Some years ago, commercial operations ceased as the number of owners increased and the group decided to limit activity to personal use. There are 18 owners, several of whom live Outside (and rarely use the property, if at all). We employ a manager to take care of things, do maintenance and improvements, provide security, clean, do laundry, make beds, etc.  Many of the owners own personal riverboats, either individually or in partnership with other owners. The kitchen is stocked with basics like flour, sugar, etc., so all we have to bring out is fresh stuff and meat.  Beds have mattresses and blankets, and sheets, towels and washcloths are also provided. Laundry is done by the manager.

Main lodge building has 7 bedrooms, with 2-4 beds each, 2 bathrooms (hot and cold water and shower), full kitchen, and living and dining area, plus entry/gear room with freezers. Also, there is a managers' cabin, workshop/wash house, and generator and storage buildings (each owner has storage closet for fishing gear, etc.).  We have a backhoe/front end loader for runway and property maintenance, and diesel generator for power. And an ATV for baggage and supplies transport, etc.

With 7 bedrooms and several owners who seldom use the facility, there is virtually never a problem with use when you wish. One of our owners in Anchorage acts as a "reservationist" and keeps track of room availability. She coordinates with the on-site manager on reserved space. We have a cell phone there for last minute coordination if needed. (ACS and MTA phones work at the lodge thanks to the cell tower on Shell Hill). Use of the facility is limited to your family and invited guests (no number limit). The owner husband and/or wife must be present whenever other family or guests are on site. To help cover the cost of consumables (fuel [for the generator], propane [for the cook stove and refrigerator], food pantry staples, and the cost of transporting those items out), we contribute a nominal $15 per person per night.

The airstrip is gravel, and suitable for most single engine types.  Largest plane we have had in there was a twin engine CASA 212.  For owners without their own plane, several local flight services, including Regal Air, are available and frequent the lodge on a regular basis.

The property is owned by TAL, Inc., with individual ownership interest held in the form of shares of the corporation.  The corporation owns the property and improvements free and clear (by State Patent). There are no mortgages on the property or improvements (all paid off many years ago). Operations are overseen by a Board of Directors (all owners), elected at our annual meeting in Anchorage each spring.  Participation on the Board is always welcomed.  Dues vary with needs, and are established by the Board with input from all shareholders.  Recently, we decided to upgrade and replace the roof on the main lodge building this year.  That resulted in a onetime assessment of $500 each, which has been paid. The materials have been purchased and are now onsite, with the physical work contracted for completion this summer.  That will be the last of several major projects to be done, as we replaced the lodge foundation with pressure treated timbers several years ago, and have also recently replaced the laundry/workshop building and generator house.

The established $28,000 sales price goes to the selling shareholder. There are no commissions or closing fees. As a shareholder of the corporation, your ownership entitles you to an undivided interest in the property and equal enjoyment of all the benefits. The current dues of $200 per month cover the costs of operating and maintaining the facility, including manager’s wages, transportation, equipment and routine maintenance. Management (Board of Directors, Reservations, Operations Manager) is provided by shareholder volunteers at no charge.

As you may know, the Tal is known for excellent fishing.  Kings and silvers are the predominant salmon types. Dolly Varden and trophy Rainbows (catch and release only) are also prolific. Grayling are sometimes caught upriver on dry flies. Reds run up Shell Creek, which is just across the Yentna River from the Tal. Kings run up the Tal the last half of June, with the silver run usually from late July thru mid to late August. Dolly Varden and Rainbows are in the river all summer, with especially good catches late in the season.

"The Tal" is a unique arrangement -- all the benefits of a wilderness fishing lodge, without the hassles that go with maintenance of a personal cabin.  And only a 40 minute flight from Anchorage.  You simply go to relax (and/or fish).  And the number of beds/rooms makes it possible to have a group of guests accompany you, with space and comfort for all.

You are invited to view many pictures in the photo album portion of this site (click on link on the right side of this page).

Please feel free to email Farnorthflyer@gmail.com or call 907-345-0261 with any questions.