Naknek River Camp

My third trip to the NRC and it won't be my last. Beginning in 2019, we went there because the price was very attractive and we prayed the experience would be great. We were very lucky to find this place run by the Johnsons who have been in the fishing/hosting business for over 30 years - and it shows! ||The accommodations were clean with the most comfortable bed mattresses I've ever used. The meals were excellent, well prepared and diverse with a touch of class every time. ||We were primarily there for the silver salmon run, which we hit perfectly this year. Water conditions were favorable and also allowed for some fly-in trips for big rainbows. The salmon were expertly packed and frozen for our take-home. ||King Salmon is just minutes away from the lodge, making it easy to stock up on needed supplies as the week goes on. ||The Johnsons delivered on every claim made on the website in a friendly and easy-going way. They made for a memorable trip, catching fish and making new friends!

7 months ago

Fantastic place. The fishing is great. I might eat anything after a long day of fishing, but the food is great, too. The staff takes great care of you, the other amenities have improved a lot since my first visit about 15 years ago, and the guides get you on enough fish to give you a very sore shoulder.

6 months ago

I traveled to Alaska for the first time with a fishing buddy and stayed at NakNek River Camps at the suggestion of a friend. The fishing was an order of magnitude better than any fishing I've ever done, period! I've been fly fishing for over 50 years and am a licensed guide in PA. The guides were very knowledgeable, courteous and helpful. I landed (2) 31+ inch rainbows which were, by far, the biggest trout I've ever landed. My buddy and I landed over 60 rainbows in about 4 1/2 hours on the Brooks river. They averaged about 20" and we caught them on 5 weight outfits. In addition, the lodging was comfortable and the food much better than expected. I can't imagine a better place for an Alaskan fly fishing experience.

a year ago

Jim and his wife are exceptional hosts and will go out of their way to make sure you have a great experience. No request was too large, even to the point of arranging a fishing trip on the day off for guides. The meals were so wholesome (had delicious reindeer sausage and halibut one night!) and the rooms were super cozy with great views of the lake. The vibe is so relaxed, it feels like you are hanging out with family instantly. Jim also made sure I got to the airport early in the morning and his wife had the chef make a yummy breakfast as well.|Can't wait to come back and spend a full week here!

a year ago

Micah, Jim, Phyllis & the whole staff work very hard to make sure their guests have a great trip. They really know the water in Katmai & will put you where the fish are. The boats & gear are excellent & the cabins are clean & comfortable. Make sure you go to Brooks River in Katmai. It’s an awesome experience

a year ago

We just finished a week at Naknek River Camp and could not be more elated. It was one of the most amazing life experiences (and we have had many including at many “camps” throughout the world). Every member of the staff from Phyllis and Jim, the owners, to “Dryfly John”, the coordinator of guides who ensures every guest is getting the experience s/he desires, to every member of the team constantly checking with you to see if you need anything, are outstanding. Truly, all the guests were gushing about the experience. We came to Naknek on a recommendation from a friend’s cousin (we had told him we were looking for a place we could take our grandson fishing in Katmai that we could afford…NRC perfectly fit that need). The experience provided, including the cabins, clean bathrooms and showers, while not “luxury” were certainly way more than we hoped we would be provided. The guides are experienced and professional going out of their way to ensure the client’s needs are met, our grandson is obsessed with catching trophy trout…Steve even fished with him after dinner several days, late into the night to make that happen and happen and happen. I use ratings for my trip planning, therefore do not “overrate” (which I hope others do as well), so if I give 5 stars it has to be worth 5 stars, in this case it more than is and (as I’ve seen on other ratings) I wish I couple give a few more. Your challenge will be getting a reservation because the camp is not large (another huge benefit) and I think it is being “discovered”).

3 years ago

This has become an annual trip for us.We have been to the both the River Camp and Trophy Lodge. If your looking for great guides, great fishing this is the place. The food and accommodations are good. We come to Alaska to fish not be pampered by 5 star accommodation and gourmet chefs. Best of all King Salmon is easily accessible by Alaska Airlines. No getting stuck in Anchorage or the "fishing lodge" due to bad weather (which has happened to me multiple times). And I can use my air miles for travel, saving thousands over hiring a bush pilot to take me to a remote lodge and back.

3 years ago

We should have know that something was bad when all but one guy were new visitors…people do not repeat this vacation. No Lodge, cabins were clean but small, especially bathroom. Meals were plain but adequate except for one which should have embarrassed the cook. ||||The most disappointing was the communication. The first few days the owners and staff acted like they were all depressed. We did not know who the owner was until the 3rd day. We received little information about our fishing options until it was too late to take advantage of the experiences we came to enjoy..fly fishing for trout. ||||We did have a wonderful guide.||||We will not go back.

2 years ago