Chrome Chasers Lodge

Steelhead Fishing at Chrome Chasers

Southeast Alaska's spring steelhead runs offer some of the most exciting fly fishing on the planet. These powerful fish enter the rivers chrome-bright and aggressive, providing explosive takes on nymphs and dramatic grabs on swung streamers.

The Water
With access to 13 different streams around Wrangell Island, your guide will select the best water based on conditions, run timing, and angler preference. These are pristine, roadless rivers accessible only by boat; classic Alaskan wilderness steelhead water.

The Fishing
You'll primarily sight-fish with nymphs and swing streamers. The water clarity allows for visual fishing, watching fish move to your fly. Steelheads average 8-15 pounds. These are wild, sea-run fish at peak strength.

Target Species

Steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Wild, sea-run rainbow trout that have spent 2-3 years in the Pacific Ocean before returning to freshwater. Chrome Chasers targets spring-run steelhead in April as they enter rivers around Wrangell Island.

• Size: Average 8-15 pounds, with fish up to 20+ pounds
• Appearance: Bright chrome silver with pink lateral stripe
• Behavior: Aggressive takes on nymphs and swung flies; powerful runs and aerial displays
• Techniques: Sight nymphing and swinging streamers/intruders

Bonus Harvest Species

Dungeness Crab – Trap-caught during the week, prepared fresh at the lodge, with surplus frozen for travel home

Spot Prawns – Sweet Alaskan shrimp harvested from pots set throughout the week

Salmon – Depending on timing, salmon may be available for harvest and processing

Chrome Chasers Lodge

Perched on a hilltop with panoramic wilderness views, Chrome Chasers Lodge offers comfortable accommodations in the Alaskan frontier. The lodge features a wrap-around porch perfect for spotting wildlife and enjoying the midnight sun.

Guest Rooms
Five bedrooms accommodate up to 9 guests:

• Four guest bedrooms with queen beds
• One guest bedroom with queen bed plus twin bed
• One master bedroom
• 2 full bathrooms plus 1 half bathroom
• All rooms with wilderness views

Common Areas
The lodge's great room and dining area provide space for gear prep, fly tying, and evening gatherings. The kitchen is where lodge chefs prepare exceptional Alaskan seafood dinners each night.

Outdoor Amenities
The outdoor firepit becomes the evening gathering spot for telling stories, enjoying the Alaskan evening light, and planning the next day's fishing.

The Chrome Chaser BoatTransport to fishing locations is via the lodge's boat, the Chrome Chaser, which also serves for crabbing and shrimping expeditions.

Travel to Chrome Chasers Lodge

Airport
Wrangell Airport (WRG), Wrangell Island, Alaska

Airlines
Alaska Airlines is the only carrier serving Southeast Alaska. Two daily flights connect through either Ketchikan or Juneau.

Typical Routing from Seattle:

• Morning flight: Departs Seattle early, stops briefly in Ketchikan (passengers remain onboard), arrives Wrangell mid-morning
• Later flight: Departs Seattle after 7am, stops in Juneau for plane change, arrives Wrangell ~3:30pm

Arrival Day
You'll be met at Wrangell Airport by your guide Rick Matney and transferred to the lodge (10-minute drive). If you haven't purchased your Alaska fishing license, you'll make a quick trip into town. The afternoon includes setting crab and shrimp pots from the Chrome Chaser.

Departure DaySaturday morning includes packing your frozen seafood in insulated boxes for your flight home (you'll declare this at the airport). If you have an afternoon flight, there may be time for fishing near Wrangell before departure.

Weekly Itinerary

Sunday – Arrival Day

• Afternoon arrival at Wrangell Airport
• Meet your guide and transfer to lodge (10 minutes)
• Settle into your room
• Purchase Alaska fishing license in town (if needed)
• Evening boat trip to set crab and shrimp pots
• Welcome dinner at the lodge

Monday–Friday – Fishing Days

• 6:00am breakfast (lunch prepared before departure)
• Depart on Chrome Chaser to selected stream
• Full day of guided steelhead fishing (2 anglers per guide)
• Return to lodge
• Check crab/shrimp pots (harvest as available)
• 6:30-7:00pm dinner featuring fresh Alaskan seafood
• Evening at leisure (firepit, fly tying, storytelling)

Saturday – Departure Day

• Pack frozen seafood in insulated travel boxes
• Morning fishing near Wrangell (if flight schedule allows)
• Transfer to Wrangell Airport for departure flights

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