Fishing Program

Float trips average 35 to 45 miles long. Longer and shorter trips can be arranged. You need 5-7 days to complete most of the Iliamna Region Rivers comfortably. Floats can be guided or unguided. The trips stay out on the river the entire time, stopping at key points to set up camp and fish the many rivers and lakes of the Iliamna Region. The primary purpose of these trips is for fly fishing, although there is great adventure involved with the fish & float trip program.

A river guide is always a good idea while in the wilds of Alaska.  If you have good experience on the oars, are in good health and feel adventurous you may opt for a self-guided trip. Self-guided trips are the ultimate in adventure. This is a lot more than just a fishing experience. However, a river guide can provide an extra margin of safety while navigating the rivers, understanding of the fishery, handling “bear situations” and setting up camp along the river.

Floats can accommodate groups from 2 - 9 anglers.  Based on what you want to experience when fishing and what level of experience you have rafting, the lodge will select a river and location for you to float. You have over six different Alaska River Floats to choose from including, Alagnak River, River X, Chili River, Kokatuli River, Moraine River and Mulchatna River. Within these Alaskan rivers there are some with class III to IV rapids and others that are nothing but riffles and long runs. The average drift length of our guided river floats is 30-40 miles although longer and shorter drifts may be arranged.

The difficulty of the rivers are as follows. This is based on a 1-5 ranking with 5 being very difficult. This takes into consideration rapids, technical water and potential log jams:

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Alagnak River - 2,  River X - 4,  Chili - 3,  Kokatuli - 3,  Moraine - 2,  Mulchatna - 3

Best Time to Visit

This is answered best in what you would like to experience in Alaska. Each month offers a unique experience for a Fly Fishing Float Trip in Alaska. Some months will be better for Salmon fishing while other will be better for Rainbow, Dollies, Grayling and Pike. All five species of Pacific Salmon available to our fly fishermen. The Alagnak and Copper Rivers have a unique and different schedule for the return of these salmon. We will put you on the river that offers exactly what you would like to experience while fishing or floating these beautiful Alaskan Rivers.

Fishing Techniques

The River X and Moraine River have been designated fly fishing only rivers. The others are restricted to single hook barbless artificials only. Again the time of the year will dictate the style of fishing.

In June and July we will be casting 5-8 weight rods for rainbows. The fishing is like what you would expect in western rivers of the lower 48. Dry flies will consist of caddis, stimulators and midges. Smolt patterns, leaches, stones and midge larva will also be fished regularly.

In August and September we transition over to fishing egg pattern, leaches and flesh flies. However, there is the rare occasion of needing some dries and stones along as well. For chasing salmon you will need an 8-10 weight rod. We fish a lot of string leaches, spun marabou flies and anything else that is big, heavy and ugly! The only exception is with sockeye salmon. Sockeye like a sparsely tied fly that is not so intrusive.

Best Fly Fishing Seasons

This is answered best in what you would like to experience in Alaska. Each month offers a unique experience for a Fly Fishing Float Trip in Alaska. Some months will be better for Salmon fishing while other will be better for Rainbow, Dollies, Grayling and Pike.

All five species of Pacific Salmon available to our fly fishermen. The Alagnak and Copper Rivers have a unique and different schedule for the return of these salmon. We will put you on the river that offers exactly what you would like to experience while fishing or floating these beautiful Alaskan Rivers.

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Gear and equipment list