From The Ground Up: Kate Crump & The Lodge at 58 North

Raised on a farm in rural Virginia, Sage Ambassador, Kate Crump left home for the Pacific Northwest, unsure what she was after. A chance invitation to go salmon fishing with friends one day was the catalyst for what would shape the rest of her life in fishing. 

Fast forward 15 years—and Kate is as real as they come. A highly respected angler, guide, conservationist, multi-business owner, and most recently, the proud owner of an Alaskan fishing lodge with her partner Justin Crump. Their dream of owning and operating an Alaska fishing lodge was long in the making, but the execution of opening their lodge in time for the season would have to persevere through 8 short months of planning, a post-pandemic supply chain, and Alaska’s temperamental off-season. 

Their loved ones showed up to support them, whether it was encouraging text messages and calls, keeping them fueled with food, hammering nails, or taking on the titles of plumber and electrician. It took a village. 

The result? The Lodge at 58* North. An Alaskan fishing lodge unlike any other. Scroll through a few photos of the lodge, and it becomes apparent that in another life—if she weren’t guiding every day—maybe Kate would have a career in design. 58* North is a blend of elegance and natural allure—embracing the soul of all the wild and scenic places that lay on the 58* latitude. 

Catch an inside glimpse at the design and build of The Lodge at 58* North, told by Sage Ambassador Kate Crump with photography by Jeremy Koreski & Andrew Burr. 

From The Ground Up:

The dream was rooted in having freedom over our guest’s experiences on and off the water. Over a decade of guiding in Alaska teaches you a lot about controllable and uncontrollable variables. If you take away the incredible fishing, adventure opportunities, and grandeur, would you still want to visit the lodge? Our dream is—you say yes.

I can still recall the first time I ever laid eyes on the spot—it was the same day I found myself running a jet boat up the river for the first time too. A ‘love-at-first-sight’ type of moment that only grew stronger the more time I spent guiding in Alaska, jetting by the property. Often I would think: “Man if I were crazy enough to own a fishing lodge, this spot right here could make me crazy enough to do it.”

A travel company, an Oregon coast lodge, and a wild thirteen years later, Justin and I found ourselves standing in the very spot where we had planted the seed of owning a lodge—but this time—we’d grown into actual owners.

There was very little time to soak up any feelings of triumph—as we knew our work was cut out for us if we wanted to open by the start of the 2022 season. 

I could write a diary of “oh sh*t” moments and the constant need to pivot plans on the fly. But that is just the nature of living and working in remote Alaska—you have to stay flexible. 

5 cabin remodels 1 new lodge, and 2 months of building to get it done.

A clear vision of how the Lodge should look and feel set us up for success with such a tight deadline. The design has always been in my nature when I think back on it. Whenever I found myself sent to my room as a young kid—it became an opportunity to rearrange my furniture and organize my belongings. And much to Justin’s amusement—I’m still doing that today. My surroundings are an extension of myself and essential to my well-being—a space has to feel good.

The Lodge at 58 North, King Salmon, AK

The Lodge at 58 North, King Salmon, AK

Large windows in the lodge and cabins frame the incredible views of our home water—the Naknek River. You can witness eagles soaring, ospreys in pursuit, and playful otters at any moment.

Soft hues, plush furnishing, and gentle lighting—all work seamlessly together to create a harmonic ambiance that feels like a warm embrace. We want anyone who stays with us to feel welcomed and at peace to be themselves. 

The interior walls reflect the natural landscape and inhabitants of the Bristol Bay region thanks to photographs and art from close friends and artists. 

Throughout the build, we aimed to repurpose as many materials as possible. A storied slab of old redwood from the water towers at the local Diamond J Cannery has found a new purpose as a gathering place in the lodge, where fish stories flow as smoothly as the drinks poured.

Details of the bar

Each year we’re looking toward improved additions. This season we’ve set our sights on building a 50ft greenhouse—allowing our incredible culinary team to cultivate their own ingredients. And propelling us further along a path to a sustainable future. 

It wasn’t till the end of our first season, when we said our goodbyes to our final guests, that I felt relief. From the porch overlooking the riverbank, I felt a sense of purpose and place. 

Keep up with Kate by following her on Instagram @k8_crump and visit @thelodgeat58north to learn more. 

Thank you to Sage Fly Fishing for supporting The Lodge at 58* North and Kate Crump for helping tell this story. If you are looking for your perfect set-up for any adventure, whether to Alaska or in your backyard. The Sage R8 CORE is the perfect rod to add to your quiver. Check them out HERE. 

This article was published as part of a paid campaign between Flylords LLC and Sage Fly Fishing. All opinions presented in this article are genuine and solely reflect the opinions of Flylords LLC. 

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