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September 15–21, 2025 | Clam Gulch Lodge, Alaska


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Hi friends—Carolyn here! It’s been a little while since we’ve posted on the blog, but I’m so excited to break the silence with something special. I’m reaching out with a heartfelt invitation to our first-ever Women’s Steelhead Fly Fishing Trip—a week full of adventure, laughter, wild fish, and the kind of memories you carry forever.


Whether you’re already part of our Lakeview family or just getting to know us, I hope this blog feels like a little love letter from Alaska—because that’s what this trip is too.



Ready to fish, connect, and recharge in one of the most breathtaking places on earth?


Join us this fall for a one-of-a-kind women’s steelhead fly fishing retreat on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula. Whether you’re an experienced angler or brand new to the sport, this trip is built to inspire confidence, build community, and offer the thrill of wild steelhead fishing in pristine waters.



What Is the Steelhead Sirens Trip?


Steelhead Sirens is a 6-day, 5-night guided women’s fly fishing experience hosted by Alaska Swing Guides and based out of the stunning Clam Gulch Lodge.

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This isn’t your average fishing package—it’s a celebration of skill-building, empowerment, laughter, and wild Alaskan adventure. From Spey casting lessons to bonfires and wine tastings, it’s an immersive and joyful introduction to the world of steelhead fishing.


Why It’s Perfect for Women New to Fly Fishing

(or Longtime Lovers of It)

Phil Hilbruner (owner of Lakeview Outfitters) & Pam Rogers (Clam Gulch Lodge host)
Phil Hilbruner (owner of Lakeview Outfitters) & Pam Rogers (Clam Gulch Lodge host)

This retreat was born out of a vision: to make fly fishing more accessible to women, and to create a warm, adventurous, low-pressure space to try something new—or deepen a lifelong passion.


During a 2024 trip, I (Carolyn) caught my very first steelhead on a Spey rod—and let me tell you, once you get the feel, you’re hooked! It’s exhilarating, and even better when you’re surrounded by great people, wild fish, and the epic backdrop of Alaska.



We’re keeping the price intentionally low because this is our first all-women’s trip, and we want it to feel approachable. Consider it a soft opening with friends, and an opportunity to help shape the future of something really special.



What’s Included in the 2025 Package

6 days / 5 nights at Clam Gulch Lodge (meals + accommodations included)

3 days of guided steelhead fishing (catch and release)

1 day ocean charter fishing (Halibut, Chinook, Rockfish – take home your catch!)

Fishing gear provided (waders, rods, flies, etc.)

Yoga class with Carolyn

A Wine Tasting evening event

Fly tying lessons (all supplies included—you keep your flies!)

Shuttle service to/from Kenai Airport

Custom meals with dietary accommodations available (gluten-free, dairy-free, etc.)





Total Cost: $3,500 USD

(3% tax + guide gratuities)


Itinerary: A Week in the Wild


Day 1 – Monday, Sept 15

• Arrive via Kenai Airport (cheap hourly flights via Grant Aviation from Anchorage)

• Wine tasting & group introductions

• Gear check + fishing licenses


Days 2–4 – Sept 16–18

• 3 epic days of guided steelhead fly fishing

• River-side lunches, dinner at the lodge

• Evening fly tying, yoga with Carolyn, bonfires, games


Day 5 – Friday, Sept 19

• Ocean fishing trip out of Homer with Janine

• Halibut, Chinook, Rockfish (catch and keep!)

• Fish processing at the dock (optional fee)

• Visit to the legendary Salty Dog Saloon 🍻 (drinks not included)


Day 6 – Saturday, Sept 20

• Final breakfast together

• Return flights from Kenai Airport

Optional: Stay longer and explore more of Alaska with Carolyn—September is stunning here!


Not Included in the Package

  • Airfare to Anchorage + Kenai (currently ~$565 + $150 RT via Grant Aviation)

  • Alaska Fishing License ($45/week)

  • Alcohol (we’ll stop at the liquor store on arrival!)

  • Fish processing fees (optional)

  • Guide gratuities



The Vision Behind It All

At its heart, Steelhead Sirens is more than a fishing trip. It’s about empowering women in the outdoors, offering a supportive space to learn new skills, and creating lasting memories on the water.

Whether you come solo or bring a friend, you’ll leave with more than fish stories—you’ll leave with confidence, clarity, and a renewed sense of adventure.


Out on the river!
Out on the river!

FAQs

Do I need fly fishing experience to come?

Not at all! This trip is perfect for beginners—we’ll walk you through everything from casting to fish handling.


Can I bring my own gear?

Yes! We provide everything you’ll need, but if you have your own rods, waders, or favorite flies, feel free to bring them.


What’s the group size?

We’re keeping it intimate—just 8 women total. Spots are filling quickly!


What if I have dietary restrictions?

No problem—we can accommodate gluten-free, dairy-free, and other needs with advance notice.



Ready to Join Us? Here’s How:


We’ve already got 4 women signed on, and we’d love to hold a spot for you.

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Have questions?

Want to refer a friend?

Reach out directly to me—I'd love to hear from you:



Carolyn Knapper

Lakeview Outfitters Shop Manager

Alaska Swing Guides Lodge Host

📞 907.280.8524





Whether you're a seasoned angler or just curious about stepping into the river for the first time, this trip is for you. Let’s make 2025 unforgettable!




 
 
 
  • Writer: Travis Dawson
    Travis Dawson
  • Aug 12, 2019
  • 1 min read

Last year the boys from APBassing floated the Upper Kenai with TJ and Lakeview Outfitters. Rainbows and Dolly's were plentiful, even for bass fishermen!

 
 
 
  • Writer: Travis Dawson
    Travis Dawson
  • Jul 22, 2018
  • 2 min read

Updated: Aug 12, 2019

By Phil Hilbruner


As fly fisherman, we are extremely fortunate to be based in Alaska with our free flowing wild rivers teeming with salmon, steelhead, trout, char, grayling and more. Alaska, with Cooper Landing in particular, provides a truly amazing setting to pursue these fish in a land with epic scenery and wildlife. There are certainly enough angling opportunities in Alaska to satisfy a lifetime of fly fishing. That said, the majority of fly fishing opportunities are limited to a short season. True, you can find places to wet a line in the winter, and we do, but it is human nature to be curious... what else might be out there?


This curiosity led me to start thinking about fishing in Patagonia a long time ago. It seemed like a distant dream at first, traveling to the other side of the world with nothing but a backpack and a couple fly rods. I was particularly attracted to the idea of a year round summer! When it gets cold and bitter outside in Alaska, the summer in Patagonia is in full swing. The dream continued to grow, until this past winter I decided I’d dreamt enough, it was time to head down there and satisfy my curiosity.


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What I found was a distinct but equally beautiful setting in the Lakes Region of Patagonian Chile. Imagine yourself comfortably wet wading a freestone trout stream in February. Fishing resident and sea-run browns gobbling up big streamers, rainbows sipping dries, big white water between runs, great people to fish with, low angling pressure, the list goes on and on. One of the highlights was fishing 27 kilometres of river, connected to the road system without seeing a single other boat or angler!




Angling in a different ecosystem is an incredibly insightful experience. While there are some of the same aquatic insects that we find in Alaska, there are also food sources unique to the area, such as the Pancora Crab, which makes up a huge part of the food chain. I had a lot of fun playing around with new fly patterns and ideas to imitate Patagonian trout food.



Patagonia has everything a trout angler could hope to find. When you take in the whole experience of great fishing opportunities, excellent food and wine, warm hearted Chilean hosts, the sum is truly greater than its parts. I’ll be going back as soon as I can, and I can hardly wait.

What are you waiting for?


If you are thinking about traveling to Patagonia, get in touch with us at Lakeview Outfitters. We’d be happy to answer any questions you might have, and can set you up with some great guides while you’re there.

 
 
 
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