The atmosphere at the lodge is casual. We don’t care if you wear your waders and wading boots to dinner.. In fact, we prefer it! What we do care about is that you’re comfortable during your stay, and that requires packing the right things.
Comfortable, medium weight sport clothes are the norm. While fishing or hiking we recommend that you dress in layers to regulate your body temperature with the whims of the weather. Expect temperatures in July and August to average 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit with fluctuations varying from 40-75 degrees Fahrenheit. June, September, and October can be much cooler and wind chill can drop temperatures as much as 30 degrees. Extra warm clothes are recommended for these months.
The baggage weight allowance for each guest staying at Kulik is 50 lbs. per person. Your clothing and gear should fit into at least two small, soft-sided bags and a rod case. Any excess baggage may have to be flown in at a later time, on a space available basis. However, storage is available at the office in Anchorage for items not required at the lodge.
The main lodge building does have wireless internet access and a computer is available at the lodge for internet use by guests that don’t have any other means to access the internet.
Essentials
High quality rain gear, a warm sweater or jacket, long-sleeved shirts, warm socks, fleece pants, and polypropylene or merino wool underwear (for use under your waders) is highly recommended. Cool morning boat rides and wet fishing days require warm hats and fingerless gloves.
Dry storage is also limited on our boats, so we recommend use of a waterproof ‘dry bag’ to store extra layers, camera equipment, and other items that you don’t want getting wet while on the water. Waterproof roll top backpacks are available for guest use at the lodge.
We also recommend comfortable walking shoes or boots for wearing around the camp (a waterproof pair is ideal). You may also want a swimsuit for our hot tub and sauna.
Guests should also bring their toiletries and other personal items. However, bedding and towels are supplied at the lodge.
Fishing Gear
Anglers should have line clippers, needle-nosed pliers, insect repellent, sunscreen, and polarized sunglasses. You can bring your own or purchase these items, along with various souvenirs, shirts, and hats in the small fly shop at the lodge.
We’re able to outfit all of our guests with the rods, reels, fly lines, flies, and terminal tackle (leader, tippet, split shot, etc) needed during your time on the water. However, for guests that would prefer to fish their own gear (heck, that’s part of the fun), we’d recommend the following.
Fly Fishing
- Fly Rods and Reels. At minimum, we recommend a 7-weight rod for most fishing situations. Reels do not need to be the most expensive, but we recommend those with a reliable drag system. Sage rods and Ross Reels are available for guest use at the lodge.
- Fly Lines. We recommend bringing both a floating and a fast sink-tip line and enough backing to fill the spool of the reel.
- Leader and Tippet. We typically use 8 – 12 lb. test tippet material for most applications. A common exception is when dry fly fishing, in which case we often use a 7 1/2 to 9 ft. 3x – 4x tapered leader. A selection of 4 through 12 lb test tippet material should cover the majority of situations.
- Flies. Fly selection generally depends on timing, but a well-stocked fly box generally consists of a selection of streamers (sculpins, leeches, fry, and other baitfish patterns), traditional dry flies (elk hair caiddis, adams, etc.), mouse flies, flesh flies, and salmon egg imitations (i.e. trout beads) in various sizes and colors.
Conventional Fishing
Conventional anglers should pack their favorite light or medium action rods and a good quality reel spooled with at least 8 lb test line. Expect to lose tackle to snags! We recommend bringing plenty of large spoons and spinners and extra terminal tackle including swivels. Almost any color combo will work, but we find silver and orange to be the most consistent producers.
Please note that only single hooks are permitted. All treble hooks must be replaced with singles or trimmed down to one hook. Also keep in mind that some of the waters we frequent (such as American Creek) are designated as fly fishing only by Katmai National Park regulations.
Waders
We offer Simms, Redington, and Cabelas brand waders and boots for our guests to use during their stay (children’s sizes up to adult XXL waders and wading boots up to size 16 available). You can save some weight and bulk when packing by using our waders.
Some folks prefer their own waders and boots, however please note that felt soled boots are no longer allowed in Alaska. Boots with metal cleats are also not allowed at our lodges. A common compromise from our guests is to bring their own waders but use a pair of our wading boots during their stay.
What Not to Bring
Please do not bring sleeping bags, towels, nylon landing nets, gaffs, creels, or any type of firearm. If you do bring bear mace, be sure to inform you pilot as it can’t be packed inside the planes. We do not recommend bringing bear mace.
For more packing suggestions, take a look at our printable trip planner, or get in touch with us by clicking right here.
