The State of Alaska is going paperless (not using their fishing license books) for Fishing Licenses in 2024.

We are asking all our guests to get their State of Alaska Non-Resident, 7 Day fishing licenses before your arrival at the lodge.

Fishing Licenses are required for all Anglers over 16, you must always have one in possession while fishing. The State of Alaska does not require fishing licenses for any angler under 16.

You will also need a Non-Resident King Stamp if you are fishing between June 15th, 2024 and July 27th, 2024.

As a guest of Tikchik Narrows Lodge, you will be spending a few days fishing in the Togiak National Wildlife Refuge. Tikchik has been granted special use permits to operate in designated areas of the refuge that include our camp on the Kulukak River in the southern portion of the Refuge. The location of the camp allows us to offer our guests a great fishing experience as well as an opportunity for a wilderness overnight stay. Our guide camp on the Upper Togiak River (Kashaiak Creek) is located in the northern portion of the refuge within a designated wilderness area. To prepare you for your visit to the refuge, we have included in your Pre-Trip Planner information about this truly extraordinary place.

The Togiak National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1980 with the passage of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA). It encompasses some 4.1 million acres of land that include 1,500 miles of streams and rivers and over 500 lakes larger than 25 acres, which in turn support some of the finest remote sport fishing in the world. Five species of salmon are found in the refuge, as well as Rainbow trout, Arctic grayling, Dolly Varden and Arctic char. The northern portion of the refuge (2.3 million acres) is a designated wilderness area, one of the largest in the National Wildlife Refuge System. Tikchik has a special use permit to fly into and fish many of the lakes and streams within this wilderness area. The wilderness section of the refuge offers our guests not only world-class fishing, but (as returning Tikchik anglers already know) extraordinary wildlife viewing and a true wilderness experience.

The purposes of the Togiak Refuge, as stated in ANILCA, are to: conserve fish and wildlife populations and habitats in their natural diversity; fulfill our nation’s international treaty obligations for protection of fish and wildlife resources we share with other nations; protect water quality and water quantity within refuge boundaries; and provide continuing opportunity for subsistence uses by local residents.

To understand the importance of this last purpose, it is critical to understand the role subsistence use of fish and wildlife resources plays in the lives of local residents. The Alaska Natives that live in or near the refuge are Yup’ik Eskimos, who share a common culture and language with indigenous people throughout western Alaska. There are seven villages located within or near Refuge boundaries. The economies of these villages are mixed subsistence-market economies, that is, a significant portion of residents’ time is spent hunting, fishing and gathering food on which they depend for their physical and cultural survival, and these activities are supplemented with cash income. Subsistence activities are an essential component of the economic, social and cultural structure of Alaska’s rural communities. In the villages of the Togiak Refuge, as much as 70% of the residents’ diet is derived from foods gathered from the natural environment. The region’s residents harvest an average of 600 pounds of wild foods per person annually, a significant portion of which is fish. It is the policy of Tikchik Narrows Lodge to avoid or minimize any impact we may have to subsistence activities in the region in which we operate.

In addition, as a commercial operator in the refuge, we have a set of operating stipulations that extend to our clients. We thought it would be helpful to outline some of these stipulations that will affect you as both a visitor to the refuge and as a guest at Tikchik Narrows Lodge.

Our Kulukak camp is designed to be primitive, but comfortable. Maximum consideration is given to minimizing habitat impact at the camp site. We remove the camp in its entirety in the fall. We use only two boats and no greater than 40 horsepower outboard engines. (We use four-stroke—not two-stroke—engines which minimize noise and water pollution.) From July 1 through Aug 1, we put no more than four anglers a day on the river. For the balance of the season, we host up to six anglers per day.

The limit of four anglers for part of the season is designed to minimize impacts to the river’s king salmon population. King salmon runs on the Kulukak are healthy. We want them to stay that way. We have established a lodge-imposed no harvest catch and release fishery. One of the goals of the Refuge is the conservation of Salmon. Kulukak River is a very small river system and we feel that not harvesting salmon will ensure strong salmon runs into the future.

The Kulukak camp is equipped with single side-band radio and/or satellite telephone communications so your guides can reach help in case of an emergency. Your guides are trained in both First Aid and CPR, and they all have U.S. Coast Guard Vessel Operator licenses. Upon your arrival at the river, your guide will give you a safety briefing.

We catch and release a large number of fish, doing so in a manner that ensures we don’t kill fish unnecessarily. Your guide will instruct you in the proper techniques for releasing fish, and assist you as needed.

Boating safety is of primary concern to us. Please listen carefully and follow your guide’s safety instructions. We require that you wear a life jacket at all times while fishing and boating. We have provided you with an inflatable fly fishing vest which acts as a flotation device. You will have a briefing and demonstration on the use of your life vest on your first day at the lodge.

One other lodge in addition to Tikchik is permitted to use the Kulukak, so there is a possibility of encountering other anglers on the river. We ask that you please be courteous to other anglers and practice good stream etiquette. Our guides coordinate with other guides so that we don’t directly compete for the same fishing holes on the river.

Although the Kulukak River has very little subsistence use, it is possible for our anglers to view subsistence fishing on the river. Subsistence fishing is conducted by local residents using gill nets. This is legal and consistent with refuge management policy. Subsistence fishing at this level has very little impact on the resource and has priority over sport fishing.

Tikchik has a special use permit that allows us to fly our guests into the refuge on day trips to designated lakes, rivers and streams within the wilderness area. We don’t use boats. We fish by wading. This is a catch-and-release fishery for our guests—all fish are released. Our catches are primarily rainbow trout, Arctic char and grayling. Again, it’s important that we release fish properly to ensure that we’re not killing fish. Your guide will instruct you on the proper techniques for releasing fish.

To maintain the wilderness values of this area of the refuge, we are not permitted to land on any of the smaller lakes that already have another plane parked on them. This ensures your fishing experience is protected. We can fish any single lake or stream within the wilderness area one day per week.

We are permitted to operate in the Kashaiak Creek zone of the Upper Togiak River. We use up to two boats and guide up to six anglers a day. We have a guide camp for our guides, but the camp does not accommodate our guests overnight.

The Togiak River has other commercial operators who can access this section of the river by boat and who may operate float trips. The Togiak is also open to unguided use, including visitors floating or kayaking the river. As well, the river is used for subsistence by residents of the village of Togiak who routinely fish with gill nets. As with fishing on the Kulukak, this fishing method is legal and consistent with refuge management objectives.

Please don’t litter. Even a small gum wrapper or a discarded lure or fly can distract from the wilderness experience for the next visitor.

While fishing in the refuge, we ask that you please be courteous to other users and observe proper stream etiquette.

It is important that all of our guests enjoy their visit to Togiak Refuge, and we have tailored our use of the refuge to help make sure this happens. We also want to ensure that our activities are in keeping with the public use management objectives of the refuge so that all visitors enjoy their experience there. The refuge belongs to all Americans, and we all have a role to play in the preservation of its resources and historical uses. It is our refuge to enjoy and to protect for future generations to experience in the same way we are able to today. Thank you for playing your part in protecting this unique place.

If you have any questions or want more information, please don’t hesitate to ask any of the Tikchik pilots, guides or me.

Andy Angstman

Getting to the Lodge Your fishing adventure begins in Dillingham AK, which is a 1 hour and 15-minute commercial flight from Anchorage. Most national carriers have daily flights from major U.S. cities to Anchorage. You should plan on staying overnight in Anchorage on the Friday before your Saturday departure to Dillingham and the Lodge.

It is ideal that all our incoming guests arrive on the same Anchorage to Dillingham flight for a smooth transfer to the Lodge. Our RAVN Alaska Charter will bring in our guests on a DHC-8-100 chartered aircraft. The plane will leave out of the Ted Stevens International Airport, “A’ gates. Details will be sent in your 2024 Pre-Trip Planner after the first of the year.

Day of Arrival Weather in Anchorage can be very different from the weather when you arrive in Dillingham. You will be outside after leaving the airport in Dillingham, loading in the floatplanes in Aleknagik for your flight to the lodge. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and have a jacket and rain jacket. Your luggage may be in another vehicle, so it is best to have it handy. Flip flops, sandals and open toed shoes are not recommended.

Upon your arrival in Dillingham, TNL staff will meet your flight and assist with luggage transfers. We will transport you by van to our float planes at Aleknagik Lake for a 35-minute flight to the Lodge.

Trip Cancellations: No one likes to think of calamities that can happen before or during a trip - an accident or emergency, a missed flight, lost baggage, or to have your long-awaited trip cancelled due to illness.

Unfortunately, things do happen. To help you handle these and other unforeseen travel headaches, we highly recommend trip cancellation and travel insurance. With our short season and limited capacity, we have had to adopt stringent cancellation policies. Insurance would help defray these costs. We can send you specific trip cancellation information, or your local travel agent could provide you with the information.

While at the Lodge

During your stay with us, all of your Tackle Shop and bar purchases will be charged to your personal account. Your account can be settled by either cash or personal check on the morning of your departure. If you are bringing cash, do not forget to consider gratuities. We do not accept credit cards.

Fishing Licenses: The State of Alaska requires you to purchase a fishing license. The non-resident 7-day Sport Fishing License costs $45.00. Alaska also requires a King Salmon Stamp for those anglers catching Kings. The non-resident 7-day King Salmon Stamp is $45.00. Anglers joining us in June and July can expect to purchase King Salmon Stamps if their goal is to catch King Salmon. As of 2022, all fishing licenses and King Salmon

Stamps need to be purchased online. Please see the Fishing License Page in your Pre-Trip Planner for details.

Communications - Phone calls and Wireless Internet 

 Phone calls - We have a dedicated landline for guests’ use. This phone line is located in the main Lodge. We also have our StarLink satellite dish which is fast and reliable. Outgoing calls can be made on your cell phone in the main lodge using WIFI.

Internet - 2023 was our first summer with StarLink, and guests raved about its speed and bandwidth, including the ability to FaceTime with family. It does not extend to our guest cabins, but the main lodge is open at all hours for your convenience.

We do not have a fax line, only phone and internet.

We have a printer with wireless access for our guests and you are also able to forward messages to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we can print them for you in our lodge office. Please be sure the guest’s name is mentioned in the subject line of the e-mail for anyone trying to reach you by e-mail.

We can also receive messages for you. Send to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Your e-mails will be printed out and delivered to your room each day before you return from fishing. You can then return calls at your convenience.

Lodge Phone Number: (866)342 2909 Lodge email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Note: Cell phones will work in our mail lodge with our Starlink system. Iridium handheld satellite phones work very well and can be rented in Anchorage.

Meals Our meals are fresh, well-prepared and well-presented. Our ample sized portions are creative and varied. Our dining room staff is polite, gracious and attentive to detail. We are tenacious in our commitment to a quality dining experience. We fly in fresh vegetables weekly, and we supplement our meals with greens and herbs grown from our greenhouse.

All of your meals are included as part of your fishing package. We serve a hearty made-to-order breakfast with a light fruit, yogurt and hot or cold cereal option. For lunch you have a choice of a sandwich, salad and dessert, or a shore-side salmon lunch prepared expertly by your guide. At each evening dinner we offer two entrees – a meat or fish selection. Desserts are wonderful and our coffee is custom roasted in Anchorage. Thoughtfully chosen domestic and foreign wines accompany your evening meals.

Please do not hesitate to ask ahead of time for special consideration if you have any dietary needs, or special alcohol requests.

In Room Amenities All our guest rooms have a coffeemaker stocked with gourmet coffee, both decaf and regular. We offer a complimentary snack basket, which is filled daily with a variety of granola bars, chips, and candy bars. Our hospitality items include shampoo, lotion and soap. Our rooms have 24-hour electricity, 110- volt, 60 hertz for charging cameras, batteries, and laptop computers, etc. Hair dryers are available upon request.

Laundry We are pleased to offer our guests light laundry service. We can wash, dry, fold and return your laundry in the same day. This service is complimentary.

Gratuities To eliminate the awkward feeling of wondering how much and who to tip, we recommend that you leave one total gratuity at the end of your stay. Your gratuity will be distributed evenly amongst the entire staff. The amount of gratuity is at the discretion of each guest. As a recommended guideline, most guests leave 15% of the lodge package price. Extraordinary service can increase the amount you may want to tip.

Tackle/Gift Shop We carry a selection of fishing accessories, Tikchik apparel, sun block, bug repellent and miscellaneous items. Remember, we provide all the fishing gear, lures, flies and accessories.

Lodge Library We have a small library with books on Alaska, fishing, flora, wildlife and best seller novels. We also have a selection of games, chess, backgammon, and of course, cards and poker chips.

Bar Tikchik has a full-service liquor license. We have a bartender on duty and offer standard brands of premium liquor, a selection of imported domestic beer, and a tasteful selection of foreign and domestic wines. We also offer a selection of mixers and soft drinks at no charge. Please let us know if you have any personal favorites and we will have it on hand for your stay.

Sauna We have a centrally located wood-fired sauna which is available for you to enjoy after a day’s fishing. Don’t forget to pack your swimsuit!

Weather Throughout the summer the temperatures will range from the low 50s to the mid 70s. The temperatures in mid to late September are slightly cooler with the temperatures in the low 40s to high 50s during the day. In late September, it is possible to have a frost at night; however, this usually happens during clear skies, and the days will be sunny and pleasantly warm.

The weather is unpredictable and can easily reach both extremes during any week of our season. Bristol Bay is famous for its storms and rainy weather. Each year is different and totally unpredictable. Generally, June and July are dryer than August and September. The June and July days are quite long with little darkness. As the days become shorter in the fall, our temperatures will fall accordingly. Our weather can also change very quickly. Proper clothing and being prepared is the key to a comfortable trip.

There are several “on line” weather tools that you can use to check the weather in Dillingham before your trip, our website (www.tikchiklodge.com) under the Useful Links and Pre-Trip Information page, can link you right to them.

Taking Salmon Home In the spirit of conservation, we encourage the release of all freshwater species of fish. Salmon bag limits have been reduced in recent years to allow more fish to reach the spawning grounds. We do encourage our guests to take a few Salmon to enjoy at home. Our emphasis is on sending home a quality product. We will gladly process your fish in serving sizes for 2, 4 or more. We package your catch in insulated boxes for transportation home.

The only way to get your fish home is to take your fish as luggage. We cannot ship any frozen product from Dillingham. Unfortunately, airfreight shippers will not accept frozen products for shipment to the lower 48 states. Dillingham does not have Fed Ex or UPS outgoing services.