Fishing

Of course! We are located in the heart of World Famous Bristol Bay Fishery. Battle River Wilderness Retreat is literally surrounded by trophy fishing waters! While we have limited fishing for Lake Trout, Arctic Grayling and Rainbow Trout in the immediate camp environment, we offer fully guided floats down one of Alaska’s most productive sportfishing rivers. You will have the opportunity to catch King Salmon up to 50 lbs., as well as Arctic Char, Northern Pike, Arctic Grayling, Rainbow Trout and all four other species of Pacific Salmon—there’s no other place like it in the world. Of course, we do most of the work, and you just fish!

“Looking into the crystal-clear water of Battle River, you see the reason for this place and this time: bright red Sockeye Salmon, lots of them. This is one of the destinations, one of the spawning grounds for the salmon, this is the time of year when they arrive here.”

Hiking
With over twelve different Katmai hikes to places like Cathedral Dome, Beaver Marsh, Pfaff Gold Claim and Pirate Lake, Battle River Wilderness Retreat is a hiker’s delight! Not only will you experience Katmai’s beautiful alpine landscape, you’re apt to glimpse Alaska’s greatest natural resource—its wildlife!

Boating
Spectacular Battle Lake and River are right at your doorstep—and what better way to explore this glacial carved drainage than by inflatable jet boat! You might even pull a “Big Ole Lake Trout” from his secluded hole if you’re so inclined. Let’s explore Battle River—searching its nooks and crannies for the elusive River Otter, or Narrow Cove at twilight to hear the wail of the Arctic Loon. Our boats, motors and gear are of the finest quality —our guides are too!

“The hospitality, friendliness and skill of the guides/boatmen/cooks could not have been better.”

Photography
Many of our guests come to Battle River wilderness for the sole purpose of photographing the magnificent scenery and wildlife. Just look at the pictures on this website—they are our attempt to capture the special nature of the place. Whether it be a float trip down the Battle River to photograph brown bears or a low level “bush “ flight to Katmai’s historical Valley of 10,000 Smokes to capture the devastation of the Novarupta Volcano, we will do our darnedest to make your picture album the best.

Optional Flyout Trips
In addition to the numerous activities available at Battle, we offer optional flyout trips at charter cost! Popular trips include a flight over the Valley of 10,000 Smokes, a flight to view various wildlife areas, or a flight to the Brooks River for fishing. These trips may be arranged in advance or after you have arrived based upon air taxi availability.