Anglers simply drift bead patterns behind the salmon to pick off big rainbows.

When sockeye salmon arrive, usually by the end of June, the rainbows focus on the eggs from those spawning fish. They average better than 20 inches long with real possibilities of 28- to 30-inch fish. These ‘bows also take salmon fry, either dead-drifted or twitched in the surface film. When they do, those monster rainbows will rise to mouse patterns along with serious caddis and mayfly hatches. Many of these fish reside in the lakes during winter, moving into the streams in late May and June. Variety is a draw here, but Bristol Bay’s fabled leopard rainbows are the most sought-after species. Fishing is never further than 15 yards away. Occasionally a bear or moose strolls through the grounds. The cabins are settled among tall green grass and beautiful birch and willows. The buildings are part of a concession within Katmai National Park and maintain a strongly historic feel. We also love the setting: Grosvenor consists of three rustic and cozy cabins with shared yet private bath facilities, plus a cookhouse and a main lodge. Guests can fish before breakfast and after dinner, often casting to lake trout that crash salmon fry on the surface. This operation also provides spectacular rainbow and lake trout fishing from a narrow spit of land dividing the two lakes. When other lodges’ planes are grounded by weather, Grosvenor guests get American to themselves.

It’s the only lodge located on either Grosvenor or Coville lakes, as well as the only operation with access by boat to the legendary American Creek.

Want your own your piece of Alaska for a week, with two gorgeous lakes and one of the most impressive trout streams on the planet in your backyard? If so, Grosvenor Lodge is the place to be.

Fishing planet white moose lake salmon