Bob Bonney of Strawberry, AZ fishing Karta Lake.
Where is the Karta Wilderness?
The Karta Wilderness is part of the Tongass National Forest, and is a protected area located at the head of Kasaan Bay, approximately four miles by water from The Karta Lodge, on the southeast side of Prince of Wales Island approximately 30 miles west of Ketchikan.
The Karta River offers superb opportunities for rainbow, cutthroat and Dolly Varden. You will catch Steelhead, Sockeye, Pink and Silver Salmon in season. For the energetic sportsmen, there are several lakes accessible via trails along the river which offer additional opportunities. Transportation to the Karta River will be via a sturdy 16' Lund, powered by a 25 hp Honda outboard.
The Thorne River, Harris River and Klawock River are all accessible to our guests in the event inclement weather precludes access to the Karta River.
We do not offer freshwater guide services as the Karta River is off-limits to guiding, but, unguided doesn't imply unsuccessful. With a bit of advice, a little know-how and an adventurous spirit, it won't take you long to get into the fish. We'll recommend some popular and productive fly patterns for the long rod fishermen, while a selection of Mepps, Blue Fox and other brands of spinners are requisite for spin fishermen. (Don't hesitate to throw in a couple packages of Mr. Twister jig tails in assorted colors also - the spinning tail action drives salmon NUTS!!!
Bring your camera. You’ll want to record your successes, whether they be a nice catch for the freezer, a trophy for the wall, or the one sent back for next time. Remember, a photo will last much longer than a fillet.
Fly-fishing for Silver Salmon on the Karta River.
Brent Sohngen of Columbus, OH displays a 6 lb. Silver Salmon caught in the Karta River.
Saltwater Fishing on Kasaan Bay
Humans aren't the only fishermen on Kasaan Bay as this Bald Eagle with a freshly caught Sockeye attests (center). An 80 lb. halibut (top) and a pot full of Dungeness Crab (bottom) round out a spectacular week of fishing for the Bonneys; Bob, Hank, Rob and Bill.
Brannigan Buck (3 years old), shows off his pearly whites and his first Coho.
The Karta Lodge offers complete charter service.
Captain Skip Escoffon of Kasaan will be providing charter services for The Karta Lodge. A year-round resident of Kasaan, Capt. Skip has retired from commercial salmon fishing for twenty plus years and has turned to sportfishing charters to fulfill his passion for being on the water. To better provide for personal attention and comfort, fishing charters are limited to two persons per day.
Besides offering fishing charters for salmon, halibut and bottom fish, Capt. Skip is also available for sightseeing charters, wildlife tours, whale watching, photography and just plain fun. Non-fishing charters are limited to three persons per day.
For those of you who want to chase saltwater fish on your own, your unguided package includes the use of a sturdy 16’ Monark or Spectrum fishing boat, outfitted with tackle, swivel seats, downriggers, fishfinder and Mercury outboard. We provide bait and fuel each day. All skiffs are outfitted with personal floatation devices, hand-held radio, first aid kit and local charts.
We'll point you in the right direction and show you how to do the deed. The final result is up to your skill and a bit of luck.
NOTE: Management makes no guarantees, express or implied, regarding the results of your fishing endeavors. Boating and fishing experience are highly recommended.
Fishing licenses are required for freshwater and saltwater fishing. Your package price includes your non-resident fishing license, but does not include King Salmon or Steelhead stamps, both of which may be purchased at the lodge.
ADF&G offers regional information on run timing:
Freshwater Run Timing
Saltwater Run Timing
To make sure you know what is running before you depart for The Karta Lodge, avail yourself of a few additional resources for the most current information. A simple telephone call or two can help you anticipate what will be tugging on the end of the line when you get here, and what they'll be hitting. The following telephone numbers will put you in touch with folks in the know:
ADF&G Sportfishing recorded info line, southeast, AK
(907) 225-0475
The Thorn Bay Company, Thorne Bay, AK
(907) 828-3330
Log Cabin Sporting Goods, Craig, AK
(907) 826-2205
There are several forums available to web surfers which can provide valuable information also. Post your queries and find responses at:
http://www.akflyfishers.org/forum/index.html
In addition to the fishing activities listed above, there are other things to see and do in the area. The town of Kasaan hosts a beautiful totem park where you may walk among the totem poles and absorb a little native lore. Or use the skiff for an afternoon of beachcombing. There's no telling what you might find among the rocks of the beaches.
Furry neighbor on the beach
Bring your camera with you as you're very likely to be treated to the sight of Humpback Whales, Orcas, Porpoise and Deer and Black Bear.
Hunting
The Karta Lodge is also available for hunters. Check ADF&G regulations for licensing requirements, season dates and bag limits. There are abundant Sitka Black-tail Deer and Black Bear on the island for hunters.
We DO NOT provide guide or transportation services to hunters. All hunting activities are strictly the responsibility of the hunters with the exception of accommodations, meals and boat rentals. We ARE NOT hunting outfitters, guides or transporters, so we are not allowed to participate in your hunting activities.
Hunting licenses are NOT included in package prices and must be purchased separately.
For hunting season reservations later than September 15 we require 90 days prior reservations and payment and 5 night minimum stay for room rentals. The lodge will not be available past the end of the month of September.
Ronnie Kilgore of Sandy, UT took this trophy Black Bear measuring 19 7/8" in June 2003.
You might also be treated to a wildlife scene such as this. Sitka Black-tail deer are abundant on the island, so your chances of finding a photo like this are good.
Black bears, bald eagles, otters, porpoise, seals and sea lions are among the many other species you may encounter at and around the lodge.
Local landscape scenery viewed from trailside or from a skiff on the water will take your breath away. There's no telling what you might find to put in your photo album.
At The Karta Lodge, you can spend your time doing more than fishing!!!