Talon Blog

Talon Lodge is now on Facebook and we encourage you to become a Fan.

Our facebook page is being updates on a regular basis with photos, videos and stories from our guests.  We are also posting our special events and our summer schedule, and posting this information on Facebook as well as on our blog.

You can become a fan by clicking this link Talon Lodge Facebook

Sonia Visser had the fishing day of a lifetime.  Check out this 38lb Alaska King.  More importantly, check out the smile!  Good job Sonia.

Phillip Frasch, his son Dominic and Daughter Tessa had a great time on the water and the Kings were biting.  Dominic took the prize today, with his 28LB King, but Tessa is determined to take the prize tomorrow.

We're always having fun at Talon Lodge!

When Nancy Ince decided to take her daughters, Nichole and Samantha, on a "Girls Trip" to Talon Lodge, she never imagined that fishing in Alaska would be this much fun!

While on their wild steelhead trip, yesterday, they took a float plane and had a birds-eye-view of the spectacular Tongass National Forest.

Once they got to the stream - steelhead were everywhere and they had the time of their lives as they hooked a lot and landed a few.  That's steelhead fishing!

On Sunday, May 17, 2009 a group of our guides and staff went out for some early Alaska King Salmon fishing.  What they caught was more than a King Salmon!

Mike Radwanski, our chief mechanic, took this series of photos from one of our fishing boats.  These shots are so spectacular that I just had to share them.

During our daily fishing trips, we cruise through the the heart of some of Alaska's best whale watching waters.  At Talon Lodge, you get a lot more that just great Alaska fishing!

Recently we attended our first sports trade shows in Long Beach and Del Mar.  While attending these shows I was able to review some of the other Alaska lodges and outfitters in Alaska and BC.  Some of what I reviewed astonished me.  Let me explain.

Alaska and BC are very difficult places to research and understand if you are planning a fishing trip or vacation.  There are hundreds of travel options with a host of facilities that call themselves “Alaska lodges”. 

On the internet they all show fish and show you photos of what you want to see.  The truth is, there are vast differences, but it’s hard to pull the truth out of what is being presented.

At the trade shows, I expected to see a more realistic view of what each lodge really offered and expected to see some examples of the truth.  Boy was I wrong!  Some of the booths and displays were elaborate and provided a complete distortion of the real physical offing and the service offering.  In fact, some of the booth displays were nicer than the actual facilities being sold. I found myself being embarrassed for the industry and feeling sorry for the consumer. 

There were some (very few) reputable companies who not only represented themselves correctly, but delivered a quality presentation while representing their lodge in a truthful manner.  One lodge in particular was Kingfisher Charters in Sitka.  Kingfisher is a fine operation and is one of the larger outfitters in the Sitka area.  Kingfisher’s booth presented exactly what Kingfisher offers – this is how it’s supposed to be.

Unfortunately, there were so many other Alaska fishing lodges that flat out misrepresented their offering and services.  And in the end, the visitor to these properties is the real loser.  Fortunately, Alaska by itself provides an experience of a lifetime.

There is a lot of satisfaction and pride that goes into sharing Talon Lodge with our guests.  There is also a lot of fun as well!

Each April, we put the finishing touches on our menu for the upcoming season.  This also entails the "tasting" of each menu item to ensure that the culinary standards of Talon Lodge are upheld.

I am pleased to report that after a net weight gain of about 3 pounds, we have pulled together another assortment of culinary delights to share with our guests. Highlighted by Lemon-and-olive-oil poached Alaska King Salmon with caviar lentils and a red wine syrup, and Seared Alaska Halibut with oven-dried tomato risotto and parmesan sauce, the 2009 menu is simply spectacular.

Now all we have to do is wait for May 23rd to share the menu with our guests.

There is something magical about Alaska!

I can't think of any other place on earth where there is so much majesty and so much wow...  There is so much beauty and nature is putting on a show almost everywhere you look.  We are fortunate to have this Alaska lodge so that we can experience these wonders first hand and share them with our guests.

Last week, our friend and Island caretaker, Tim Shobe took this photo on his way to Sitka from Talon Lodge.  During the herring spawn, each spring, the whales come in close to Sitka to feed.  The activity and wonder of it is spectacular. 

You just have to see it for yourself!

The Alaska King Salmon regulations for the 2009 season have been posted and there is some GREAT news!

The 2009 Alaska fishing regulations for King Salmon are similar to 2007 and provide for 1 King Salmon each day with a 3 King Salmon annual limit. 

This is great news based on the 2008 regulations which eliminated King Salmon fishing in the Sitka area as of July 15.  This is also great news because it means that the King Salmon return rate will be higher than 2008 which means that there will be more fish in the water!

This is the best news we have had all year!

When we re-visited the November 30, 2005 article in USA Today, we can't help but to be pleased to be selected as one of the few Luxury Lodges in Alaska.

There are a lot of Alaska Fishing Lodges, but we have spent years separating Talon Lodge from the rest of the pack.  In doing so, we took our spectacular private island location and created a true Alaska Resort with:  Gourmet Cuisine, Massage Services, 1-to-1 guest to staff ratio and services that can not be found anywhere else in Alaska.

I guess the writer from USA Today, agreed - Here is his take on Talon:

In the Alaskan wilderness, the Talon Lodge flies in renowned chefs — Hawaii's Sam Choy and Napa Valley's John Ash — to cook for guests at the small island resort in Sitka.

Owner Philip Younger, a former hotel marketing executive, bought the property in 2003. He renovated old existing lodge cabins for $1.5 million, added a spa and bought larger boats, two of which are catamarans. Packages run from $2,800 to $3,600 per person, per stay.

"You're going to see a lot more of these upscale environments," said Younger. "People love the spectacular settings."

It's nice to be recognized for your vision and hard work.

I thought that you might enjoy this ad that was produced by Cargill. 

One of the great things about Sitka is that it is one of the last true fishing villages left in the USA.  We are very fortunate to be able to share the wonders and beauty of Sitka with those who are looking for a great Alaska Fishing Lodge.

You can expect the unexpected when you stay at Talon Lodge.

When you stay at Talon Lodge, you know that you will have Great Alaska Fishing, Unmatched Gourmet Cuisine, Resort Services, Massage and Spa facilities and an unmatched Private Island Setting.

What you don't expect is what makes your stay at Talon Lodge so much fun!

Whale encounters, Shark stories, Sea Lion tug-of-war with "your" salmon, Brown Bears snooping in your pack...  The stories that are shared each night renew the the amazing experiences that are new and different each day.  It can only happen in Alaska!

Sitka Alaska is one of the most beautiful places on earth… Period!

Recently ABC TV Show, Good Morning America, filmed a segment in Sitka to highlight the annual Whale Festival.  This was part of their Weekend Window segment.

When you watch this video, imagine actually being there!  What you are about to see is part of a normal day’s adventure at Talon Lodge.  Not only do we have access to one of the world’s most productive whale feeding grounds, but the beauty that surrounds our fishing boats is almost magical.

Being in Sitka is a lot like being at the Grand Canyon.  You can bring a camera and take a great photo, but you just can’t capture the whole effect.  This Video from ABC TV does a pretty good job of providing you with some of the beauty and wildlife you will encounter when you visit Talon Lodge.

When you have three professional chefs serving 18 guests, expectations are always exceeded – And that’s what we are all about at Talon Lodge – Exceeding Expectations!

All of our meals are presented tableside by professional service staff.  There are no buffet lines at Talon Lodge.  Additionally, our chef crew takes price in the ability to customize dinners to meet our guests’ dietary needs.  They love the challenge and love the results.

When the Salmon and Halibut fishing is so good and our island and view is so spectacular, our attention to true gourmet meals adds a special touch to an already extraordinary experience.

Imagine, Alaska Salmon, Alaska Halibut, Dungeness Crab, Prime Filet, Venison Racks…  The list goes on and on.  Now imagine a sushi bar, gourmet coffee bar, homemade breads and pastries…  Wow

Talon Lodge is no ordinary Alaska Fishing Lodge

Sarah Palin is not the only Alaska woman who looks good carrying a gun.  Meet Gwen Younger, who along with her husband Phil, are on-site operators of Talon Lodge.

Gwen grew up in Sitka and returned to Sitka 5-years ago to help build the most unique luxury fishing lodge in Alaska. A place where resort-style services meet the spectacular private island setting which overlooks Alaska's Inside Passage.

Gwen's attention to detail and service touches are felt by our guest's though the service standards, gourmet cuisine, attentiveness to guest needs and overall friendly approach to guest hosting. 

As a former executive with a hospitality marketing company, Gwen strives to deliver a unique promise in the Alaska Fishing Lodge arena.  The aim is to do everything different and provided excellence within a rustic environment.  I think that you will find that Talon has delivered on this promise.

Talon Lodge is a different type of Alaska Fishing Lodge - and Gwen makes sure of that!

It was a great idea.  It was an even better event!

The 2008 Visiting Winemaker Series was one of the most enjoyable events that we hosted last season.  Our guests were treated to some of the finest wine made along with specially paired gourmet meals. 

The winemakers hosted each meal and treated our guests with their very finest work.  The most entertaining aspect of each event was the pure excitement that each Winemaker had in presenting their fine wine.

The 2009 Visiting Winemaker Series is shaping up to be even better than 2008 and the Winemakers along with our Chefs are already preparing their pairings.  My mouth is already watering!

Venge Vineyards - May 23-27 and May 27-31

B-Cellars - July 13-17 and July 17-21

Saddleback Vineyards - July 29-Aug 2 and Aug 2-6

Bacio Divino - Aug 14-18 and Aug 18-22

We are already taking reservations for each of these events and you will want to contact us as soon as you can to secure your space.

You'll soon discover... Talon is no ordinary Alaska fishing lodge.

Call 1-800-536-1864 for reservations

The differences between Talon Lodge and other Alaska fishing camps are vast.  One of the most popular services we provide is our spa and massage services which are performed by our on-staff LMT's (Licensed Massage Therapists).  These services are performed in Alaska's only on-the-water Massage Pavilion.

Over 280 guests enjoyed our waterfront Massage Pavilion this past season.  It was always entertaining to watch and talk to one of our guests after their massage.  Not only did they have that "massage glaze", but their response to this facility and our therapists was overwhelmingly positive.  You can’t make this stuff up:

"This is the best massage I have ever had."

"This is the most spectacular setting for a massage."

"Unbelievable!"

"With the eagles singing overhead, and the water lapping beneath, it was the most enjoyable massage I have ever had."

When we decided to build this facility, there were skeptics.  A massage pavilion that is totally open-air, over the water and completely available to Alaska's elements - It won't work!

Well...  It has worked and worked beyond our expectations.  In 2006 we had 1 LMT on staff.  Now, based on the demand, we have 2 LMT's on staff and are performing 4 massages each evening.

What we have found, is that when you combine a full day of Alaska fishing, with an unbelievable massage, and then finish the evening with a true gourmet meal; you have an experience than cannot be matched in Alaska.

Talon Lodge is no ordinary Alaska fishing lodge!

Each evening, after the fishing is over, the massages are finished and the gourmet meal is complete, there is nothing like standing on our lodge deck to take in the view of Alaska's Inside Passage.

It never fails that one or more of our guests come up to Gwen and myself to tell me how lucky we are and how spectacular Talon Lodge is.

Spectacular is a word that is hard to grasp.  Photos are a help, but much like taking a photo of the Grand Canyon, you can't really grasp the majisty of the actual view.

I took this photo a couple of nights ago and wanted to share what we see almost every night at Talon.

There is no doubt that the waters that surround Talon Lodge are the best producing salmon fishing waters in Alaska, if not the world. There are more King Salmon and Silver Salmon caught, with fewer rod hours than any other waterway in Alaska.  But Salmon are only half of the story.

Sitka also has some of the best halibut fishing available.  The better news is, the halibut fishing is only a short boat ride from where we are fishing for salmon.  This makes the total fishing experience very unique.  Our guests fish for both salmon and halibut on the same day and always have a daily choice as to what they want to target.

In addition to Salmon and Halibut, our waters have an abundance of Ling Cod, Yellow-Eye Snapper and an assortment of large Rock Fish.

Please view our fishing photos from August 28th and 29th.  The Silver Salmon were on the bite and the Halibut were large and ready to eat.  What you don’t see is the ones that got away – enjoy the day

The 2008 season was like no other at Talon Lodge. The fishing was good, the Chefs were fabulous and the Winemakers, and their wines, were Extraordinary!

Kirk and Sarah Venge enjoy fishing with Talon Lodge guests.

The season started off with Kirk Venge of Venge Vineyards.  Kirk and his wife Sarah spent the days fishing and the evenings hosting the Winemaker events with Kirk's finest wines. 

Chef Sam Choy with fresh King Salmon Sashimi     

May also brought back Chef Sam Choy of Hawaii.  This was Chef Choy's third visit to Talon and it's always a treat to have Hawaii's favorite chef cooking special meals for our guests.  It's also a treat to have Hawaiian music in the background to assist with the natural beauty of our setting.

We kicked off July with Chef Pascal Vignau which was his second trip to Talon.  Chef Vignau brought an international flair to the kitchen through his experience with Four Seasons Resorts. 

Chef Vignau with his King Salmon and one of his Alaska Surf and Turf Meals

The partners from B-Cellars, Duffy Keys and Jim Borsack, joined us in Mid-July to share their blended wines with our guests.  With 91+ point ratings on their wines, the pairing were wonderful.

In August, a Napa legend entertained our guests.  Nils Venge, North America's first 100-point winemaker, shared his passion and humor with our guests.  Joining Nils was David Cofran, another distinguished wine maker from Napa.  Featured during this event was Saddleback Vineyards and Highlands Vineyards.

Nils Venge shares wine with Gwen Younger and Talon Lodge guest Drake Duane

August also brought another legendary name to Talon.  Rob Mondavi joined us and presented some of the new wines that he and his father, Michael, are producing as well as some of the Folio Wine Partners wines they are representing.

Rob also had the opportunity to enjoy some fly fishing via a float plane.  One of the trips allowed him a special treat of fishing right next to an Alaska Brown Bear.  He'll talk about this trip for the rest of his life.

Winemaker Rob Mondavi fly fishing for Silver Salmon

All of this, in just three months.  And to think, the season isn't over yet!  We still have Chef Salvidor Prado from the Hyatt Gainey Resort in Scottsdale and Luke Russ from Bacio Divino Wines.

This is what makes Talon Lodge different!