Join wildlife photographer David Hemmings at some of the most exciting and action packed grizzly bear photography locations anywhere on the planet. We will be based at our private lodge where we will fly out each day to photograph grizzly bears pounding salmon and chasing them in the rivers and creeks. 

ALASKA FISHING BEARS Katmai and Lake Clark National Park, Alaska

No single supplement available. Max 8 photographers

Price: $9995 USD per person double occupancy. Deposit $2500.USD

August 19th-26th 2024 arrival Anchorage 19th depart 26 / Only 3 spots left!

August 19 -26th 2025 -  Aug 2026

Highlights: 

• Expert level photography instruction in a small group setting 

• Wild grizzly bear action photography. Bears fishing for salmon. 

• Alaskan landscapes. 

• Meet other photographers and wildlife lovers and improve your photographic skills and take home great photographs and memories. 

All meals are included once at the bear lodge.  Some hiking is required at some destinations but it is seldom more than half a mile. Should be fit enough to carry your own gear for those distances wearing waders and traversing some small hills and knee depth rivers.

Included in the price: 

•    Accommodations first night in Anchorage and at the lodge.
•    All local flights from and back to the lodge every day . Does not include flight from Anchorage to the bear lodge and return $470 USD. Approx
•    All meals while at the lodge as well as a welcome dinner or lunch in Anchorage
•    Guides while at camp. Expert photo instruction and guidance in the field
Not Included: 
•    International airfare to place of tour origin. (Anchorage, Alaska) Flight from Anchorage to Iliamna. Meals outside of the lodge dates.  Alcoholic beverages or personal gifts or items.  Additional tips for staff such as guides and camp staff. 
Note: Tipping for the guides and kitchen staff is expected. Usual tip amount is $150-$200 from each participant.

Surrounded by Katmai National Park, McNeil River Bear Sanctuary and Lake Clark National Park we have daily access to the premier destinations to observe and photograph the giant coastal grizzlies (brown bears) in their natural environment fishing and fighting for salmon. Everyone has seen the spectacular pictures of bears catching fish at Brooks or McNeil Falls. What many people don't realize is that no single location consistently offers an abundance of bears. The reason is that bears follow the salmon runs which peak in different locations at different times. 

 

As the salmon begin to dwindle at one location, the bears move to new spots where the runs are peaking. It is absolutely amazing that these bears have figured out when to leave one location that had salmon and travel sometimes as far as fifty miles to a stream that has an increasing run of salmon. 

 

Our lodge is nestled on a private peninsula on the shore of majestic Lake Iliamna, the heart of Alaska's finest wildlife region. Alaskan style great room provides a cozy atmosphere for us to enjoy the great views. We can also relax before the fireplace in the living room, or enjoy a game of pool in the recreation room while reminiscing about the day’s photography – and planning for tomorrow. The lodge bedrooms come with individual bathrooms. *Please note flight times to lodges may change due to weather. Additional day ,fees due to weather not included. 

Equipment requirements: A digital SLR and a back up camera if you have one.
Lenses: 300mm / 400mm /500mm / wide angle / 100-400 / these lenses will all be good for this trip. If you are using a 300mm you might want to be sure to bring along a teleconverter preferably a 1.4. Tripod. Clothing requirements: The weather in Alaska can be quite unpredictable at this time of year. Dressing in layers is best. We recommend the following outerwear. Long Sleeved Shirt, Jeans/Slacks, Warm Hat & Gloves, Insulated Boots, Long Underwear, Windbreaker or Jacket, Wool Sweater or Fiberfill Vest, Winter Coat, Raingear and waterproof knee-high boots. Please read our Refund Policy. Do not book your flights until we confirm.