Tangle Lakes Grayling Academy | 2025
Overview
There’s something about the wide-open skies of Alaska’s Denali Highway that stirs adventure in the soul. Maybe it’s the way the tundra glows gold in the evening light or how the still lakes mirror the peaks beyond. In July, a spirited group of women gathered at Tangle Lakes Lodge to soak it all in and learn the art of fly fishing at our Tangle Lakes Grayling Academy. This three-day adventure combined fishing, friendship, and plenty of laughter — with a few surprise lessons from the Arctic grayling themselves.
Day 1: Arrival, Lanyards, and the Midnight Hatch
After the long and scenic drive down the Denali Highway — that ribbon of gravel winding through pure wilderness — we arrived at Tangle Lakes Lodge, our cozy home base. The lodge owners greeted us warmly and filled the dining room with the irresistible aroma of a hearty homemade dinner. Between bites of delicious food and bursts of laughter, introductions rolled easily. The small group quickly found common ground: a shared curiosity about fly fishing and a love for wild places.
Once the plates were cleared, the creativity began. The evening’s first “lesson” was crafting colorful lanyards — practical little tool holders for our fishing adventures. Beads and cord soon covered the tables, and everyone’s personality shone through in their designs. By the time the last knot was tied, we each had a unique, cheerful accessory ready for the water.
But the evening wasn’t over yet. As stories of the “magical midnight hatch” floated through the room, curiosity got the better of two adventurous anglers. Armed with their new gear and a healthy dose of courage, they ventured to the nearby river under the midnight sun. And what a reward! Under the dusky glow, they found grayling rising — dozens of small, silvery fish eager to sip flies from the surface. Their laughter and excitement echoed back to the lodge, proving that Alaska’s summer nights really do hold magic.
Day 2: Lessons, Laughter, and the One That Got Away
The next morning dawned clear and cool — perfect fly fishing weather. After breakfast and coffee at the lodge, we headed to the Tangle River for our first formal lessons. With instructors Jolynne Howard and Katrina Beckman leading the way, we learned about gear, knots, casting, and flies — the essential tools of every angler’s trade. The river ran high that week, glistening and a little wild, so we took care near the edges, wading only where safe. Even so, the excitement of the first cast was palpable.
Midday brought a fun twist: pizza delivered to the boat launch! There’s something extra special about eating hot pizza with a lake view and a fishing rod leaning nearby. Between bites, we swapped stories, shared tips, and cheered for every grayling brought to hand.
In the afternoon, we took to float tubing on Tangle Lake — a mix of giggles, paddling practice, and a few graceful spins in the breeze. Once everyone’s arms had their workout, it was time for a break. A few hours of porch time — sipping wine, laughing, and watching the light stretch long across the water — restored our energy perfectly.
Evening brought a cozy fly-tying session led by Martha Peck back at the lodge. Bright threads, shiny tinsel, and puffs of feathers transformed into colorful patterns that promised fishy success. With our newly tied flies tucked in our boxes, we were ready for one more fishing adventure.
The lodge owner kindly ferried us across to Rock Creek outlet on Upper Tangle Lake, where the water sparkled in the late sun. There, we spread out along the shore for some good-natured casting practice. Despite our best efforts (and some truly beautiful loops), the grayling decided to take the evening off. But we didn’t mind — sometimes, the best fishing memories aren’t about the fish at all, but the moments shared between casts.
Day 3: From Practice to Perfection
By the third day, everyone had found their rhythm — and their confidence. Rods were rigged faster, knots tied with surer hands, and lines cast with a little extra grace. We loaded up and drove farther down the Denali Highway to another stretch of Rock Creek, a place that could have been plucked from a postcard. Crystal water, wildflowers on the bank, and endless mountain views set the stage for our final day of the academy.
Here, everything came together. The new casts connected. The fly choices worked. And the grayling — those stunning, sail-finned beauties — were ready to play. Laughter mixed with the splash of fish and the soft whirr of reels. One by one, everyone caught fish, and each seemed larger and more spirited than the last. The further we wandered from the road, the better the fishing got, as if the creek itself was rewarding our persistence.
By afternoon, with tired arms and full hearts, we gathered for a final reflection. It wasn’t just about learning to fish; it was about stepping outside comfort zones, finding confidence, and building new friendships through shared adventure. The lodge owner prepared charcuterie go-boxes for the drive home!
Explore. Educate. Empower.
That’s the mantra of Women’s Fly Fishing, and nowhere did it ring truer than at the Tangle Lakes Grayling Academy. Over three days, we explored wild water, educated ourselves on new skills, and empowered one another to grow — as anglers and as women who love the outdoors.
As we packed up and said our goodbyes, one thing was certain: we’ll be back. The next Tangle Lakes Grayling Academy is set for July 2026, and we can’t wait to return to those glacial-blue waters, hearty lodge meals, and the laughter that only comes when women gather to fish.
Join us — the grayling are waiting!
Hosted by Jolynne Howard & Katrina Beckman | July 11-13, 2025