Lorenzo L.
Google
I want to start by saying Kent is a wonderful owner, and his team at Glacier Bear Lodge is just as great. From the moment we arrived, the staff treated us with genuine care, and you could tell they really enjoy making the experience special. Many of the food recommendations came from Kent himself, and they didn’t disappoint. I also have to say the good luck he seemed to bring us out at sea made the trip that much better.
The meals at the lodge were excellent. The chef was consistently on point, and I’d highly recommend the chicken fried steak, halibut tacos, ribeye, and wings. The daily specials board is also worth checking every evening — you can’t go wrong with anything on it. Desserts that stood out for me were the raspberry cheesecake, chocolate cake, and carrot cake. Most meals are included with your stay, though you can also try the “catch of the day,” where the chef prepares what you bring in from the water. That was a memorable touch.
On our sea days, we had Chuck and Gene as guides. Both had different fishing styles, but each knew their craft well. Their energy and choice of spots gave us plenty of action, and we were able to catch fish quickly. If you’re new to ocean fishing, just be ready to “get jiggy,” but if you’re comfortable casting a line, you’ll fit right in. I’d recommend asking questions along the way — the more you engage, the better your experience will be. We targeted halibut and salmon, but we also caught black rockfish, yelloweye, lingcod, and king salmon, which made the days exciting and full of variety.
On the river, we had Mike, Ashton, and Weston as guides. They met with us the evening before each trip to go over expectations and logistics, which was very helpful. River fishing was more technical than I expected, but it made it rewarding. I learned a lot from each of them, and the days were full of laughs, bald eagle sightings, and steady catches. It was a nice balance between the intensity of sea days and the slower pace of river fishing. Our trip schedule worked out perfectly: sea, river, river, and finishing with sea.
The vibe at the lodge itself is S-tier — friendly, relaxed, and supportive. The staff makes sure you have what you need, and they even provide gear if you don’t have your own. One small tip: plan your flights to Yakutat with the lodge in mind. We caught the last flight in, which gave the staff time to turn rooms over for us. On the way out, we took the 11 a.m. flight with a stop in Cordova before Anchorage. Make sure to get a window seat if you can — the views of glaciers and snowcapped peaks are incredible.
Overall, I can’t recommend Glacier Bear Lodge enough. Between the staff, the guides, the food, and the fishing, it’s a top-tier experience. I look forward to going back.
