Royal Coachman Lodge

Located on the banks of the Nuyakuk River in the Bristol Bay region of Alaska, Royal Coachman Lodge is a premier flyout lodge specializing in diverse fishing offerings and personalized service. Anglers staying at Royal Coachman can enjoy a new adventure each day, ranging from wild Rainbow Trout, powerful Pacific Salmon, and aggressive Northern Pike. The small, cozy lodge creates an intimate setting to create lifelong memories with family and friends. Unpressured fisheries, attentive guides, and excellent accommodations and food make Royal Coachman Lodge a sought-after destination for anglers year after year.

Who It’s For

•  Novice to advanced anglers
•  Angling couples and groups
•  Fishing-oriented families

When To Go

Royal Coachman Lodge operates from mid-June through September. Throughout the season, anglers have access to wild Rainbow Trout, Char, Grayling, and various species of Pacific Salmon in the vast fishery of the Tikchik region. Early season, from mid-June through mid-July offers opportunities for Trout, King Salmon, Sockeye, Pinks, Char, Lake Trout, and Pike. Mid-season, from mid-July through August brings runs of Chum Salmon and the start of the Silver Salmon run. September brings excellent fishing for Trout, Silvers, Char, and Pike. The entire season at Royal Coachman Lodge is special and can offer incredible fishing. When you should come depends on which species you want to target!

Rainbow Trout

The Bristol Bay region of Alaska is well known for its hard-fighting, wild Rainbow Trout which can grow to over 30 inches. At Royal Coachman Lodge, you’ll experience these amazing creatures firsthand in the many lakes and rivers surrounding the lodge. Techniques for targeting Rainbows can depend on the conditions and the time of the season. Common tactics include drifting dry flies, skating mice, swinging or stripping streamers, and nymphing.

Sockeye Salmon

Bristol Bay boasts one of the world's largest Sockeye Salmon (aka Red Salmon) runs from mid-June through early August. Not only are these brightly red-colored Salmon fun to catch on a fly rod, but their smolt, fry, and eggs create an extremely abundant forage for Rainbows, Char, and Grayling. 

King Salmon

Generally available from mid-June into early July, King Salmon (aka Chinook Salmon) is the largest and strongest of the 5 Pacific salmon species. From Royal Coachman Lodge, flyouts to nearby river systems provide access to some of the largest King Salmon runs in Alaska. 

Silver Salmon

August and September bring runs of Silver Salmon (aka Coho Salmon) into various rivers of the Bristol Bay region. Known for being the most “catchable” of the 5 Pacific salmon species, Silvers reward anglers with acrobatic leaps and brute strength.

Chum Salmon

Available between mid-July and mid-August, Chum Salmon (aka Dog Salmon) is one of the more picturesque salmon species. As they begin spawning, they turn from chrome silver to a striped green, purple, and red coloration. Chums are also highly regarded for their aggressive strikes and hard-fighting nature.

Pink Salmon

From mid-June through mid-August, Pink Salmon (aka Humpy Salmon) migrate up various rivers in the Tikchik region. Pinks are characterized by a giant “humpback” appearance, and their long, kype jaws. Their prehistoric looks and their willingness to take flies make them a fun angling target for beginners and advanced anglers alike.

Dolly Varden & Arctic Char

Known for their vibrant spawning coloration, Dolly Varden and Arctic Char are frequently caught in the rivers and lakes surrounding Royal Coachman Lodge. These cousins of the Brook Trout are generally available all season and are happy to eat a variety of well-presented flies from eggs to swung streamers.

Northern Pike

Northern Pike makes for an exciting fly rod target in the sloughs and back bays surrounding Royal Coachman Lodge. With their razor-sharp teeth, these ambush predators can grow to over 40 inches due to the abundance of forage species available. Few angling experiences compare to watching a giant Pike turn and attack a popper just yards away from the rod tip!

Arctic Grayling

Arctic Grayling are a unique species resident to the rivers and streams surrounding Royal Coachman Lodge. Available all season, these gorgeous salmonids are often willing to eat dry flies, adding excellent variety to a day of targeting many species.

Equipment

A week of fishing at Royal Coachman Lodge requires only a few rods and reels, plus a backup. We recommend bringing 3 rods with matching reels: a 9’ 6wt for dries and nymphing, a 9’ 7wt for nymphing and streamers, and a 9’ 8wt with a sinking line for Salmon and Pike. Your guide will help you rig appropriately for the day’s fishing. We recommend adhering to the packing and equipment lists provided by Trident.

Day 1: From Home to Anchorage, Alaska

A week-long trip at Royal Coachman Lodge typically runs from Sunday to Sunday. Getting to the lodge begins with a Saturday flight to the Anchorage International Airport in Anchorage, Alaska (ANC). Once you’ve arrived in Anchorage, you will take a taxi to your pre-arranged hotel, and spend one night there.

Day 2: From Anchorage to Royal Coachman Lodge

On Sunday afternoon, you will take a taxi from your hotel to the Merrill Field Airport (MRI), where you’ll board a flight to Dillingham via a private charter flight. From Dillingham, you’ll be transferred by vehicle to the Royal Coachman float plane base, where you’ll board a float plane for the flight to the lodge. Once you’ve arrived at the lodge, you can settle in, rig your equipment, and enjoy a hearty meal.

Days 3 - 8: The Fishing Days

Fishing days start with a full breakfast before heading out with your guide for the day. Fishing locations depend on your goals and the daily conditions. Daily adventures include fly-outs to a myriad of rivers and lakes within a 125-mile radius. Hearty lunches are packed by your guide daily, allowing you to eat and relax on the water. Following an afternoon fishing session, you’ll return to the lodge to unwind, enjoy a hot shower, and indulge in a delicious meal. After dinner, you can enjoy cocktails and stories with friends, or retire early to prepare for the next day’s adventure.

Day 9: From Royal Coachman Lodge to Anchorage

After your week of fishing, you’ll enjoy breakfast on Sunday morning before beginning your transfers back to Dillingham, and then the Merrill Field Airport (MRI) in Anchorage. From there, you’ll typically take a taxi to your pre-arranged hotel, where you’ll spend one night.

Day 10: From Anchorage to Home

On Monday morning, you’ll take a taxi to the Anchorage International Airport (ANC), where you’ll board your flight back to your home destination.

Accommodations

Royal Coachman Lodge features 4 double-occupancy guest cabins, each with living rooms, comfortable beds, private baths, and adequate gear storage space. The cabins feature hot showers, independent heat, and electricity.

The cozy lodge building features a lounge area for relaxing and a fly-tying bench for avid tyers and guides. The dining room hosts family-style meals for guests and lodge staff and is the perfect place to tell stories of the day’s fishing or to make plans with your guides for the following day.

Food

Meals at Royal Coachman Lodge are hearty and delicious, providing anglers with the nourishment they need to fish hard all day. Breakfast is served daily in the dining room, and features classic options such as eggs, biscuits, bacon, and strong coffee or tea. Substantial cooler lunches are packed daily by your guide, allowing you to maximize your time on the water. Dinners include meats, fish, sides, and salads, punctuated by delectable desserts.

Connectivity

WiFi and Cell service are not available.

2025 Fishing Packages

Trident Travel’s expert planning service is free of charge. The rates below are the same as you would pay by booking directly with the lodge. 

Rates and inclusions are subject to change at any time. Contact us for the most current pricing. 

Double Occupancy (Per Person)

7 Nights / 6 Days = $13,200

What's Included:

•  Air transfers between Dillingham and the lodge
•  Daily guide service and flyouts (weather permitting)
•  Lodging at Royal Coachman Lodge
•  All meals at Royal Coachman Lodge
•  Flies
•  Alaskan taxes
   

What's Not Included:

•  Alaska Fishing License (approximately $70)
•  Airfare to/from Anchorage
•  Lodging and meals in Anchorage
•  Roundtrip air transfers between Anchorage and Dillingham
•  Gratuities for lodge staff
•  Gratuities for guides
•  Alcoholic beverages
•  Fishing equipment

What skill level is required for this trip?

The guides at Royal Coachman Lodge are patient and knowledgeable professionals, capable of guiding anglers of any ability. From first-timers to seasoned veterans, all anglers can find success and enjoyment in the productive fisheries of the area.

How should I prepare for a week of fly fishing in Alaska?

Practicing your casting is crucial, as accuracy is important when sight-fishing for large Rainbow Trout and Salmon. Also, purchasing the right gear, tackle, and clothing is important - use our recommended packing lists. You should think about your goals for the trip so that you can relay them to your guides. Lastly, figure out your travel logistics well in advance.

Is Royal Coachman Lodge Family Friendly?

Royal Coachman Lodge is a great option for fishing-oriented groups or families. Due to the remote nature of the lodge, there isn’t much else to do here other than fish and relax at the lodge.

How many other anglers will be there?

Guest capacity at Royal Coachman Lodge is limited to 12 guests per week, resulting in an intimate atmosphere that often results in lifelong friendships. The vast fishery surrounding the lodge ensures uncrowded fishing beats and unpressured fish.

How does money work in Alaska?

Although credit cards are accepted in Anchorage, we advise carrying enough cash in USD to cover all expenses at the lodge, including gratuities.

Do I need travel insurance?

We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment. We recommend Travel Guard, a well-established insurance company offering excellent, affordable policies for angling travel.

What happens if I'm injured or have an emergency requiring evacuation?

Every situation is different when medical and security emergencies happen. To ensure you’re protected when things don’t go as planned, we highly recommend our clients enroll with Global Rescue.

What wildlife can we see in Alaska?

In addition to amazing fly fishing, seeing the plentiful wildlife is a highlight of any trip to the remote parts of Alaska. At Royal Coachman Lodge, you could see Eagles, Moose, Brown Bears, Foxes, and much more. We recommend bringing a packable digital camera to take photos of wildlife during your trip.

Is it safe to fish near the bears?

The Brown Bears of Alaska are wild animals and certainly demand respect and space. That being said, the bears here are typically unbothered by human presence. Your guides will prepare you for any bear encounters to ensure a safe and memorable fishing experience.

What kind of electrical outlets are there?

Electrical outlets are the same as anywhere in the U.S. - 110 Volt AC power.

What is the weather like?

The Bristol Bay region is known for variable summer weather. Temperatures here can range from the low 40s to the upper 70s, Fahrenheit. With rain and wind possible at any time, we recommend dressing in layers and packing a reliable (Gore-Tex or similar) rain jacket to be prepared for the varying weather conditions at Royal Coachman Lodge.

Is tipping customary in Alaska?

Yes, tipping is customary and appreciated, although it is at your discretion. Tipping 15-20 % of your trip total per person is recommended. Please plan on tipping in cash.