Page - FAQs
FAQS
Are there any physical or mobility issues I should know about?
Fly in wilderness trips in Alaska and elsewhere in this world do require some physical capabilities and may have weight restrictions. Most small aircraft used in Alaska were built in the 50’s, 60’s, and 70s, when the average weight of passengers were calculated out at 170 lbs.
Talaheim Lodge will work with heavy people as long as they are mobile. Climbing in and out of aircraft, in and out of boats, rafts, and slowly wading down small streams are some of our physical requirements. In the early morning we may drop you off with a guide and depending on the river, with a raft, and we’ll pick you up in the late afternoon somewhere down river. We can work around your physical abilities, but this may mean you’ll have less available spots and not fishing waters that may require more physical requirements.
If you are very heavy or not able to safely and comfortably walk a river bed for several hours, Talaheim Lodge may not be the best destination for your Alaskan trip.
“What will the weather be like?” Expect anything.
June, July and early August are Alaska’s prime summer season. The weather can be very warm, in the 70’s or 80’s Fahrenheit, or it can be rainy and in the mid 50’s. Either way, expect mid 50’s in the morning and hope for warmer temperatures throughout the day. It’s always best to pack a few light weight versatile layers.
The midnight sun does indeed shine at Talaheim’s Alaska Fishing Lodge. During June and July, expect a full 20 hours of daylight. But by the 10th of August, Alaska’s fall arrives and we’ll start losing daylight. During this timeframe, our temperatures can drop to the 30’s in the early mornings, warming to the low 70’s throughout the day. August and September are known to be rainy. If rain occurs, expect temperatures in the 40’s throughout the day.
“Will there be lots of bugs?” Why of course.
What would an Alaska fishing adventure be without bugs? Our mosquito’s arrive in mid-June and thrive through July, unless the weather heats up. Most of our fishing is done in open areas, so if the weather is warm, the bugs won’t be a problem. However, if it’s overcast or wet, expect bugs. By August our mosquitoes are gone–just in time for the arrival of our no-see-ums! So either way, expect bugs.
If you don’t like flying insects, Cabela’s sells a great variety of bug headnets; or just bring a can of mosquito spray and you should be fine.
Also, here’s a pro-tip: mosquitos are attracted to the color black!
“Is there a dress code for dinner?” No way.
Attire at Talaheim’s Alaska Fishing Lodge is always casual. Because baggage space is limited, we suggest planning for layers and only bringing three complete changes of clothing, with daily changes of the necessities. Polypro or wool socks are great as they dry quickly.
Tennis shoes are best to wear around the lodge when it’s dry outside, but if it’s rainy we suggest XTRATUF boots or something similar.
If you’re interested in heli-hiking the local mountain range, we suggest bringing light weight hiking boots which can also be worn around the Talaheim grounds.
“Is there a dress code for the stream?” Well, sort of!
Fishing guides hate when guests wear white hats and fluorescent clothing. A bobbing white head scares the hell out of the trout! But fishing guides love clients who show up wearing black. Because mosquitoes love black! So they hone in on the client and leave the guide alone! HA! Kidding…
Much like you try to match the hatch, try to match your surroundings. So in our case that’s greens, tans, and blues.
"Can I bring my hard case Louis Vuitton bag?" Please don't.
Pack in soft duffel bags rather than your standard hard suitcases with wheels, as they stuff better into small aircraft cargo areas. However, we’d prefer two small duffel bags rather than one large “body bag” duffle. Sixty pounds of equipment and clothing per person is normal.
"If I get motion sickness in airplanes, will I get sick in helicopters?" Chances are, no.
Many clients who thought they might have a problem with motion sickness or vertigo while in the helicopter report no issues. In fact, 9 out of 10 times guests report no ill effects likely because visibility is so good and the ride is very smooth.
"Can you drive to Talaheim?" Nope.
We’re located eighty miles west of Anchorage and a short 45 minute bush plane flight away, but we’re 45 miles from the nearest roadway. The only way in and out is by bush plane or helicopter. Or you can get dropped at Judd Lake and float the river for 5 days – then you’ll find us. Nestled in the valley of the Beluga Mountains, with a view of the Alaska Range and Mount McKinley, Talaheim is located midway on the Talachulitna River.
"I don't like salmon and I have a lot of food allergies. Is that going to be a problem?" No, our chef loves a challenge!
With enough prior notice, we can accommodate every type of dietary restriction. Our grocery order is delivered every Saturday by bush plane in preparation for Sunday’s new anglers. So that means all requests need to occur prior to your arrival.
Fresh salmon is served at least once a week, but if you don’t care for it that’s not a problem. Just make sure to tell our chef upon arrival so we can prepare an equally amazing substitute.
"Will my cell phone work at Talaheim, how about the Internet?" Well, it's complicated.
We do offer WiFi at the Main Lodge but we suggest you be prepared to only answer emails. The signal is often not sufficient enough to download anything, or post pictures on social media. It’s definitely not adequate enough to stream movies.
In terms of phone, most smart phones will work once WiFi calling is enabled.
"My legs are not what they used to be, am I going to have a problem?" No worries, we've got you covered!
If your legs are not what they used to be, don’t worry. While you’re at Talaheim, Josh or Nellie will happily pick you up in our side by side and be your personal escort through out the week. And while you’re stream-side we have portable rafts that you can use, as well as chairs.
"How often does weather impact fishing days?" Rarely!
Helicopters can fly in most everything except fog. If its foggy, it rarely lasts all day. Usually it lifts by 10:00 or 11:00 am. So in that case we often take guests out by jet boat and when the fog lifts, we take them out by helicopter.
We have quite the system to make sure guests spend ample time in our waters. Typically guests who are going the closest go out in the helicopter first and come home first. Guests going next furthest go out second, come home second. Thus everybody gets same amount of fishing time, around 7 to 8 hours.
ANY QUESTIONS? JUST ASK THE CREW!
