Pack Light! You do not need to over pack for this trip!
Thanks to the Pacific Ocean's Japanese current that flows near our shores, Sitka enjoys a moderate climate year-round. Summer temperatures reach an average high of 57-68 degrees and an average low of 46-55 degrees Fahrenheit. That means sweaters and sweatshirts are in order along with a light jacket for the evenings. A couple of pairs of jeans should be all you need. We have rain gear and boots for the boats, so there's no need to purchase anything for your trip.
There's no need to bring your fishing tackle. We'll provide everything for you. If there's one item of equipment you'll want to be sure to bring, however, it's a camera. You'll want to capture this amazing experience on film to share with family, friends, and colleagues back home.
And don't forget your sunglasses ... You'll enjoy more daylight in the summer months in Alaska than you're accustomed to, with the amount of daylight in July averaging 18.5 hours per day.
Lounging in the Lodge and in your guest accommodations is much more enjoyable when you are wearing a comfortable pair of comfortable indoor shoes or slippers.
As you begin to prepare for your trip – please keep the following Arrival and Departure information in mind.
Boat Transportation Schedule To-and-From Talon Lodge:
Arrival Day:
Arrival Day Boat Transportation Schedule: Two Scheduled Departure times from Eliason Harbor to Talon Lodge – 3:30PM & 4:00PM. You will be told prior to arrival where and when to meet for your transport out to the lodge.
Please note – we are unable to provide transportation to the island after 4:00pm. Please see information below on Hotels & discounted rates if you expect to be arriving after 4:00pm.
Arrival Day Agenda:
3:30/4:00pm – Boat departure from Eliason Harbor to Talon Lodge
5:00pm – Welcome Reception and Check-in
6:00pm – Introduction to Talon Lodge and the Talon Team, Questions and Answers
6:30pm – Dinner is served
A Talon Lodge representative will greet you at the Sitka Airport on the arrival day of your package. Please make sure that you arrive prior to 3:30pm. Boat transportation to Talon Lodge departs the dock at 4pm on your package arrival day. For the mid-morning and early-afternoon flights, we will transport you and your group to Sitka and allow you to independently sightsee this beautiful seaside town prior to arriving at our private island.
If you are arriving a day early, we will arrange to pick up your luggage on your scheduled arrival day (from your hotel) and will schedule a pickup location (downtown Sitka) at around 3:30pm. You will then be transported to the Harbor to be greeted by one of our captains.
The official check-in and welcome event will take place at 5:00pm at the Beach Bar, where a Talon Lodge chef will be serving custom appetizers. All the required check-in forms will be completed at this time. At approximately 6:00pm, you will be formally introduced to the Talon Lodge Team, our island, amenities, services and activities. This is a wonderful time for questions and answers and interacting with our team. Your first gourmet dinner will be served at approximately 6:30pm.
Departure Day:
Departure Day Boat Transportation Schedule: Two Scheduled Departure Times from Talon Lodge to Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport – 7:30AM and 9:00AM
Please note – we are unable to provide transportation into Sitka prior to 7:30AM. If your flight options do not fall within this transportation schedule, please plan to stay in Sitka, on your departure day, and depart the following day. See information below on Hotels & discounted rates for your stay in Sitka.
Departure Day Agenda:
6:30am – 8:00am – Breakfast and Checkout
7:30am – First Boat Departure for Flight AS #68
9:00am – Second Boat Departure for all other flights and guests who are staying in Sitka
On the morning of your package departure, breakfast will be served, and you will have an opportunity to checkout at a leisurely pace. Talon Lodge provides boat and van transportation from our island to Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport through two morning departure times, 7:30am and 9:00am. You will be scheduled for one of these departure times based on your flight schedule. If you plan to spend more time in Sitka after your stay with Talon Lodge, we will coordinate your drop off in Sitka.
Preferred Flights
Arrivals
Alaska Airlines #63 arriving into Sitka between 12:15PM and 1:00PM
Departures
Alaska Airlines #62 departs Sitka between 10:45AM and 11:15AM
Alaska Airlines #58 departs Sitka between 12:30PM and 1:30PM
Delta Airlines flies into Sitka, however, they do not have a flight schedule that falls within our pick-up window. If Delta Airlines is the preferred airlines, please plan to stay in Sitka the night before arrival to Talon Lodge or the night after departing Talon Lodge.
Talon Lodge is a remote, private island resort. Because of our location, there are weather, safety and logistical considerations that dictate our boat transportation schedule. Please take this into consideration when booking your flights.
Recommended Accommodations:
All accommodations are located in downtown Sitka. Guests of Talon Lodge will receive a discount on their nightly rate at the hotels listed below. In order to receive this discount, you must call the hotel directly and inform the reservationist upon booking that you are “fishing with Talon Lodge.” This will guarantee you the discounted nightly rate we have set up with these hotels.
Westmark Hotel
Aspen Suites Hotel
Sitka Hotel
Totem Square Inn
Super 8
Adventure Activities:
Wondering what to do with your extra day in Sitka? Book an excursion through Talon Lodge! We offer ATV Tours, Saltwater fishing, Freshwater fishing and guided hikes on our transition days.
If you are planning to arrive a day early or stay a day late, we can accommodate a variety of excursions on your arrival and/or departure days. Please reach out to us to discuss rates and availability and book your extra day(s) of adventure!
Please don’t hesitate to call Guest Services at 1-800-536-1864 with any questions pertaining to your trip or booking flights.
Visit the Alaska Department of Fish & Game web site and purchase your license on-line. The direct link for this method is: https://www.admin.adfg.state.ak.us/buyonline.
Upon the completion of your purchase, you will be able to upload the PDF to your Talon Lodge Guest Profile.
Once you arrive at the lodge, our captains will be there to discuss and plan your fishing adventure. You'll want to get a good night's sleep that night because one of our fishing boats, well-stocked with tackle, bait, lures, rain gear and a custom lunch, will be waiting and ready for you bright and early the next morning. With the aid of one of our expert guides, you'll fish from around 7:00 a.m. to around 4:00 p.m. each day out on the waters of Sitka Sound. Prepare yourself to enjoy some of the best fishing of your life with catches ranging from prize King Salmon to Halibut that can tip the scales at 100 lbs. or more.
When you return from a full day of excellent fishing, you'll be welcomed back to the Lodge with a mouth-watering dinner prepared by our gourmet chef. Just make sure you leave room for dessert. After that, you can just kick back and relax and trade the best stories of the day, or get the guys together for an impromptu poker game. The Lodge is also equipped with Wireless Internet access for your convenience.
Our fabulous beachside bar is well-stocked and provides for premium spirits and Alaskan Draft Beer. We have a nice selection of Single Malt Scotch and a 3000 bottle wine list that is designed to accompany your gourmet meals. Wines have been selected by our Executive Chef and pairings will be presented prior to the evening meal. Alcohol is not included in your package and your alcoholic beverage purchases are paid for at the end of your stay.
There is nothing quite like our massage center experience in all of Alaska - if not the entire Pacific Northwest!
Water lapping beneath you. Eagles calling above you. The warmth and crackling of a wood fire by your side. Now, add the experienced touch of a certified massage therapist and you have the Talon Lodge massage experience.
At your request, we'll be glad to arrange for your fish to be professionally processed, flash-frozen and boxed for the trip back home. You may also want to purchase a hat, shirt or sweatshirt monogrammed with the Talon Lodge logo as a reminder of your incredible Alaskan adventure...or better yet to remind you to return again soon.
Our guest relations team will be reviewing your profile form and make sure that all of your requests are taken care of prior to your visit. Based on your information and special excursions you request, you may be receiving a call from someone on our team to confirm your itinerary. You can also call us at any time at 1-800-536-1864.
Planning an Alaskan fishing adventure is certainly exciting, but NOTHING can compare to experiencing the real thing. We're looking forward to welcoming you to Talon Lodge.
Here is a list of items that we suggest you bring on this trip:
For Fishing:
For Evening:
Other Items:
What NOT to pack:
Let the adventure begin!