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Alaska provides some of the best fishing opportunities in the world, and there’s simply nothing like dragging a beautiful king salmon from a pristine river in the Alaskan wilderness. However, it is essential to remember that fishing isn’t just a sport for adults – it is a great experience for kids too. While most of our guests are experienced anglers, who’ve been fishing for many years, youngsters can certainly enjoy fishing during their North Woods Lodge visit, too. However, you must be sure to prepare for your Alaska fishing adventure. This isn’t hard to do, but you’ll need to embrace the tips and tricks detailed below.

Heed Your Guide’s Advice

Every group that visits North Woods Lodge will be greeted by their very own guide, to help you enjoy your stay and catch as many fish as possible. Our guides are all experienced, and their advice can be invaluable, so be sure to follow their instructions carefully. Encourage your child to follow suit and ask plenty of questions – our guides love to help youngsters learn to fish!

Dress Your Child For The Weather

To ensure your child can focus and remain engaged in fishing, you’ll need to make sure they stay comfortable. A critical detail is dressing appropriately for the weather. Even though most of our guests visit during the relatively mild summer, you can still run into cold temperatures during the morning or evening. However, you’ll also need to be ready to deal with high temperatures during the middle of the day. Always dress in layers to acclimate to the changing temperatures accordingly.

Target Species That Are Easy To Catch

King salmon and sockeye often elicit most of the attention from visiting anglers, but most youngsters are excited about all of the local species. You may want to shift your sights from these charismatic species to a more abundant quarry; such as rainbow trout. Trout are often relatively easy to catch, and they put up quite a fight for their size. Once your child has tasted a little bit of success, they can start trying for a few of the more celebrated species.

Maintain A Positive Attitude And Keep Things Light

Fishing is supposed to be fun, so make sure you treat it as such. Don’t become discouraged if you don’t have a lot of luck right off the bat. Our guides are quite skilled, and they’ll help you pattern and catch the fish. It takes a bit of time some days. Make sure you encourage your child and celebrate even the smallest victories. Especially rejoice as they learn how to cast, operate the reel or fly fish. If the day isn’t going especially well, pass your rod to your youngster when you hook a fish. This will give them a chance to get in on the action and feel accomplished at the end of the day.   Don’t forget to familiarize yourself with Alaska’s fishing regulations and to obtain a license before hitting the water. (Note that children 16 years of age or older require their license as well). The state of Alaska takes fish and wildlife laws very seriously. Failing to follow all relevant laws and regulations will often result in very steep fines. However, if you obtain everything you need and stay on the right side of the law, you’ll have smooth sailing. You’ll also help set a good example for your children. If you would like to learn a few more ways to ensure your kids enjoy their first Alaska fishing vacation, cruise on over to Outdoor Empire where you can read their comprehensive review of the subject. You’ll learn more ways to ensure their gear suits their size, and how to identify the best locations and targets.

Alaska is known for its world-class fishing and expansive wilderness, but one thing that has drawn a crowd since 1973 is the Iditarod. Every march, mushers and their trusty team of dogs take to the Iditarod Trail to race against time in memory of the serum run of 1925. AK lodges like Northwoods Lodge take in visitors from all over the world that wish to travel to the state and view this incredible race.

History Of The Iditarod

Years ago in 1925, the city of Nome was in the midst of a crisis where many of the local children were suffering from diphtheria, and the numbers were rapidly growing. The serum to help the village of Nome was in Anchorage, which was over a thousand miles away. Transportation was limited due to the frigid temperatures so 20 drivers and over 150 dogs relayed to get the serum to Nome before diphtheria could threaten more lives. The entire route took 5 ½ days but the serum was successfully delivered, and the city of Nome could rest easy again.

The Iditarod Today

The Iditarod is still held every March in commemoration of the original race. Though they are not running against the clock to save the lives of a village of 1,400 people, it is still considered one of the last great races of the world. Though there were many dogs in the original event and a few notable names like Togo, a statue of one, Balto, still stands in New York’s Central Park. This year, the 1,049-mile long race is to start on March 3rd, 2018. Teams of mushers and their dogs will be at the ready and take off down the historic trail once again.

Your Stay For The Race

To experience the Iditarod and watch as mushers make their journey down the stretch between Willow and Finger Lake stay with Northwoods Lodge. Every year Northwoods Lodge holds an Iditarod bonfire where you can meet Skwentna locals as everyone shares memories of years past at AK lodges and the race. Mushers have been known to stop out on the ice of the Yentna River and visit with those in attendance of the bonfire. Chinese lanterns are also launched on the night of the restart by Northwoods Lodge. Contact Northwoods Lodge at (800) 999-6539 to experience this phenomenal journey up close and personal.

Panoramic mountain views, beautiful sparkling waters, and incredible wildlife are all parts of what makes Alaska marvelous, but the main attraction tends to be the fishing. People come from all over the world to get the chance to battle the fish in Alaskan waters, like the Yentna River. Northwoods Lodge is a great place to find comfortable lodging, experienced guides, and access to some of the best fishing. They have fishing guides familiar with each fish and can give you great tips and tricks to catch them. Let’s introduce just a few of the many fish you can find while fishing in Alaska.

Rainbow Trout

A popular and possibly the most colorful of fish in the area is the Rainbow Trout. These vibrant fish live about 4 to 6 years in the wild and grow to an average of 20-30 inches long and 8 pounds in weight, but have been known to grow much larger. The Rainbow Trout has also been called the Redbanded Trout for its red coloration running horizontally down their sides. Known for putting up a fun fight for anglers, they make for an exciting catch. They can be found year-round but are most active in late summer while the Salmon are spawning. They love a diet of Salmon eggs so using bait resembling the eggs from the spawning Salmon can help you catch some hungry Rainbow Trout.

Arctic Grayling

Another gorgeous fish native to Alaska waters is the Arctic Grayling. Its iconic sail-like dorsal fin makes it easy to identify, and its varying colors make each fish different and unique. Though

most Arctic Graylings are darker in color, they can have a variety of markings and colors ranging from red, aqua, orange, pink, blue, and even metallic gold and silver. The Arctic Grayling ranges from 13 to 36 inches long and weigh an average of 3 to 5 pounds. The best season to be looking to catch larger sized Arctic Graylings is in the late summer when they tend to migrate after having spent the majority of summer spawning.

King Salmon

The most famous fish in the state of Alaska and most sought after trophy fish is the King Salmon, also known widely as the Chinook Salmon. King Salmon tend to range from 15 to 60 pounds and can be 24 to 36 inches long, but have been found at over 50 inches long and 130 pounds. Even though these fish can be monsters of enormous size, certain techniques will help you reel them in without battling it out too much or breaking your gear. To fish for King Salmon, you will need your regular Alaskan fishing license, along with a King Salmon stamp. May through early July tends to be the best season to go after King Salmon as they begin to spawn towards late summer.

There are many more species of fish swimming in the waters of Fish Lakes Creek and the Yentna River area of Alaska. Book your stay and start planning your trip to Northwoods Lodge for your chance to reel in these fish and claim your trophy catch. The fishing adventure of a lifetime awaits!

Winter is closing in and the Holidays are right around the corner. Many people will be receiving the common pair of socks, a few candy canes, and enough holiday cookies to feed a village. Instead of giving the same thing as always, mix it up, and give something the entire family can enjoy this year. Give them an Alaska fishing vacation to the Alaska fishing lodge with a bit of fun for everyone. A trip to Northwoods Lodge is a gift that everyone will remember for years to come.

See the Sites

Start off your fun family excursion by stopping in Anchorage to soak in the culture and take part in a few of the many family activities available. Have some fun in the mud 4-wheeling or enjoy one of the tours offered by boat, train, bike, and even by plane. Do something new by taking the family out horseback riding or rafting down the river. If you are not quite in the adventuring mood, check out the local museums or do some arts and crafts at local shops and take in the Alaskan culture.

Take a Short Flight

After a visit to Anchorage, hop on a plane to fly out to Northwoods Lodge. Northwoods Lodge is a premier fishing lodge located on Fish Lakes Creek and only a few miles from Lake Creek. With plenty of wildlife to see and activities for the entire family, every member will find something to enjoy.

The Main Attraction

Northwoods Lodge is most well known for their world-class fishing and their deluxe Alaska fishing resort. You can take a guided tour out to wrangle a number of different fish including but not limited to multiple types of salmon and rainbow trout. If you are not a seasoned fisherman or have never been on a fishing trip, Northwoods Lodge has you covered. The lodge can provide you with the best gear and take you out to the prime spots to cast out your lines. Experienced guides can give you tips and tricks to help you catch that monster fish you have always wanted to reel in. Northwoods Lodge is the best place for any family’s Alaskan fishing vacation.

A Year’s Worth of Activities

Whether you are planning your trip for winter, spring, summer, or fall, there are always fun activities. In the winter months, it is all about the snow. Guests can take out snowmachines from a nearby tours and rental company or cross-country skis to play in the snow. You can drop a line in the ice with some ice fishing, or take some time in the evenings to view the marvelous northern lights. In the summer months, anyone can do some fishing, kayaking, berry picking, take a hike through some nature trails. You can also challenge your family members to some horseshoes, poker, or a game of basketball.

The whole family will find something to delight in on a vacation to the great state of Alaska. So this year, treat the family to one gift that they will not be throwing in the toy box to forget about but will instead be able to make memories to take with them forever. Put photos from your trip into a memory book to look back on in future years. Make a new tradition of adventure! Call Northwoods Lodge at (800) 999-6539 to start planning your family’s best gift this holiday season.