Boardwalk Lodge

Alaska’s Orvis-endorsed Boardwalk Lodge is located just 30 minutes from Ketchikan and sits on a pristine beach on the beautiful Prince of Wales Island. This prime location, combined with luxurious accommodations, makes for one of Alaska’s finest fishing experiences. And it’s all accessible with a direct two-hour flight from Seattle to Ketchikan.

This is a great location for dedicated steelheaders and family fishing adventures alike. Variety is an attribute here: you can fish for spring steelhead in numerous streams or walk the beaches, wade the estuaries, or visit numerous lakes to catch sea-run cutthroat and Dolly Varden. During summer, anglers troll for salmon in the saltwater or fly fish for chums, pinks, and silvers as they move into freshwater.

Southeast Alaska’s scenery and wildlife are renowned, and guests should expect to see black bears, killer whales, humpback whales, sea lions, seals, Sitka blacktail deer, bald eagles, ravens, numerous other bird species, and possibly even wolves. This makes Boardwalk Lodge an ideal location when introducing new anglers to fly fishing and the outdoors.

Boardwalk was built in 1990 on the eastern shore of Prince of Wales Island in Thorne Bay. Builders felled, peeled, milled, and notched each log in true Alaskan spirit: by hand. It took seven years of hard work to finish this magnificent three-story structure. Since then, the owners have consistently updated the lodge and provided modern amenities including a hot tub and Wi-Fi. Boardwalk’s staff are legendary—guides are experts at saltwater and freshwater fishing and each are Coast Guard certified to make safety the priority. The culinary staff prepares 5-star meals, many utilizing local seafood.

Boardwalk’s spring season is all about wild steelhead, which ascend local rivers in March, April, and May. These fish range between 6 and 12 pounds on average, but fish pushing the 40-inch mark are possible. Boardwalk’s seasoned, Orvis-endorsed guides lead guests to numerous steelhead-bearing streams where they direct anglers to the most productive pools. Fly anglers can bring their switch and Spey rods if they’d like but most Southeast Alaska’s streams are easily fished with a single-hander, whether swinging flies or nymphing egg imitations and other patterns. These steelhead are truly wild (no hatchery fish here) and will test any angler’s fish-fighting skills.

During the spring season, guests also target the often overlooked sea-run cutthroat trout and Dolly Varden. The cutthroat are a blast to catch on 5- or 6-weight rods and they pull harder than you might expect. The native fish range between 10 and 22 inches and can be caught in most streams, lakes, and estuaries. Dolly Varden are equally aggressive and range in similar sizes. Want to get your kids into fish fast? Take some time to chase sea-runs and Dollies and you’re sure to hear enthusiastic anglers at the dinner table.

Salmon fishing at Boardwalk is equally productive, whether trolling for kings, pinks, chums, and silvers in the saltwater or casting flies to these fish in the shallow estuaries or Prince of Wales’ numerous rivers. Pink and chum salmon are abundant during summer, but the silver salmon (also called coho) is the standout fish. These aggressive and hard-fighting salmon are known for their long runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. These fish can be found in the saltwater from mid summer on into fall. They become great fly rod targets in August when they move toward the mouths of rivers and streams. They continue pushing into freshwater through September and into October. Anglers who “get into the silvers” will be worn out by the end of a day—these fish range between 8 and 15 pounds on average and can top 20 on occasion.

When you’re ready for a break, Boardwalk guests can board one of the lodge’s heated cabin cruisers and look for whales and sea lions or drop a line over the side and jig for halibut, lingcod, and rockfish.

Boats and Equipment
Boardwalk provides the latest Orvis equipment—fly rods, reels, waders, boots, etc. Guests can bring their own gear if they prefer. The lodge runs two cabin cruisers for saltwater trips and uses 4×4 Suburbans to access streams holding steelhead, salmon, sea-run cutthroat, and Dolly Varden.

Boardwalk’s two guest buildings sit on 26 acres of prime oceanfront property overlooking a secluded tidal inlet and Thorne Bay. These rustic but elegant log buildings comfortably accommodate up to 19 guests and provide a great place to relax and share stories after a long day on the water.

Cuisine
This isn’t a franks-and-beans camp. Boardwalk Lodge takes gourmet fare seriously and its chef prides himself on outstanding meals, often utilizing local ingredients such as salmon, halibut, king crab, and shrimp. Each day starts with a made-to-order breakfast followed by an on-the-water lunch, amazing hors d’oeuvres hour from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., completed by an amazing entrée dinner. House wine, beer, and soft drinks are served with each meal. Requests for specialty wines and cocktails can be accommodated for an extra fee.

Southeast Alaska is one of the most spectacular landscapes on Earth. It has something for everyone, and Boardwalk Lodge caters to every whim. Non anglers can head out on the saltwater to view the scenery and watch whales and other wildlife. They may also visit the Native village of Kasaan and view totem poles and other works of art. Bear viewing is available almost anywhere there’s salmon. Kayaks are available for use in Thorne Bay.

Following a direct two-hour flight from Seattle, anglers can immerse themselves in a slower-paced world with all the fishing they could possibly ask for. Guests traveling from outside Alaska typically fly to Seattle’s SeaTac Airport then take the quick jump to Ketchikan.

Boardwalk provides transportation from Ketchikan to the lodge via a breathtaking 30-minute floatplane ride, during which guests might spot humpback whales, orcas, and black bears. The floatplane lands at Boardwalk’s private dock.

Arrival and Departure Times
Guests should to arrive in Ketchikan before 4:45 p.m. (Alaska Daylight Time) to reach the lodge that evening. Recommended arrival flights are Alaska Airlines #789 and #67. If flying on Alaska Airlines flight #69, an overnight in Ketchikan is required.

Typical Length of Stay
Four or five nights with three or four full days of fishing is the standard trip here, but visits can be customized to fit your schedule. Call us at Gil’s Fly Fishing International for more details.

2023 Spring Steelhead 
4 Nights/3 Fishing Days: $4,495
5 Nights/4 Fishing Days: $4,995
7 Nights/6 Fishing Days: $5,495

Peak Season for Salmon and Trout (June 15 through September 15)
3 Nights / 2 Fishing Days: $4,005
4 Nights / 3 Fishing Days: $5,005
5 Nights / 4 Fishing Days: $6,005
Note: Additional nights are $1,000 each

Fall Silver Salmon Package (September 15 through October 1)
4 Nights / 3 Fishing Days: $3,505
5 Nights / 4 Fishing Days: $4,005
Note: Additional nights $500 each

What’s Included

• All accommodations at Alaska’s Boardwalk Lodge
• All meals at the lodge; lunches on the water
• Daily guided fishing
• Boat transfers to and from the lodge
• Air transfers to and from Ketchikan Airport
• Non-Alcoholic beverages, bottled water, wine, and beer

What’s Not Included

• Airfare to and from Ketchikan
• Guides and staff gratuity
• Mixed drinks
• Airport departure taxes
• Alaska fishing license

Rates are priced in U.S. dollars per person.
All prices/guest based on double occupancy.

At Gil’s Fly Fishing International, we are always happy to help you book a trip without charging any fee. We do not believe in extra payments, which is why even if you book a trip through the lodge directly or through outfitters, the amount will be exactly the same.

Bookings are confirmed with a 50% deposit, made no later than seven days after booking a trip. Balance must be received no later than 90 days prior to the first day of the trip. Notification of cancellation must be received 90 days prior to the first day of the trip in order to receive partial or full credit for an alternate date. All payments are final and nonrefundable, with the exception of a medical or family emergency, deemed reasonable at GFFI’s discretion.

Booking a trip or making a deposit represents that the client accepts all terms and conditions. GFFI’s terms are in addition to any terms and conditions of each individual lodge that GFFI represents. Please read those terms carefully—lodge terms, which may differ from GFFI’s terms, supersede any agreements between GFFI and a client.