Thanks Alaska Mothership

This all-inclusive offering may be the most unique and breathtaking trip in the country. Thanks Alaska guests stay aboard the 68-foot-long Hawkeye II, which offers three staterooms (each with two bunks), three bathrooms, a full kitchen and dining room, a top deck for activities, and a pilothouse for navigating the Inside Passage and its 1,000-plus islands. Each evening, the Hawkeye II anchors in an isolated bay surrounded by inspiring landscape that includes old growth forest, tidewater glaciers, sheer rock cliffs, towering mountain peaks, waterfalls, and hemlock, cedar, and 700-year-old Douglas firs. Each day the Hawkeye II launches skiffs that ferry guests to shore. Anglers can then cast to sea-run cutthroat trout and Dolly Varden along the beaches and/or hike upstream to find untouched steelhead in the pools and runs. Whether you’re on swinging flies to steelhead or simply kicking back on the boat—maybe playing cribbage or watching the scenery and wildlife pass by—lifetime memories will be made here.

Most Pacific Northwest steelhead rivers are busy these days. Very busy. That’s not the case here. In fact, some of Southeast Alaska’s steelhead streams may not see a fly cast over them in any given year. Consequently, Thanks Alaska guests have these streams to themselves, their only company being eagles, blacktail deer, and bears. Think back to the Roderick Haig-Brown days when fly fishers could test any steelhead river almost any time and have the whole thing to themselves. That’s still the case in modern-day Southeast Alaska, and that’s what Thanks Alaska and its 68-foot Hawkeye II provide. You won’t see hook scars on these fish and you won’t find any garbage or debris along the banks. It’s just you, your friends, and those mean metalheads.

Each day begins by launching skiffs off the Hawkeye II and making short runs to the mouths of Southeast’s most productive steelhead streams. You can cast for sea-run cutthroat trout and Dolly Varden char along the beaches (these fish range between 1 and 3 or 4 pounds) or hike upstream as far as your legs and imagination take you, working the best holes for steelhead that average between 8 and 14 pounds. Single-hand rods work well in the narrow jungles these rivers flow through, whether used for swinging flies or drifting nymphs. Switch rods work well on the larger streams and in the estuaries.

If you’ve ever dreamed of a life on the water, cruising wherever your heart desires and dropping an anchor whenever you please, a trip with Thanks Alaska aboard the Hawkeye II is what you need. Trips begin in Petersburg, Alaska, a quaint fishing town known as “Little Norway.” Anglers share three bathrooms and three private staterooms with two bunks in each. The luxurious fiberglass Willard vessel also offers a full kitchen, a salon for lodging and dining, a top deck for activities, and a pilothouse for navigating the Inland Passage. No matter where you relax on the boat you’ll enjoy stunning views of Alaska’s rugged coastal landscape.

You don’t have to pick up a rod to have a great experience here. Whales, sea otters, sea lions, seals, eagles, sea ducks, bears, deer—wildlife and rugged scenery abound in southeast Alaska, with photo opportunities appearing around every turn. Skiff rides from the mothership are available, providing beachcombing at its very best. Relaxing on the Hawkeye II with a book in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other isn’t so bad either.

Flights from Seattle to Petersburg run twice daily. Thanks Alaska picks up guests at the airport for direct shuttle to the mothership.

Fly Fishing International’s services are completely free. Clients will not pay more than if booked directly with a lodge. All rates are per person based on double occupancy, and listed in U.S. dollars.

2023 Rates
Special pricing is $6,200/day for up to six guests, based on double occupancy.

4 Days / 3 Nights: $24,800
5 Days / 4 Nights: $31,000
6 Days / 5 Nights: $37,200

INCLUDED
The Hawkeye II with USCG certified captain, steward/mate, and chef.
Two skiffs that access beaches, rivers, hiking trails, and glaciers.
All meals with private chef, featuring local Alaskan food, beer/wine with dinner.
Raingear, XtraTuff boots (most sizes available).
Saltwater fishing gear, shrimp/crab pots, bait, and hauling gear.
PFDs, life raft, AED, First Aid kit, handheld VHF radios.
Fuel for the skiffs and yacht.
Transportation to/from Petersburg airport to harbor.

NOT INCLUDED
Airfare to/from Petersburg, Alaska (PSG).
Any additional in-town accommodations before/after charter.
Fishing/hunting licenses.
Hard Liquor (accommodations can be made in advance).
Vacuum packing/shipping of seafood.
Gratuity for crew.

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.