The Lodge

Yes Bay Lodge lies fifty miles north of Ketchikan in southern Southeast Alaska. Overlooking Yes Bay, the lodge is nestled in the heart of the Tongass National Forest, Earth’s largest temperate rain forest. For over 40 years, the Hack family has been welcoming guests to Yes Bay Lodge.

Setting it apart from many other fishing resorts, Yes Bay Lodge is able to offer guests both saltwater and freshwater fishing, due to its unique location. The myriad nearby lakes and rivers offer some of the finest trout and Dolly Varden fishing available in Southeast Alaska. For the saltwater angler, there are five species of salmon that spawn in the area, including king, silver, sockeye, pink and chum. In addition to the plentiful salmon, you will definitely want to bottom fish for our prized Halibut, Rockfish, and Lingcod.

Activities – For the hiking enthusiast, there are physically challenging trails throughout the rainforest surrounding the lodge. Guided hikes lead to McDonald Lake, traveling along Wolverine Creek. Take a kayak out to explore the back of Yes Bay. There are boat rides available to Bailey Bay and Orchard Lake, as well as the Neets Bay Hatchery, where you have an opportunity to view brown and black bears. Yes Bay Lodge can also arrange floatplane tours of the bear observatory at Anan Creek, the Misty Fjords National Monument, or fly out for some awesome freshwater fishing. Be sure to bring your camera, as photo and video opportunities abound!

The Early Years – The first explorers of Yes Bay were the Tlingit Tribe, who named Yes Bay, from the native word “yaas,” meaning blue mussel. Guests will see the vast number of mussels attached to the rocks lining the bay.

The Hatchery Years – Most of the Yes Bay history is chronicled after Boston Fishing & Trading Company constructed a cannery in 1887. By 1890, it employed a diverse group of Chinese, Native American and white workers, totaling 85 residents and 14 houses. It produced an average of 25,000 cases per season. This company cannery operated until 1900. After several years idle, Pacific Fisheries Cannery purchased and operated the facility until closing in 1936. Alaska was still only a US Territory; statehood would come much later. The US Bureau of Commercial Fisheries had a hatchery near here until closing it in the 30’s, when President Roosevelt instituted his economy program. All hatchery personnel then transferred back to the United States (the Lower 48).

The Lodge – Construction of the lodge began in the mid-1950’s, originally intended to be a casino and cat house. It never opened for business, as the Alaskan Territory became a state, and the government outlawed gambling and prostitution. Art and Marlys Hack purchased the building in 1977 and transformed it into one of Southeast Alaska’s first successful sport fishing lodges. Now their son Kevin and his family run the lodge, in the Hack Family tradition.

Guest Rooms – Warm and inviting, Yes Bay Lodge accommodations feature natural wood walls, roomy private baths with tub/shower combinations, and traditional lodge décor. Rooms are designed for double occupancy with two twin beds or a single queen bed. There is plenty of closet space for all your gear.

Lounge and Game Room – Enjoy a game of pool or ping-pong before you retire for the evening. We also have a variety of board games and playing cards.

Don’t forget to spend some time shopping in our Gift Shop, where you’ll find quality outdoor clothing, along with a variety of last-minute necessities.

Exercise Room – The exercise room is located in the outbuilding in front of the lodge and is open 24/7 for your enjoyment.

Dining

“Fine food has always been a tradition at Yes Bay Lodge started by my parents when they purchased the lodge in 1977. My family continues that tradition, and the recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation continue to live on through our amazing chefs each and every season!” – Kevin Hack, Owner

Your Yes Bay dining experience begins each evening in the lounge with our famous appetizer buffet and happy hour! The presentation varies daily, but is sure to include fresh mussels, hot crab cakes, house smoked salmon, deviled eggs, and various cheeses and vegetables.

After enjoying the appetizers, your server will invite you to the dining room for one of our signature dinners. You may find such delights as Dynamite Halibut, grilled salmon, or steak and Dungeness crab. We always begin with a wonderful fresh garden salad and house made bread!

You’ll want to save room for a homemade dessert, which could be anything from a decadent cake or apple crisp, to the ever popular tiramisu or chocolate mousse. The desserts always make a fine finish to your day!

Dinner isn’t the only meal that Yes Bay Lodge prides itself on. Our hot lunches, homemade soups, and sandwiches are also an experience. Breakfast will be sure to fuel you for a full day of fishing out on the water!