Aleutian Island Chain, Alaska
Hoodoo Lodge — August 22–29, 2026
Submitted by Matt McClure
Eight members of the FATC brotherhood—Brian Ellis, Jim Craig, Sterling Short, Steve Darr, Bob Hassett, Ken Welter, Glenn Haake, and Matt McClure—traveled to the remote Aleutian Island Chain of Alaska for a week of fly fishing at Hoodoo Lodge.
Our primary targets were Silver, Chum, and Sockeye Salmon on the legendary Hoodoo (Sapsuk) River. The river was running a little lower than normal, but the water was clear and in excellent shape. The fishing was more challenging than our trip the previous year, largely because the Silver Salmon run was running late and was just beginning to arrive from the ocean.
Even with the tougher conditions, everyone in the group caught plenty of fish and experienced more than their share of memorable battles with hard-fighting Alaska salmon.
Most of the group fished 8-weight switch and two-handed Spey rods, while a few anglers opted for conventional 8-weight single-handed rods. Our primary technique was swinging salmon streamers, with Bunny Leeches, Starlight Leeches, and a variety of other size 2–4 salmon patterns accounting for many of our fish.
We landed a good number of quality salmon throughout the week. The Silver Salmon, in particular, delivered the powerful runs and hard-fighting battles that make this fishery so special. One of the highlights of the trip was the large steelhead Jim caught. It definitely had the guides buzzing with excitement!
Much of our success was due to the outstanding Hoodoo Lodge guides. They consistently put us in position to catch fish and did an exceptional job handling and netting these incredibly strong salmon. Their knowledge of the river and dedication to our group made a big difference.
But, as with every FATC trip, the fishing was only part of the experience.
Spending a week with fellow FATC brothers in such a remote and pristine corner of Alaska was truly special. The landscape surrounding Hoodoo Lodge was spectacular, and it was impossible not to be humbled by the scale and beauty of God’s creation. Untouched wilderness, abundant wildlife, and powerful wild salmon combined to make every day on the river an adventure.
The accommodations, meals, service, and location at Hoodoo Lodge were phenomenal. After a long day on the river, there was nothing better than returning to a comfortable lodge, enjoying a great meal, and sitting around swapping stories about the day’s fishing.
Another unique highlight of this year’s trip was sharing Hoodoo Lodge with several notable celebrities who happened to be there at the same time. We had the unusual opportunity to share the river with them and spend time together throughout the week. See the pictures in this report. It added another interesting dimension to an already memorable Alaska adventure and provided plenty of stories that will undoubtedly be talked about for years to come.
Overall, the 2026 Hoodoo Lodge trip was another outstanding FATC adventure. While the Silver run was late and the fishing was tougher than the previous year, the group still enjoyed plenty of success. More importantly, eight friends had the opportunity to spend a week together in one of the most remote and spectacular places imaginable, chasing wild Alaska salmon with a fly rod.
Great fishing. Great guides. Great food. Incredible scenery. And, most importantly, great friends.
It doesn’t get much better than that.
