About Us

Your Hosts

Zachar Bay Lodge was established in 1989 by longtime Kodiak residents Marty and Linda Eaton as a wilderness destination for fishing and wildlife viewing adventures. We have lived in Kodiak for many years, and we would like to share the beauty of the Alaska's Emerald Isle with you. Andy Eaton currently manages and operates the day-to-day operations at the Lodge.

All trips are fully guided by highly experienced, professional guides. They are expertly trained in bear safety and often have many years of firsthand experience with the bears of Kodiak Island. Zachar Bay Lodge prides themselves in the kind of professionalism only long experience and solid education can bring. The lodge is proud to have a spotless safety record (for both guests and bears). You can rest assured that you will be with the most qualified, knowledgeable, and safety-conscious guides on the island.

At Zachar Bay Lodge, we work hard to give our guests a perfect Alaska lodging experience. We have a lot to offer, and the best part is that you can have it all! You don’t have to sacrifice solitude for great fishing. And you don’t have to take a day off from fishing to see incredible scenery and varied wildlife, including bears. No matter what activity you choose to do, you can’t avoid getting the full benefit of the Kodiak Island experience.

Feel free to call us at 1-907-486-4120 if you have questions or if you would like to make reservations between 8AM to 10PM Alaska time. Email is the preferred method of communication. We do our best to be available, but please leave a message or send an email if we are unable to answer your call.

Our Start

Marty Eaton fell in love with Kodiak Island during his first visit in 1957. Alaska was still a territory, to become the 49th state in 1959. The Navy brought him to this remote station, far away from the desert of Arizona where he was raised. After a six-month tour in Kodiak, experiencing the fishing and wildlife opportunities, Marty knew that he wanted to live and work in the Kodiak outdoor lifestyle. After speaking to some of the local fish and wildlife biologists, he was convinced that a degree in Biology would be his best opportunity for beginning a career in Kodiak.

Marty spent the winter seasons at Northern Arizona University (formerly Arizona State College) in Flagstaff, Arizona studying Biology. While attending the University, he met his future wife, Linda, and convinced her to move to Alaska with him after college. After graduation, they packed up their pickup truck and drove the Alaska Highway in the spring of 1964. There arrival was just a few months after the earthquake and tsunami that devastated Kodiak and southern Alaska.

Marty secured a job working for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game as a fisheries biologist – regulating and enforcing the commercial fishing industry in salmon, halibut, crab, shrimp and much more over a 20 year period. He also took a break from the Department in the early 1970’s to pursue a commercial Dungeness and King Crab fishing venture for three years.

Although he never became a “highliner,” Marty was very successful with fishing, but desired the stability of working for the state of Alaska.

The Eaton’s have three sons – Andy, Glen and Kyle. After retiring in 1985, Marty and Linda wanted a retirement project and approached Andy for his help. Together they acquired a derelict cannery on the shores of Zachar Bay – with just an idea of how grand it could be. With blood and sweat equity from the whole family, Zachar Bay Lodge was started from nothing, and continues to prosper after more than 20 years.

Andy & his wife Lin and their children, Tayla & John, are active at the lodge during the summer and fall months.

Glen and Kyle operate a floatplane charter service in the city of Kodiak that compliments Zachar Bay.

"I researched places in Alaska on the internet for a long time. It (Zachar Bay) was my favorite. Now that I've been there, it's definitely my favorite!"

 ~Rudy J Ramirez, Jr.