Again, thank you for your support through the years. We look forward to your enjoying the same great fishing but in even more comfort and style in 1996!

HIGHLIGHTS THIS SEASON
The new two-story building, which houses our ceramic tile-lined bath and gym facility and our upstairs field office, is complete. We were taking luxurious hot baths and showers in the heavy iron tub, and washing up at the new marble topped oak vanity the last week before we shut down the lodge for the season. GOOD-BYE OLD TENT SHOWER!

The gym contains a professional "power rack" with Olympic style barbells where a full range of bench presses, leg work and back work can be accomplished. Also, we have cable pulleys, a full set of dumbbells, and aerobic equipment. No reason to miss your workouts just because you are away from the hometown gym - - unless you are already tired from landing all those bright silver fish!

STEELHEAD FLY OF THE YEAR
Wild steelhead enter the Tsiu River in late September and October, following the Coho run, and gorge on the salmon eggs laid in the gravel beds of the river. Consequently, egg patterns work very well. Kenny Murph ties one with "eyes" providing extra weight, and Kenny's fly proved to be the "hot" Steelhead fly this year.

COHO FLY OF THE YEAR
The "SST" (short for Steve's Screaming Tsiu), tied by Bob and Steve Adams from San Diego fly-fishing club (what a great group of sportsmen!), proved to be an excellent fly on the Tsiu this year. In contrast to our previous years' outstanding flies, such as the NORTHERN LIGHTS and TSIU KILLER, which have consisted primarily of flashabou, the SST is primarily white and limegreen calf hair. This fly is tied on a long shank #4 Tiemco and weighted with .030 lead wire wrap. Green hair is top dressed on the white and the head is wrapped out with black thread and secured. Simple and very effective!

SHUTTING DOWN FOR THE WINTER
Jody and I flew the Cessna 206 north of the Chugach Range up to Talkeetna, where we spent October's final days with Jody's cousin Linda and her husband Jack. We have been insulated from interior Alaska's colder temperatures at our Southeast Alaska coastal lodge, with its maritime environment. The first day dawned with the temperature rock solid at 12'F till 10:00 a.m. The nearby Susitna River was full of fresh slush ice and we had about three inches of new snow. The seasons never seem to come slowly and tentatively in Alaska. They come instead like a falling curtain, sudden and final - - shutting off all vestiges of the previous season.

Back at the lodge, the "bear boards" have been nailed in place over the windows and doors; the outboards, four-wheelers, and big diesel generator have been winterized; and the guides and cook have streaked back home. I am drawing up plans and determining the logistics for an exciting new spring steelhead fishing expedition up a remote and wild Alaskan River; new equipment is being ordered, and the final blueprints "fine-tuned" for the next construction phase at the lodge. It must be the end of the season.

It is always with a mixture of sadness and relief that we complete the last week of the season and see our final guests off at the airport. I know it will be next April before I see the cart-wheeling jumps and rocket runs of a fresh, wild steelhead and August before I see the dark green form of a huge ocean fresh Tsiu River Silver (Coho) Salmon attack a streamer.

BUT - - What a season it has been, and we have some BIG CHANGES coming in the '96 season.

NEW EQUIPMENT AND BUILDING PROJECTS FOR 1996 WHAT'S COMING NEXT?

NEW 4-WHEELER
For those of you who have fished with us for several years you know the importance of the big Honda 4-wheeler to our operation. We have just purchased a new Honda "400" which is even larger than the old dependable 350. This will increase our versatility and further enhance the all important Alaska Expedition Company "double back-up system" philosophy.

NEW RIVERBOAT
Spring steelheading up two new rivers requires us to invest in and develop a large capacity riverboat. Consequently, we just purchased a new outboard being fitted with jet drive. This will be placed on our new custom built 18-foot riverboat. We will now have the capacity to run these new rivers for steelheading.

NEW SHORE LUNCH "CHUCK WAGON"
This season we received several requests from our fishermen for a shore lunch," rather than a sit-down lunch back in the lodge, so they could maximize their fishing time. Therefore, we are constructing a "chuck wagon" which will provide us with hot lunches right on the river.

NEW KITCHEN
In 1993 we replaced the 16-foot vinyl Quonset hut, which had served as the dining hall for years, with the main log lodge, which now serves as our dining and socializing area. In 1994 we built the workshop and generator house and installed the new heavy-duty diesel generator. The 1995 season witnessed the construction of the bath/gym facility and our field office. The year 1996 will see the addition of our new kitchen and chefs quarters to the log lodge and dining area. New kitchen equipment has been purchased and includes the finest stainless steel work surfaces and counter tops, high volume exhaust vent system, heavy duty professional cook stove and grill, and extra heavy duty ceramic red tile to surface the floor. Our chef will love it!

MOLLY'S RECIPE FOR OUR GREAT GRILLED SALMON AND SAUCE
Our chef this year, Molly Burnette, developed a great sauce for grilled salmon and nearly all our guests requested the recipe. Here it is:

ORIENTAL SESAME SALMON

1/4 cup + 1 Tbs Light Rice Wine Vinegar
3 Tbs. Stir Fry Sauce (Cantonese style)
3 Tbs. Hoisin Sauce (Chinese style)
2 1/2 Tbs. Chili Garlic Sauce (Puree)
2 Tbs. Sesame Oil
2 Tbs. Lime juice
2 1/2 Tbs. Molasses (not Blackstrap)
2 Tbs. Honey
1/3 cup Roasted sesame seeds

Mix all ingredients except sesame seeds and pour over salmon
steaks or fillets.  Marinate for at least 1/2 hour, preferably 2
hours.  Take salmon out of marinade and sprinkle sesame seeds on
salmon.  Place salmon on grill and grill just until meat is no
longer translucent in the thickest parts.  Do not overcooks Boil
marinade 2-3 minutes, then serve either on the side or pour on
top of the salmon.  Delicious!

WHERE WE ARE LOCATED AND HOW TO GET HERE
All our expeditions originate from Cordova, Alaska. Cordova is a small fishing village on the gulf coast in Alaska's Southeast "panhandle." Our Driftwood Lodge is located approximately 90 miles east of Cordova and is on the Tslu River (pronounced "sigh-YOU"). We are approximately 1/2 mile off the ocean surf line and south of the magnificent Chugach Mountain Range.

Both Alaska Airlines and ERA Airlines have daily flights to and from Cordova. These flights originate in Seattle or Anchorage.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I GET TO CORDOVA?
We will meet you as you step off the airliner and proceed into Cordova to obtain licenses and any incidentals you may need before taking you to your overnight accommodations. After your early breakfast, Jody will pick you up, beginning the first day of your expedition, and transport you to the airport. We will load up in the bush planes, enjoy a beautiful scenic flight to Driftwood Lodge and begin fishing!

NOTE: For years, we have operated with just one company aircraft and made several flights to get everyone on the river. Occasionally we have received comments that even if the price of the expedition was a little higher, it would be well worth it for the entire group to be able to get to the lodge at one time and begin fishing. Our European fishermen are especially interested in maximizing their fishing time, as Alaska is so far to travel. Therefore you will be happy to hear that beginning in 1996, we have made contract arrangements for two other aircraft, a DeHavilland Beaver and a Cessna 185, to assist our Cessna 206 in moving all fishermen and their gear at the same time.

WHAT WE SPECIALIZE IN AND WHEN TO COME
According to the book The Complete Guide: Alaska Fishing by Rene Limeres and Gunnar Pedersen 1995-96 Edition), "the Tsiu has been called the 'best coho stream in all of Alaska' by both area fishing guides and biologists." They also indicate that the Tsiu "is host to an as yet 'undiscovered' fall run of steelhead trout ... (and) indications are that fish up to 20 pounds or more are present. " We can vouch for the validity of both their statements. We do have the best silver salmon fishing in the world! Just ask our previous guests (names and telephone numbers proudly provided).

For the fly-fisherman, the Tsiu River is especially exciting and enjoyable because the river is clear, shallow (about two to four feet), and has a sandy bottom. Thus it is very easy to fish with a floating line and to sight cast to the chrome bright fish as they leave the surf line. We have had many world-class fly- fishers remark that this type fishing is very similar in style to bonefishing - except here you will normally hook up with 25 fish per day that will stretch your backing and your fighting skills to the limit! We have a fully stocked fly-tying bench at the lodge for our guests' use, where we provide hooks, and dozens of fly-tying material selections - - all for your use and enjoy- ment. A normal day of fly-fishing the Tsiu will often result in about 25 hookups with fresh, ocean-bright fish just in from the Gulf of Alaska! For fishermen choosing to fish with spinning or baitcasting gear, you can expect 25 to 50 hook-ups on a typical day.

The silvers begin entering the Tsiu River the first week of August and continue through the end of October. We begin salmon fishing in mid August and continue through mid October. Fall- run steelhead follow the salmon and gorge on their eggs. They enter the river in fishable numbers the third week of September, but the steelhead fishing is much better the first two weeks of October.

For the combination fall steelheading, waterfowling, and Coho fishing, you should plan to come in the first two weeks of October. The duck hunting for mallards, widgeon, teal, and pintails - - all over decoys - - can be outstanding during this time; and often we are treated to some of the nicest weather of the year.

The spring steelheading is restricted to fly-fishermen only. The last two weeks of April and first week of May are excellent times to experience world-class, truly pristine wild steelhead fishing adventures in three different, virtually unfished rivers. This season will be the first year we have the new 18' riverboat and can open this new world for the spring steetheader.

HOW WE CONDUCT OUR EXPEDITIONS NUMBER OF GUESTS
Unless special arrangements are made, we take no more than 10 guests at one time for the silver salmon expeditions and no more than four guests for the spring steelheading adventures.

STAFF
A professional cook and two guides are chosen personally by Charles and Jody Allen, the owners, when building a perfect team to provide each guest with the utmost in personal care. Charles Allen is a professional biologist and instrumentrated pilot with years of experience flying in the Alaskan bush. Normally, our company aircraft remains at the lodge for the duration of the expedition. By keeping one aircraft in the bush with you, we increase three important factors - - safety, comfort and convenience. Jody is our General Manager, who has helped design our lodge and who does all the coordinating in Cordova between camp and guests. A graduate of the University of Texas School of Music, Jody is equally comfortable in front of her beautiful grand piano or in the wilderness, "orchestrating" the many details of an Alaskan bush camp.

LODGING
Our log lodge is a spacious 18 by 38 foot structure with a 13- foot high cathedral ceiling. It has a massive log ridgepole, a large wood-burning stove, a very well-stocked fly-tying bench, a heavy wooden dining table, comfortable furniture, and tasteful art-work. This is a great place to enjoy our famous gourmet meals, relax with friends, tie a few flies, or just read a book after a great day on the river.

Our bath and gym facility is a separate structure from the main lodge. It has four rooms; one contains an iron tub and shower with clean ceramic tile floor and walls, and another houses the toilet, again with ceramic tile floors. An adjacent room contains the oak vanity and marbletopped wash basin with large mirrors and outlets for electric shavers, hair dryers, etc. The final room in this building houses our workout area with weights and aerobic equipment for your enjoyment. We have a washer and dryer in our workshop building, in the event your clothes become wet and need drying.

Sleeping quarters are sturdy Quonset-style structures with bunks and foam mattresses. Pillows, sleeping bags, and freshly laundered sleeping bag liners are provided for each guest. Staff quarters are Alaskan wall tents. All sleeping quarters have wood floors and electric lights.

CARE OF FISH
Guides clean all fish on site and store them on ice, then we fly them into Cordova and transfer them to a professional seafood processing facility for final treatment to assure the freshest quality. There, each fillet, steak, or whole fish is washed again, flash frozen at -30 degrees F and then glazed with water and vacuum packed to prevent freezerburn. A flash-smoking facility located in Cordova is happy to serve those fishermen who are interested, also.

EQUIPMENT RENTAL POLICY In the event you get a hole in your waders, need another rod and reel because you broke yours on a big running fish (happens every year), or need rubber boots or rain gear, we keep a good supply of high quality equipment on hand. We will gladly loan this gear to you as needed at no extra charge. We also maintain a fully stocked flytying bench complete with Tiemco hooks and dozens of different materials for your use, also at no extra charge.

EXCELLENT CUISINE
We serve outstanding meals prepared by a culinary art school graduate. We spare no expense in providing you with the best of meals, and always fly in the freshest vegetables and fruits available. Our meat comes to us from a butcher we consistently use in Cordova and is of the highest quality. Fresh caught fish from the river is served with pride. All dinners include two vegetables, potatoes or rice, bread, dessert and various beverages. If you are on a restricted diet, we will gladly accommodate you according to your instructions. Samples of our dinner entrees include Baked Ham with Cranberry/jalapeno Glaze; Peppered Roast Beef with all the fixings; Grilled Oriental Sesame Salmon; Grilled Thick-Cut Rib eye or New York Strip Steaks and more!

EXPEDITION DESCRIPTIONS AND OPTIONS

THREE-DAY EXPEDITION
This trip is especially designed for those pressed for time, who don't have a week to spend in one place in Alaska. We depart Cordova by aircraft early in the first morning and enjoy a one- hour scenic flight down the Alaskan Gulf Coast to our Driftwood Lodge. You will be fishing within a couple of hours of departing Cordova. You flash the remainder of the first day, all the sec- ond day, and most of the third day, departing the Lodge and arriving back in Cordova in late afternoon. Call for up to the minute RATES!!!

SIX-DAY EXPEDITION
This is our most popular and standard trip for silver salmon from mid August through the end of September and for our combination fall-run steelhead, silver salmon and waterfowling expeditions during the first two weeks of October. Six wonderful days and five nights, filled with the finest Alaskan Silver Salmon fishing. Your first day begins after an early breakfast, with Jody transporting you to the airport. You will enjoy a scenic hour of flying to the Tsiu River from Cordova; and upon arrival at Driftwood Lodge, you will be introduced to the staff, shown your quarters and the Lodge layout, you will grab a snack and hot or cold beverage and head to the River. A shore lunch will be served on the river to enable you to keep right on fishing. All six-day silver salmon and early October combination expeditions are the same price. Call for up to the minute RATES!!!

NOTE: A major advantage we have over other operators who must fly-out each day to productive fishing water is our location adjacent to the fabulous Tsiu River. When the weather gets too foggy and rainy for other operators to fly (as it frequently does in Alaska), their fishermen end up fishing marginal water or even sitting in the lodge all day. This never happens to our fishermen. You will already be on the best Silver Salmon stream in Alaska! The weather may be too bad to fly - but it's not too bad to fish

EXCLUSIVE SPRING STEEL-HEAD SEVEN-DAY EXPEDITION
This is the expedition for the very discriminating, adventurous fly-fisherman, who loves to fish for wild Alaskan steelhead in a secluded, pristine environment and even on unfished rivers. This will be an expedition limited to four fishermen with Charles Allen as one of your personal guides. We will fish three different rivers using two different jetboats and our aircraft for access. The Driftwood Lodge will be the headquarters. This trip may entail the use of a remote spite camp with at least one night out away from the main lodge. These expeditions are offered the last two weeks of April and first week of May.

Call for details

RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENT POLICY
Reservations can be made for one person, a family, or a group. Large groups can reserve the entire facility for their exclusive use for the week. After your reservation deposit fee is received, you will be provided with a suggested gear list, menu, and other information. We require 30 percent of the expedition cost as a deposit to secure your reservation. Please note: Your reservation is not confirmed until the deposit is received.

REFERENCES AVAILABLE AND PROUDLY PROVIDED!
We will gladly provide you with the names and telephone numbers of our guests from the previous season. Not only that, but we will provide you with a name from each week we operated during the season! When you compare us to other outfitters, you may want to ask them how many guests they will have each week; whether or not the owner will be on site; whether an aircraft will be on site; and whether they have extra rental fees.

HOW ARE WE DIFFERENT?
1. Unless special arrangements are made, we restrict all our expeditions to small groups of no more than ten fishermen so you are assured of high quality service in an uncrowded environment.
2. We normally keep the company aircraft with you at camp to increase safety and convenience.
3. The owner/manager is normally at the lodge with you during your expedition.
4. There are no extra rental fees - if you need a rod and reel, waders, boots. etc. just let us know.
5. You don't have to worry about not being able to fly-out to good fishing water each day due to bad weather - - you are already on the best Silver Salmon stream in the World!
6. We encourage you to check references from last year's guests - week by week (see how many other operators will provide a reference list of guests from each week they operated last season!). We proudly stand behind our method of operation and take pride in treating all our guests fairly and with respect.

- USEFUL 
TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Alaska Airliners:                     (800) 426-0333
ERA Aviation:                         (800) 866-8394
Alaska Visitors Information Services: (907) 345-0923
Alaska Railroad:                      (907) 265-2494
Reluctant Fisherman Inn:              (907) 424-3272
Cordova Rose Bed & Breakfast:         (907) 424-7673
Alaska Dept. Fish & Game:             (907) 465-4180
Alaska Expedition Co.:(800) 572-0980 or (903) 463-7112
Fax: (903) 463-7165 

Kenny Murph-Yachtrods and Quality Flies:                         
  (713) 953-1079