Intricate Bay Lodge - Iliamna, Alaska

Dean Sibley

If it’s good enough for Jimmy Carter it’s good enough for me. Intricate bay lodge has a perfect location with so much to see and do around Lake Illiamna. I can’t imagine a better place to live an Alaska dream.

thedogmechanic

Absolutely the best fishing trip I’ve ever experienced. Guides were outstanding, everyone caught plenty of fish with all of us catching our personal best trout. Lots of wildlife and beautiful scenery, and at the end of the day we had excellent food prepared to a warm and friendly lodge staff. I can’t think of a single thing that could’ve been improved upon. Definitely coming back. Brian does an incredible job and all of his staff is exceptional.

Daniel M

My 23 year old son and I had very little fly fishing experience and came into the trip nervous about our preparedness especially given the high experience level of the rest of our group. First and foremost, the guides put us at ease instantly and focused on getting us up to speed with the basics: safety precauthions, the water types, the tackle, the gear, the clothing, the fly types, the casting techniques, the fish, the seasons, the wildlife, waterfowl, etc. We were not only impressed with how much they put us at ease but also their vast knowledge of both trout fishing and the entire ecosystem of the region. As for the lodge, it is expansive with all modern amenities but with an alpine feel in its exterior and interior. The entire team at Intricate Bay Lodge radiated positivity; from the kitchen staff early early morning to the team of guides, pilots and rest of the staff until the evening. We also came to appreciate all the behind the scenes detailed logistical preparations that begin after our day of fishing in anticipation for the next day of fishing. We were afforded tremendous flexibility in accessing a variety of locations via the sea planes. The level of personal attention we received, whether it was the guides, or the staff at the lodge, was exemplary. This is a very remote area that presents a multitude of challenges for the ill-prepared. And at every turn we marveled at the preparedness of Brian and his team. Our room for 2 and beds were very comfortable and we had private bathroom. Both were tidied up every day while we were out. Breakfast and dinners were excellent and lunches on the river allowed us to maximize our fishing time. We went in early June and were surrounded by scenic snow-capped mountains so bring lots of merino wool 1st layer with additional fleece layers and exterior protection from wind and rain conditions. I rate it a 10 out of 10 and plan to return again.

derek b

Great Fly fishing experience, we caught four types of salmon on our trip and also some rainbow trout and a few other species. All the guides were very helpful and friendly the hole trip. The silver salmon fishing was by far the best of the trip while we were there. Multiple members of our group caught over 40 fish in a day and the rest of the guys caught 20-30 fish each. The guides Liam, Casey, Sam and John were on point and pilots Brian and Mark always made up feel safe in the sky. Highly recommend.||||Capt. Derek

Hal K

We stayed at Intricate Bay Lodge Sept 16-22. It was my 7th trip and my wife’s 5th. We loved each visit. We didn't not think it was possible for 2019 to be as good as 2018 but it as good and in some ways better. The fishing was outstanding! Every day we caught lots of large trout. The meals were what I would expect in a 4 star restaurant. This year’s staff was also the best ever, including the guides, Chef Brian, house staff and pilots Brian & Mark. Manager/owner Brian makes sure IBL keeps getting better! We’ll be back in 2020.

tmsddsmsd

Simply Incredible!||I'm still coming down from my Alaskan fly fishing high! My CGCG group has been fishing together for the past 20 years, and our recent trip to Intricate Bay Lodge was beyond awesome.||The fishing was amazing -- voracious 20 to 28" rainbow trout aggressively feeding on sockeye salmon eggs and our fly imitations. My arms got fatigued from reeling in so many of those beautiful trophies!||The guides were really great, and became true friends by the end of the week. Monte, Casey, Nick, Sam, Liam and Joey were so knowledgeable, happy, personable, eager to please and fun to be around.||The flyouts were super cool, and the pilots Brian and Mark were professional but also really great guys. The Alaskan scenery is breathtaking, and when we weren't reeling in big fish, we were spotting the occasional grizzly bear or moose.||It was amazing to recognize the legendary Monte Becker on the dock when we first arrived at the Lodge. We had the pleasure of fishing with Monte at the Magic Waters Lodge in Patagonia, Chile two years ago. What a small world when it comes to avid fly fishermen and world class lodges! ||The Intricate Bay Lodge is a gorgeous facility on beautiful Bristol Bay. The rooms are spacious, and the living room, dining room and bar are well appointed and very comfortable. ||The food was simply spectacular! Ryan the chef is supremely talented, with made to order hot breakfast and fabulous dinners. The lovely Chloe always greeted us with a smile, while warming up our coffee and running the dining room. Our last evening meal of Alaskan king crab and bacon wrapped filet was truly amazing.||What really makes the operation stand out is the do-everything owner/manager Brian Harry. Brian first greeted us at the Illiamna Air Taxi service with his handsome smile and welcoming eyes. It is abundantly clear Brian is 'all in' as he pours his heart and soul into every aspect needed to make the lodge such a phenomenal success. Brian, thank you sincerely for sharing your slice of Heaven with all of us. We now have memories to last a lifetime, and can't wait to go back!||Tom S.

Jacob Johnson

I have fly fished in many beautiful places and stayed at many lodges and worked with many guides, but I can easily say that Brian and his team at Intricate Bay Lodge are the best. I have never been so pleased with a trip. Everything was perfect, and it is obvious that this outfit is led by a man with vision, and a deep desire to provide clients with the best experience out there. Each member of the team functioned seamlessly and showed each other respect as they worked hard and filled the roles required to make each piece of the trip come together. Each day’s outing required a tremendous amount of logistical undertaking which was executed flawlessly.

This detailed preparation was not lost on me as a business owner, and I greatly enjoyed watching the IBL team work to take care of our group and have a great time in the process. The people are amazing, the lodge is immaculate, the meals and accommodations are superb, the guides were consummate professionals and friends, and the fishing was beyond anything I can describe. This truly was a trip of a lifetime. If you are on the fence about booking let me put your mind at ease and tell you it was worth every penny.

I am truly grateful to have shared this trip with my friends, and with the amazing IBL staff (Brian, Kevin, Deb, Chace, Hayden, Seth, Chandler, TJ, Zac, and Troy). Intricate Bay Lodge is simply the best in Alaska hands down!

Sincerely, Jacob Johnson

Carla K

For me, it's about the fish. If it's about the fish for you, this is the place to be. ||||Many people have no clue what it's like to fish a stream and be the only one on the stream. Ohhh the excitement to stalk the fish of your dreams. There is a great chance this fish is going to investigate what you put before him! It's very hard to explain the pure joy to hold a beautiful fish, say "thank you" and gently release it back to the wild stream.||||This is not your average destination. Actually it's off the charts. If you can handle the possible elements in late season, the fat rainbows are plenty. I challenge you to go while the opportunity is available. It's a bonus to have the outstanding top notch guides, crew, lodge and planes. ||||I have been to this lodge in July and September with exciting fishing each time. I personally prefer September for fat rainbows! Remember, it's about the fish so September is my favorite!