Planning Your Trip

Getting to Calder Mountain Lodge

Calder Mountain Lodge is in Point Baker, a remote community at the north end of Prince of Wales Island. Guests fly into Petersburg, Alaska, on Alaska Airlines. From Petersburg, our boat takes you through the Inside Passage to the lodge.

Arriving in Petersburg

Our boat leaves for the lodge around noon on arrival day. You’ll need to arrive in Petersburg in time to make that departure. We can’t accommodate guests arriving on a later flight by boat. If your flight arrives too late, you can arrange a charter floatplane to the lodge.

Many guests fly into Petersburg the day before and stay overnight at a local hotel. If you do, contact your hotel about its shuttle service for a ride into town.

If you arrive on the early flight the day of your trip, we’ll arrange a taxi to pick you up and take you to the Harbor Master, where the boat is docked.

Before the boat leaves

Our boat is usually docked below the Harbor Master by about 10 a.m. If you’re already in Petersburg, you’re welcome to bring your luggage down and load it onto the boat while we wait for the noon departure. The boat will not leave before noon.

We don’t serve lunch at the lodge on arrival day, so you’ll have time to grab a bite in town before departure. Petersburg also has places to pick up alcohol and favorite snacks for your stay.

Boat ride to the lodge

The boat ride to Point Baker typically takes 1½ to 2 hours. Sit back and enjoy the scenic journey through the Inside Passage.

Arriving at the Lodge

When you arrive, our staff will greet you at the dock, show you to your room, and bring your luggage up to the lodge.

After a brief check-in, we’ll gather in the dining hall for an orientation. We’ll review the week’s schedule, share tips for fishing the area, and go over important fishing regulations.

After orientation, we’ll head to the dock and get you familiar with your boat for the week. Our staff will show you how to operate the boat and its GPS/fish finder, help you rig your gear, and share fishing techniques and local tips. We’ll also answer any questions you have before you head out on the water.

On the Water

After that, the rest of the day is yours. As captain of your boat, you can spend the remaining time fishing for salmon, halibut, or rockfish. This first half-day on the water is a great chance to get familiar with the area and start planning for the days ahead.

When you return for dinner, our staff will be there to help tie up your boat and remove the day’s catch from the livewell. They’ll help you get a great photo to remember the day and begin processing your catch to take home while you enjoy one of our delicious home-cooked meals.

After dinner, many guests enjoy visiting with one another, taking in the scenery, or catching up on sleep after a full day on the water.

You’ll have five full days to fish. You can start as early as the daylight allows. In early summer, some guests head out before 4 a.m. You’re welcome to return to the lodge for a hot breakfast or stay out on the water.

A sandwich bar is available so you can fill your provided cooler with sandwiches, snacks, chips, and other treats for the day. When you return to the lodge, a home-cooked dinner will be waiting!

You’re welcome to return to the lodge throughout the day to pick up more bait, use the restroom, or bring in a big catch for the freezer. Our staff will be at the dock to help. Since the fishing grounds are close to the lodge, you’re only a few minutes away when you want to come in. Our Staff can always help you, whether its teaching you about your equipment or switching out a rod and reel, you will always feel our staffs readiness to help you be successful and ensure your having a wonderful trip.

Departure Day

On departure morning, enjoy breakfast at the lodge, then place your luggage outside the lodge. Our staff will load it onto the boat along with your professionally processed, vacuum-sealed, and frozen fish boxes.

After breakfast, we’ll travel by boat back to Petersburg. The ride usually takes 1½ to 2 hours, and we typically arrive between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m. Our taxi will take you from the Harbor Master to the airport so you can check in for your flight.

We plan the return trip to give guests time to catch an Alaska Airlines flight that day, whether it’s in the morning or afternoon. Please confirm your flight plans with us before booking.