FAQ's and Additional Information

King Salmon Vector
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We encourage our guests to stay for a week. Besides the numerous fishing opportunities, there are many other activities and sights to explore. Please let Big Sky assist in arranging and planning your time with us. Our staff and guides stay on-site at Big Sky to continue to be a resource for you.

What to bring: 

  • Clothing? – Layers! We always recommend bringing clothing that is easy to layer. It can be cold in the early mornings but tends to warm up as the day goes on. You can start to peel away the layers as needed. Hats/caps, gloves, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also recommended.
  • Rain gear? – We recommend you bring your own rain gear but, if you don’t feel like packing those bulky items you can always borrow rain coats, pants, and boots from our boot shed.
  • Waders/Hip Boots? – Waders are not entirely necessary because you will be fishing from a boat. We have a limited supply of waders and hip boots in our boot shed so if you want to use them, we recommend you bring your own.
  • Fishing gear? – all fishing gear will be provided for you when you book a charter at Big Sky. We will also provide rods and tackle to fish from our shore. Unless there is something specific that you want to use there is no need to bring any fishing gear.
  • Bug Spray/Bear spray? – Yes, we have mosquitos! As for bear spray most airlines do not allow you to fly with it. We have cans here for you to borrow if needed.

Fish Processing:

  • If you booked any of the Big Sky Combo, Big Sky Deluxe, or Big Sky Elite packages there is 50lbs of processing included per group. After the first 50lbs you will pay $1.65/lb to fillet, vacuum seal, freeze and store your fish.
  • If you did not book one of our packages you will pay $1.65/lb for processing plus an additional fee for each box.
  • Big Sky does not ship fish directly from the lodge. The easiest way to bring your fish home is to check it as an extra piece of luggage on your flight home. If you need to ship please contact us for a list of local options.

Fishing Licenses:

  • We recommend you buy your fishing license online before you arrive: https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/Store/ Please pay attention to the dates that you request and bring a printed copy.
  • If you do not buy a license before you arrive we can sell you one at the lodge.

Gratuity:

  • Our guides and camp staff work very hard! Tips are never expected but always appreciated.
  • 15-20% gratuity is customary for all fishing charters. A 15% tip for a river seat is $40/person, and $60/person for an ocean seat. A 20% tip is $55 for a river seat and $80 for an ocean seat. Therefore, a typical tip can range from $40 - $80 per person per day. Please use your discretion and tip your guides accordingly. 

Check-In and Check-Out Policy 

  • Check-in time is any time after 12:00 pm on your scheduled day of arrival. Please keep in mind that you will most likely be fishing the next day so try to arrange your flights so you don’t get in too late. Your remaining balance is due at your time of arrival, everyone in your group will need to sign a waiver and get a fishing license if they haven’t done so already.
  • Check-out time is 11:00 am on your scheduled day of departure. Please communicate with staff to arrange your departure time and how you want your fish packaged so they can have it ready for you to leave on time. We usually do this the evening before you leave, you can settle up on any fish processing costs at that time.

Transportation and Meals

  • Big Sky does not provide any transportation or meals.
  • You will be responsible for renting a vehicle to get to and from the airport, and to all of your fishing charters. We will provide maps each day to your fishing location that include your guides contact information. 
  • Most guests fly into Anchorage, rent a car there, and then drive to Big Sky. Please keep in mind the drive from Anchorage is about 2.5 hours. 
  • Your cabin has a fully furnished kitchen so you can cook and prepare meals. 
  • There are grocery stores here in Sterling and Soldotna as well as many restaurants if you choose to eat out. 
  • Bring your own lunches and beverages to all your fishing charters and excursions. 

Credit Card Processing Fee 

  • Any purchases made by credit card are subject to a 2% processing fee. We also accept checks and cash payments. 

Disclaimer 

  • Due to sudden weather changes, State of Alaska Fish and Game regulations and Federal Halibut Commission rules, all fishing charters are subject to change. 
  • All reservations are subject to the relevant Kenai Peninsula Borough Taxes. 

Cancellation Policy 

  • If cancellation occurs prior to 90 days from the reservation, Big Sky will refund the full deposit OR roll the deposit over to the following year. 
  • If cancellation occurs within 90 days of the reservation the deposit is nonrefundable OR we will roll it over to the following year.