On June 30th, I embarked on the trip of a lifetime—a 12-hour journey from my modest townhome in Calgary, Alberta, to the stunning Lodge at 58° North in King Salmon, Alaska.
I had been invited to photograph a group of women participating in the annual United Women on The Fly, Alaska excursion.
Having previously documented female-led trips, I’m always amazed by the diverse and inspiring women I meet. From various ages and backgrounds, these women unite with a shared goal: to catch fish and have a great time doing it.
As our plane descended into King Salmon from Anchorage, I saw a moose grazing in the tundra below. It watched us pass by, adding a touch of wild Alaska to our arrival.
Upon landing, we were greeted by Kate and Justin Crump, who transported us to the lodge, a mere 15-minute drive from the airport. Arriving at the Lodge at 58° North, we were welcomed with cocktails and an impressive view of the Naknek River from the expansive main lodge’s large windows.
The lodge and cabins exceeded any previous fishing lodge experiences. Every detail was meticulously crafted, and the amenities were exceptional, making us feel immediately at home. This sense of comfort was thanks to the lodge’s staff, who treated us like family.
Special mention must be made of Chef Jason, whose culinary talents transformed each meal into a highlight of the trip. He expertly crafted dishes using locally sourced Alaskan ingredients, accommodating everyone’s dietary restrictions with grace. Each meal was a masterpiece, from sumptuous seafood to hearty, flavorful fare that was presented like art. His fresh bread, baked daily, was a particular favorite and exemplified his skill not only as a chef but also as a baker. The food was, without a doubt, some of the best I’ve ever experienced.
Our week was filled with fishing across various river systems and targeting multiple species. The ladies had the chance to catch and keep sockeye salmon as they began their migration into the rivers feeding Bristol Bay. Opportunities to fish for chinook salmon, Rainbow Trout, Grayling, Pike, and Dolly Varden were also plentiful. Some even fished the renowned Brooks River, where we glimpsed the first coastal brown bears preparing for sockeye season.
As a photographer, I was in paradise. The wildlife provided incredible opportunities, from the majestic eagles soaring above to the formidable brown bears and elusive moose. But it was the scenery that truly captivated me. Flying over Naknek Lake, I saw the towering mountains framing the landscape. The riverbanks revealed remnants of past seasons: skeletal remains of sockeye salmon, silent testimonies to their epic journeys, and fresh prints left by bears and wolves. These traces of wildlife created a vivid tapestry of the natural world, each detail adding depth to the rugged beauty of the landscape.
The heart of my experience was in capturing candid moments. There’s something profoundly satisfying about photographing the raw joy of someone who has just landed a big fish. Those wide-eyed grins, spontaneous high-fives, and shared laughter during dinner offer a glimpse into the camaraderie and excitement of the trip.
Whether it’s the triumphant pose with a big fish or the easy conversation while processing sockeye on the dock, these genuine interactions tell the story of friendship and adventure that makes fly fishing photography so rewarding. Alaska has captured a piece of my heart, and I can’t wait to go back.
Amber Toner
For more information and how to book a stay at The Lodge at 58* North visit them at https://thelodgeat58north.com
Also be sure to check out the incredible work that United Women On The Fly do along with the recent non-profit iFishiBelong. Both have great opportunities for anglers to learn and grown in a safe and nurturing community.
https://uwotf.com
https://ifishibelong.org
Contributed By
Amber Toner
Amber Toner is a fly angler and outdoors / conservation photographer from Calgary, Alberta – Soft foregrounds and natural light drive her creativity with photography while trout sipping dry flies fuel her passion for fly fishing. Amber is also a conservationist and passionate about saving Alberta’s native trout and their east slope rocky mountain watersheds.
