a lot of hiking, it may be a good idea. The lodge has bug repellent, but you are always encouraged to bring your own.
Q: WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO COME?
A: Mission Lodge is only open during the prime fishing months and the prime weather months. Any time from June to September is excellent, it just depends on your desires. If you are specifically seeking certain species of fish or to view a particular animal then
Q: CAN YOU ACCOMMODATE SPECIAL DIETS?
A: Yes, within reason. Because of our extremely remote location, certain items may be hard to come by – please make sure to fill out the questionnaire and return ASAP to forward our chef of your special needs. If we cannot accommodate your needs, we will advise you in advance.
Q: HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN THE LODGE ACCOMMODATE?
A: 24 guests is our maximum, most weeks we host no more than 20 guests.
Q: DO ALL ROOMS HAVE PRIVATE BATHS?
A: No, we have 19 private guest rooms, 6 rooms with completely private baths and 13 with a shared bath in between rooms. We have found that majority of our male clients do not mind sharing bathrooms but enjoy having a private bedroom.
Q: DO WE HAVE TO PAY EXTRA FOR A PRIVATE BATH?
A: No (unless it is the “owners suite”) private bathrooms are given to couples first and then to returning clients. If you would prefer a private bath please make sure to make a note upon booking. Requests will be handled on a first come, first serve basis given the above priorities.
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