Our Story
Meet the team that makes Favorite Bay feel like home—from Kimberly, who's been our General Manager since 2005, to the Native guides who fish these waters year-round, to the chefs who transform your catch into gourmet cuisine.
Our philosophy in five principles
21 Years. One General Manager. Unforgettable personal service.
Kimberly's story with the lodge began the best way possible: as a guest. She first arrived in Southeast Alaska in 2004 with her family—and never quite left. Now in her 21st season, Kimberly is the heartbeat of the lodge, bringing a rare mix of hospitality instinct, operational grit, and genuine love for this place.
Her career spans some of the world's great hospitality and cultural hubs, including Florence, Italy, New York City, and San Francisco. Those experiences shaped her polished, guest-first approach—but it's Alaska where she feels most at home.
During the season, Kimberly does it all: overseeing operations, welcoming guests, solving problems before they surface, and ensuring every stay feels effortless, personal, and unforgettable. In the off-season, she's based in Oregon, where she focuses on sales, marketing, and long-range planning—building the foundation for each upcoming season.
Whether she's behind the scenes or front and center, Kimberly's passion, longevity, and attention to detail are woven into every part of the lodge experience.
Guest Reviews Mention Kimberly By Name
“Kimberly made us feel like family from the moment we arrived.”
“She remembered our kids' names from last year and asked about their school.”
“The kind of service you can't train—it comes from two decades of caring.”
We nurture our staff relationships and value experience—because hospitality this personal takes years to develop. Kimberly's two decades mean consistency, deep expertise, and relationships that grow richer with every return visit. It's why 75% of guests plan to come back before they leave.
“I've watched families grow up here. Kids who caught their first salmon at age eight are now bringing their own children. Couples who came on their honeymoon return for anniversaries. This isn't just my job—it's my life's work and my Alaska family.”
— Kimberly
He designed and built this lodge—and 25 seasons later, he's still here making sure everything runs perfectly.
Jerry knows every beam, every system, every corner of Favorite Bay Lodge—because he designed and built it himself. Before Alaska, he spent 45 years as a licensed general contractor in Monterey, California, specializing in custom homes and high-end commercial projects, including the Beach Club and Lodge Renovation for Pebble Beach Company.
But Jerry's Alaska roots run deeper than construction. He spent 14 years commercial fishing in Prince William Sound and Bristol Bay—hard work that gave him an intimate understanding of these waters and the people who fish them.
Now semi-retired, Jerry oversees engineering and maintenance at the lodge. But you'll often find him doing what he loves most: sportfishing with guests, swapping stories, and working alongside the guides to make sure every detail is handled. After 25 seasons, this place is as much his home as anyone's.
The husband-and-wife team transforming Alaska's wild ingredients into gourmet cuisine.
Cody is our Executive Chef and co-owner of Cadence Private Chef Co. out of Little Rock, Arkansas. He's worked fine dining, resorts, catering—but what really gets him going is wild food. An avid hunter and fisherman, Cody built his whole cooking style around fish and game. Simple. Honest. Rooted in place. Alaska gives him ingredients he can't get anywhere else.
Sammy brings Southern comfort together with Asian and French influences—a combination that sounds unlikely until you taste it. She's a culinary school grad who trained under respected chefs in kitchens from Vermont to Angoon, Alaska (where she was a private chef at another sport fishing lodge before joining us). Food, for Sammy, is about bringing people together. She approaches every dish with curiosity and genuine warmth.
Together, they run Cadence Private Chef Co. when they're not at Favorite Bay. Here, they get to do what they love most: cook with salmon that was swimming hours ago, halibut still in rigor mortis, and wild berries foraged that morning.
Food shows up in guest reviews almost as often as fishing—which says something about an Alaska lodge. That's Cody and Sammy.
Local guides who fish these waters year-round and share cultural knowledge passed through generations.
Tlingit, Family Legacy
Born and raised in Angoon, Jason learned to fish these waters from his grandfather and uncles. Now in his fourth year guiding at Favorite Bay, he brings a lifetime of local knowledge and deep respect for the land and sea. His goal is simple: to give guests an authentic, memorable experience in the place he's proud to call home.
Commercial Fisherman Turned Guide
Grew up in Kake, half Tlingit with Swedish and Norwegian roots. Worked just about every commercial fishery Alaska has to offer before settling in Angoon with his family. Fishing and hunting aren't hobbies—they're part of who he is.
Third Generation Angoon
Born and raised in Angoon. Learned to fish from his parents and grandpa—now he gets to share that knowledge with guests.
Retired Teacher, Rainforest Expert
A retired local teacher with encyclopedic knowledge of the Tongass Rainforest. Kay leads kayaking excursions through Favorite Bay's protected inlets—perfect for non-anglers or afternoon exploration after morning fishing.
FISH CUTTER, SITKA BORN
Born in Sitka and raised on Admiralty Island, Trevor brings nine years of fish processing experience to every fillet. Precision, speed, and a deep respect for your catch- he makes sure everything is handled with care and ready to enjoy when you get back home.
"Favorite Bay Lodge is magical! From the moment you arrive on a float plane to the way the lodge envelops you in its elegance and charm, this place is like no other I have ever been, and I have been all over the world. Most ways to visit Alaska make you feel like an outsider; Favorite Bay Lodge makes you feel like part of the family."
― Anne W, New York City
Over 2 decades of Kimberly's care. Local guides who know these waters. Chefs who'll transform your catch. Your Alaska family awaits.
Favorite Bay
Lodge
Alaska's premier wilderness fishing lodge on Admiralty Island. World-class fishing, wildlife, and hospitality since 2001.
Explore
Plan Your Trip
Contact
© 2026 Favorite Bay Lodge. All rights reserved.
Tours operated under special use permit with US Forest Service, Tongass National Forest.
Favorite Bay Lodge is an equal opportunity provider.
