Alaska Elite Outfitters

Alaska Elite Outfitters was founded by Mike Vanstrom, a Minnesota native who moved to Alaska in 2002 and started guiding in 2004. He's led hundreds of hunters and anglers through the Alaskan wilderness, specializing in trophy-sized moose, brown bear, and king salmon. The operation is based 300 miles southwest of Anchorage in the Bristol Bay area, accessing remote hunting grounds via floatplane to their six base camps.

Hunting season runs early September (5th-15th) during pre-rut when bulls are most responsive to calling.

Why trophy bulls are bigger here: - Eight consecutive mild winters allowed older breeding bulls to recover after rut - Permits are limited under a corridor system (2-mile strip along Nushagak and Mulchatna rivers) - Mild conditions prevent wolves from catching moose in deep snow, growing overall population - Recent harvests include 64"-74" bulls with numbers increasing yearly

How they hunt: Hunters use jet boats and Zodiacs to access backwaters, small rivers, and meadows where trophy bulls hide. Calling methods include cow calling, bull grunts, and brush thrashing. Early morning and late evening hunts are standard, with mid-day returns to base camp for resupply and drying out. Spike camps extend hunting opportunities to hard-to-reach areas. Spot-and-stalk methods used when terrain allows.

Rifles required: - 300 Win Mag or larger for moose (zeroed at 100 yards) - .338 Win Mag or larger recommended for brown bear - Bring 2 boxes of ammunition

The Nushagak River hosts the largest King Salmon run in the world. During peak season (June-July), anglers commonly land 10-50 kings per day.

Fishing method: King salmon are aggressive feeders. Standard setup: 8-9 foot medium-heavy rods with 20-80 lb Power Pro line. Techniques include drift fishing, trolling through "king holes," and anchoring with crankbaits. Fresh cured salmon eggs and herring-tipped lures are standard presentations. Fly fishing available with 9-11 weight rods and fast-sinking lines to reach deeper channels.

• •Fly fishing: King salmon favor deeper channels. Fast-sinking lines and weighted flies required to get down to them.

• •Regulations: 2 fish per day limit, 4 in possession on Nushagak River system.

What's included in all fishing trips: - Lodging, food, bedding, shower facilities - Rods, reels, tackle, freezers - Fish packaging and transport supplies - Fully guided trips add: guide, bait, lures, fish cleaning & packaging

• •1,500 sq ft heated lodge with fuel oil heat
• •Full kitchen, dining room
• •2 full bathrooms, 2 showers
• •Internet and TV streaming service
• •Ice maker and refrigeration
• •Located 20 miles below Ekwok, Alaska on the Nushagak River bluff
• •Access to floatplane landing strip

Bristol Bay area has the largest populations of King Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Grayling, and Dolly Varden in Alaska and possibly the world, according to Alaska Department of Fish & Game.

Hunting gear essentials: - Hip/chest waders or knee-high rubber boots (no felt soles) - Breathable rain jacket, down jacket (500/700 fill) - 2 pairs long underwear, 2 shirts, 2 hunting pants - 5 pairs wool socks, waterproof gloves, warm hats, face masks (Balaclavas) - Quality binoculars, digital camera (waterproof) - Sleeping bag (-20 rated), comfortable backpack - Duffel bags or dry bags preferred - Limit luggage + gun to 75 lbs - Alaska hunting license and tags

Fishing gear essentials: - Lightweight hip/chest waders - Breathable rain jacket - Polarized sunglasses, baseball hat - Ben's 100% DEET bug repellent - For Silver fishing: 8'6" medium-weight spinning rod, Blue Fox Vibrax spinners (#4, #5, #6) - For King fishing: 8'6" medium-heavy bait-casting rod and reel - Fly rod if bringing own gear - Sleeping bag (-20 rated), water-resistant hiking boots

• •Comfortable camps with generators, wood heat, showers, outhouses
• •Freezer boxes for fish/game storage
• •Access via floatplane to six different camps

• •Phone: (218) 434-0068 or (907) 464-6165
• •Email: [email protected]
• •Location: Bristol Bay area, southwestern Alaska, Unit 17 (Nushagak & Mulchatna rivers)
• •Permits: Alaska non-resident hunting licenses and tags available through Alaska Elite Outfitters or ADFG

Guide team: Mike, Frank, Brad, Tony & Ralph