How do I get to Yakutat, AK?
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Since there are no roads into Yakutat, most visitors arrive by air. However, unlike many rural Alaskan destinations, the excellent air service offered by Alaska Airlines makes it safe and easy to reach Yakutat. Plus, you can fly your processed fish home with you as baggage with no hassle.
Alaska Airlines serves Yakutat with two daily flights on Boeing 737s. Yakutat is the smallest village with this level of customer service and quality jet service.
Flight 61 leaves from Seattle in the morning and arrives in Yakutat, after a stop in Juneau, around lunchtime.
Flight 66 routes from Anchorage mid-afternoon, arriving in Yakutat in the late afternoon, after a stop in Cordova .
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Routing through Anchorage will often allow travelers, from further away than Washington state, to arrive in Yakutat with only one day of travel.
However, travelers who arrive on the early flight and leave on the late flight gain time for more fishing or exploration.
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Available for those traveling to Yakutat by boat. Contact us for mooring rates and availability.
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The Alaska ferry system also serves the village, but the schedule is generally unsuitable for those with limited travel time.
Booked! Now, what do I pack?
When packing for your trip, remember that all our accommodations include access to free laundry. Bring layers that are easy to wash and dry.
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Layers: pack with typical layering for outdoor activity in mind: the inner breathable layer, the insulating layer, and the outer waterproof layer.
-Rubberized Raingear versus Breathable Raingear-
Not everyone knows that the Yakutat climate is classified as a rain forest. June and July are typically less rainy, but if you are traveling in August or September, be prepared to withstand torrential downpours during one part of your trip or another.
Read this tip taken from the Alaska.org website: Sustained, torrential downpours can overcome the capacity of Gore-tex and similar fabrics. Coated waterproof raingear is the choice used by Alaska commercial fishermen for such conditions, combined with rubberized shin boots like XtraTufs. Helly Hansen brand rain gear is widely respected, but many other choices exist. This level of rain protection works best when you’re not moving around a lot (like on a deep-sea fishing charter) because you can get hot and perspire beneath non-breathable shells. However, under most Alaskan spring-summer-fall conditions, breathable-waterproof is the way to go for its comfort and versatility.
Rain pants – aside from the rubberized rain gear, you may want a breathable comfortable pair of rain pants. This keeps your clothes clean and dry on boats and near the water, even if it isn’t raining.
Proper Footwear – You can’t go wrong with the Alaskan footwear of choice – XtraTuf rubber boots! They are generally comfortable for all day wear. However, waterproof hiking boots for hiking activity, or a day on a boat is adequate most of the time.
Waders/Hip Boots - We recommend wearing waders if you spend time river fishing. At the minimum, you will want knee-high rubber boots for bank fishing and hiking the muddy trails. Note: Felt-soled wading boots are NOT allowed in Alaskan waters to prevent the introduction of invasive species.
Socks – wool and/or waterproof socks.
Hats – you will want a warm wool hat and your trusty fishing hat.
Gloves – warm gloves for your saltwater trip, fishing gloves to protect your hands against the No-see-ums, and White Socks at the river.
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Polarized Sunglasses - cut the glare/see the fish.
Bear Spray/Side Arm – you can’t fly with Bear Spray, but we generally have plenty of left behind full canisters for your use. Give us a call if you’re concerned about availability.
Bug Spray – repellent brands with the active ingredient of Deet work best.
Bug net – consider buying a lightweight bug net that will fit over a brimmed hat to protect your face, ears, and neck.
Sun Protection – Yes, the sun does shine! If you’re on the water, it will be significantly amplified. Long summer days make this twice as important.
Daypack
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Check out our fishing gear tips on our Fish with Us page.
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Because you have chosen to stay at Leonard’s Landing, you will always have access to a kitchen to prepare your meals. Kitchens are stocked with tableware and all essential cookware. Some items, such as crock pots and cast-iron skillets, are given out on an as-needed basis. Please check with the office if you need any cooking tools.
Meats/Proteins: Unless you catch it, meat is limited and pricey in Yakutat. You may want to fly in a cooler (or a fish box) full of selected meat. You can then take your container home full of fish.
Seasonings: Put small amounts of spices and coatings in baggies for easy transport.
Snacks: Consider putting staple snacks such as jerky, cheeses, and snack packs in your luggage.
Produce, Dairy, Bread: With travel restrictions and costs involved with baggage today, buying these types of food in Yakutat is sensible and greatly appreciated by the Yakutat population.
Beer and Alcohol: There is a one off-sale liquor store to purchase your beer and alcohol. Selection is limited, and prices are high. If space allows, you may want to pack along a bottle in your check-in bag.
I Made it to Yakutat! Now What?
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Leonard’s Landing Lodge offers free airport shuttles. We also make stops at the grocery and liquor store if requested. Please be sure to give us your flight schedule and advanced notice.
If you are planning on exclusively fishing saltwater from our dock, this is often a good choice. If you plan on sight-seeing or fishing the rivers, you will want to rent a vehicle to get around.
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If you plan on fishing the Situk River or sightseeing, you will want to rent a vehicle to get around. If you have drift boat reservations, you will want to request a vehicle with a hitch. This is available at no additional charge.
Leonard’s Landing makes rental vehicle reservations for you as a complimentary service, upon request. We are not responsible, however, for cancellations or future changes in your travel schedule.
There are two rental vehicle companies in town. Both companies send a representative to the airport to meet your plane as you arrive in Yakutat. Check-in with the representative before you get your luggage. Generally, a designated member of your traveling party will get the car while the rest of the group waits for the luggage.
Contact information is below. Please call or email them for current rates.
Leo’s Vehicles:
Leosvehicles@yahoo.com
(907) 784-3910
Economy Leasing:
EconomyAutoYakutat@gmail.com
(907) 784-3316
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There is nothing like a self-guided adventure! Put yourself in the captain’s seat of one of our saltwater bay boats, a drift boat, or a kayak. It’s a great way to interact with your environment and experience an Alaskan adventure!
Contact us for more information regarding our rental boat fleet.
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If you want a guided saltwater fishing trip or a sightseeing trip to the breathtaking Hubbard Glacier, you will want to book a charter boat ahead of time. Depending on the time of year, they can book up quickly.
Leonard’s Landing Lodge doesn’t own a charter boat. We rely on the private captains of Yakutat who offer our clients quality, professional fishing trips. We have a great working relationship with them and are happy to help you with your charter arrangements. Learn more about the local fleet.
Call the lodge if you have questions or would like us to facilitate a booking.
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Yakutat Coastal Airlines is our local air taxi. They offer flyout day-fishing for a remote fishing experience and flightseeing tours of epic proportions.
You made it!
Welcome Home! We warmly welcome you and hope you are comfortable in your accommodations.
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The two Situk River access points at Nine Mile Bridge and Situk Landing are less than a half-hour drive from the lodge. Explore the river through a rental drift boat, wading, or book a guided trip.
Leonard’s Landing also offers drift boat rentals and shuttles for DIY fishermen.
Read more about Freshwater Fishing.
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There is no better location for an Alaskan do-it-yourself saltwater fishing adventure than Leonard’s Landing Lodge. Pictures this…You walk out of your cabin to a private dock and jump in the rental skiff that you operate. No need to tip a guide or captain. Within an hour, you can catch some of the best-tasting saltwater fish while surrounded by the beauty of Yakutat Bay and the Wrantell-St. Elias Mountains. No need to drive to the marina, launch a boat, schedule a charter, or worry about who else will be on the boat with you. There is no run through the high seas to the fishing grounds, no grumpy deckhand telling you what to do, and you can pick what species you want to target. Best of all, when you return to the dock, all you need to do is tie off your boat, drop your catch off with the onsite processors, hang your gear in the lodge dry room, and throw a fresh fillet on the grill for dinner!
Our rental skiffs and dock are set up for the DIY angler. You can access guest fish cleaning facilities with blast freezer access or onsite professional processing. We keep a shop stocked with bait, troll-herring, weights, and flashers. We can equip you with quality rental rod and reel combos for trolling or bottom fishing and fish finders to keep you in the zone. Our staff is happy to provide info on tackle, tactics, and where to head for the current bite. When you head home, we can handle packaging and dropping off your frozen fish for shipping via Alaska Airlines Air Cargo, or fish boxes can be checked as additional bags.
Read more about Saltwater Fishing.
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Individual reading lights, hair dryers, fans and extra pillows and blankets are available upon request.
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Kithen items such as crock pots, cast-iron skillets, coffee grinders, charcoal briquets, and grill tools are available upon request. If you are short on utensils, cookware, or tableware, please bring it to our attention, and we will help you find what you need.
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Free access to washers, dryers, and detergent for all our guests.
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Shipping services are offered for your processed fish. Speak to the office staff for details.
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Free internet service is available 24 hours a day in the Main Lodge lobby.
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Daily housekeeping is offered to keep your clean accommodations fresh.
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The residents of Yakutat appreciate your support of their businesses. We hope you will use local vendors for groceries, outdoor gear, gourmet coffee, and souvenirs.
Alaska Commercial Company: Groceries including fresh produce, deli including hot foods, pizzas, and breakfast. Ammunition, tackle, raingear and boots, some clothing, and coffee barista services. 907-784-3386
Mallott’s Grocery Store: Groceries include a wide selection of fresh produce, frozen meat, and bulk foods. Mallott’s also carries ammunition and a good selection of over-the-counter medications, coffee barista services, and fresh donuts. Call to pre-order, and they can have your food ready for pickup. 907-784-3355
Yakutat Hardware: A wide selection of fishing tackle, raingear, boots, and bear spray (this is your best value for bear spray as it is extremely expensive to have it shipped in as hazmat and difficult to facilitate), plus more hardware than you would ever expect in this rural village! They also carry propane and Jetboil fuel canisters. Call ahead to check on availability or pre-order. 907-784-3203
Icy Waves Surf Shop: Buy or rent surfing gear and purchase “The Far North Shore” logo clothing at the local Yakutat surf shop. www.icywaves.com 907-784-3226
Jennie’s Gift Shop: Hand-made gifts by Jennie Wheeler and other local Alaska natives. Open by appointment. Call 907-784-3338
Glass Door Bar: This local establishment is a bar and a package store where you can buy beer, wine, and alcohol.
Slacktide Café: Follow Slacktide Café on Facebook to keep up with their daily menu. They offer a unique lunch each day of the week in limited quantities. Get down to their local café before it’s gone. You don’t want to miss this local cuisine.
Village Coffee Company: This espresso drive-thru, located by the city boat harbor, is a favorite for gourmet coffees, smoothies, energy drinks, and tasty treats to go.
Restaurants: There are two local restaurants where you can get breakfast, lunch, or dinner to take a break from cooking in your cabin. They are located at Glacier Bear Lodge and Yakutat Lodge (airport location).
