Tangle Lakes Grayling Academy | 2026
Three Days of Learning, Laughter & Arctic Grayling
What do you get when you gather an enthusiastic group of women, two passionate fly fishing hosts, spectacular Alaska scenery, and thousands of eager Arctic grayling?
A weekend none of us will soon forget.
Hosted by Katrina and Jolynne of Women's Fly Fishing, this year's Tangle Lakes Grayling Academy brought together women of all skill levels for three unforgettable days on Alaska's legendary Denali Highway. Our home base was the cozy and welcoming Tangle Lakes Lodge, where every day ended with good food, great stories, and even better friendships.
Friday: Meeting New Friends & First Fish
Our adventure began Friday afternoon as everyone arrived at the lodge, settled into their cabins, and met fellow anglers over a delicious dinner. Before heading to the water, everyone crafted personalized fishing lanyards—a fun project that quickly broke the ice and sparked plenty of conversation.
Then it was time for the real reason we came.
As the long Alaska evening stretched toward midnight, we headed to the Tangle River to experience the famous late-night midge hatch. Grayling eagerly rose to tiny dry flies while everyone practiced casting, presentation, and fish handling beneath the endless summer sky. It was the perfect introduction to the magical waters of the Tangle Lakes region.
Saturday: Learning, Fishing & Feasting
Saturday started with a hearty lodge breakfast before diving into knot lessons and time on the river. New skills were immediately put to use as everyone gained confidence landing beautiful Arctic grayling.
The afternoon brought another adventure as we launched float tubes onto the lake. Whether it was someone's first time fishing from a float tube or their fiftieth, there were plenty of smiles, laughs, and fish caught along the way.
Back at the lodge, pizza hit the spot before everyone gathered for a fly-tying session. Creating flies that could later fool grayling added another layer to the learning experience.
There was also time to relax, enjoy the scenery, and simply soak in the beauty of Alaska.
Dinner was unforgettable—a feast of tender ribs and sweet corn that fueled us for one more evening adventure.
As a special treat, the lodge owner guided us by boat around the lake to fish the crystal-clear waters of Rock Creek during the evening rise. The scenery was breathtaking, the company was outstanding, and the hospitality didn't end there. Upon our return, our gracious hosts surprised us with wine, making the perfect ending to an already incredible day.
Of course, no Women's Fly Fishing trip is complete without plenty of laughter. The evening finished with card games, storytelling, and new friendships forming inside the cozy cabins.
Sunday: One More Adventure
Sunday morning called for a road trip back to Rock Creek.
The grayling cooperated beautifully, and nearly everyone enjoyed fishy action throughout the morning. The mosquitoes may have been enthusiastic participants too, but thankfully they couldn't dampen our spirits—or our success.
Soon it was time to return to the lodge for heartfelt goodbyes. Before everyone headed home, the lodge staff sent us off with wonderful charcuterie lunch boxes for the drive, one final reminder of the incredible hospitality we experienced all weekend.
More Than Just Fishing
Over three days we learned knots, fly tying, casting techniques, fishing strategies, and how to better understand one of Alaska's most beautiful fish—the Arctic grayling.
But perhaps the greatest catch of the weekend wasn't measured in inches.
It was the confidence gained by trying something new, the encouragement shared among women, the friendships that grew around the dinner table, and the memories made beneath Alaska's endless summer daylight.
We came to catch fish.
We left with new skills, new friends, and a deep appreciation for one of Alaska's most remarkable fisheries.
Join Us Next Year!
If you've ever dreamed of learning to fly fish in one of Alaska's most scenic locations, the Women's Fly Fishing Tangle Lakes Grayling Academy is the perfect place to start—or to build your skills.
You'll enjoy expert instruction, comfortable lodging, delicious meals, beautiful scenery, plenty of grayling, and the camaraderie of an amazing group of women who share your love of adventure.
Whether you're brand new to fly fishing or looking to sharpen your skills, we'd love to have you join us next summer.
Come discover why so many women leave Tangle Lakes already planning their return.
Hosted by Jolynne Howard & Katrina Beckman | July 10-12, 2026