Miller's Landing in Seward, Alaska Offers a True Alaskan Fishing Experience

Seward, a small town in Alaska 2 ½ hours southeast of Anchorage, is one of the most beautiful places in Alaska to fish without the expense of being flown to a fish camp in the wilderness. Seward's ice free port makes it an important part of transportation and shipping in Alaska, as well as a prime spot for a small boat harbor. Its water body, Resurrection Bay, teems with many species of fish; king, silver, red, pink and chum salmon, halibut, ling cod, and flounder to name a few. Landing a halibut weighing over 200 pounds is a not-so-uncommon feat, and when the salmon are running it seems just putting a lure in the water will grab the attention of one of these mighty fish heading towards the rivers where they were spawned. The town itself has wonderful shops with local art and handicrafts, and great Alaskan souvenirs. If you love seafood, Seward has numerous restaurants with delectable tasty dishes from the sea.

While there are many charters and beaches available for fishing in Seward, I recommend traveling down to Miller's Landing on Lowell's Point at the far end of town. Having been a guest of the Miller's many times over the years, I have come to value the friendliness, cleanliness and expertise of the staff. This is a family business, with the property homesteaded by earlier Millers back in the 1950's prior to statehood. The family has stood fast through flood and earthquake, and now offers visitors a truly Alaskan experience with Alaskan hospitality.

Miller's Landing has a terrific website with all the information you need for your stay in Seward. In addition to information about Miller's Landing there are informational links about dog sledding, fly-in fishing, scenic and sailing tours, trail hiking, flight-seeing and much more.

Amenities make Miller's Landing a very welcoming family-style place; the office cabin has fresh coffee (complimentary) and baked goods every morning, and a wood burning stove helps keep the chill away on rainy days. The large front porch has several rocking chairs overlooking the bay - what a great place for telling stories about the one that got away. The office cabin also has Miller's Landing caps, tees and sweatshirts, as well as fishing tackle and snacks. Rentals are available for fishing poles and tackle, small 16" aluminum boats, sea kayaks, wet suits and more. Lessons and/or guides will be arranged for the inexperienced kayak user as Alaskan waters can be treacherous and safety is paramount.

Miller's Landing offers camp sites for both those in tents or RVs, as well as simple beach front parking for RVs and campers. There are cabins and beach houses available for rent for parties of 2 to 10 at Lowell's Point as well as in the town of Seward. We usually travel in an RV and enjoy the view from a beach front parking site. A picnic table and grill are all we need. The new staff bunk house also houses a nice shower and laundry facility. Although it was still being finished during our July 2010 visit, we found the hot showers a welcome surprise after a hard day fishing. Shower tokens are available at the office.

There are several ways to fish at Miller's Landing: on the beach down the road from the campground, on one of several beaches accessed by trail or water taxi, and fishing charters. When our children were small we would take a Miller's Landing water taxi over to Tonsina Beach. In a large rubber tub we would pack a tarp with ropes, firewood, food, drinks, fishing gear, fishing boots and waders, extra socks and don't forget toilet paper. Once landed on the beach we would build a tarp shelter and start a fire, then head to the water for salmon fishing. The children would have fun alternating between fishing and exploring.

If you don't have small children I would recommend one of the many charters Miller's Landing has to offer: full-day salmon charters, half-day salmon charters, salmon and halibut combo charters, and king salmon charters. Miller's Landing can also hook you up for fly fishing, fly-in fishing trips, river fishing and more. You won't be guaranteed a fish but you'll be guaranteed a good time. Note: Make your reservation during the winter months to get an early booking discount!

Your charter will start out from the porch of the office cabin where you board a skiff to be launched by a tractor for transport to your fishing boat. Bring plenty of warm clothes - layering is the word of the day - rain gear, boots, warm socks, lunch (no bananas as they're bad luck) and water. Miller's Landing will provide tackle, bait and experience. The captains are watermen to the bone and have a good instinct for where the fishing should be hot. Of course it helps that the crews of the various boats out in the Bay talk to each other so a hot spot won't be missed. Don't forget a camera to capture your adventure and any marine wildlife you may spy.

Once you return to Miller's Landing after your excursion, the crew will first hang your catch for those important bragging pictures, then clean and fillet your fish. Now it's time to hit those rocking chairs on the porch, knock back a few Alaska Amber beers and start bragging about your catch and comparing notes about the big one you almost landed.

Put Miller's Landing at the top of your Alaska to-do list and gather memories of a lifetime for you and your family. As the Miller family says, "What you see is what you get, and what you get is truly 100 percent Alaskan".

Fish on!

www.millerslandingak.com