COPPER RIVER LODGE
Destination Overview
The Copper River is likely the best trout river in Alaska! It is designated “fly fishing only” and is easily waded and gives up many huge trout each day. The Copper is known for amazing dry fly and streamer fishing during June and July. Some say it is like fishing the lower 48 with dries but Alaska sized rainbows and boasts incredible Sockeye salmon fishing in July.
Kiene's Fly Fishing Travel thinks you will be stunned by the beauty of this Alaskan river lined with groves of Birch, Cottonwood and Spruce. You will want to throw stoneflies, caddis, mayflies and mouse patterns in June and July, then move to egg and flesh patterns during August and September.
The Copper River Lodge, around for 40 years now, only takes 6 guests a week and is the only lodge on the actual river itself. You can wade and fish right in front of the lodge or fish any of the rivers 22 miles!
Over 90% of their clients are repeat clients or were referred to us by existing clients. Come see why Copper River Lodge is one of the best fly fishing trout lodges in Alaska!
At a Glance
Location: mouth of The Copper River at Lake Iliamna
Target fish: Wild Rainbow trout, sockeye
Time of year: June 8 thru September
Lodge Capacity: 6 anglers
Nearest Airport: Iliamna airport via Anchorage International (or private plane direct to Iliamna)
Documents Required: Proper photo ID, drivers license or passport
Fishing Program
The Copper River Lodge holds the only permit to trespass and fish the Copper River. This allows you to legally access the banks of this river. Many other lodges are not able to leave jet boats on the upper river and our permit allows jet boats to be left on the upper Copper. This allows access to water that very few people fish.
We can also reach the prolific Gibraltar River in 40 minutes via our lake boat!
You can also fly out to the upper Copper River and raft down to the lodge. We only charge you what the air taxi charges us. This fly out can be as little as $150 per person for the day!
Season:
June 8–Early October
Accommodations
From your arrival on the dock until your departure, you will enjoy an unrivaled standard of personalized service while at the Copper River Lodge.
The new fishing lodge and guest cabins were completed in June of 2014 and overlooks the Copper River with large deck, perfect for watching the sunset. In the lodge we have a large living room and dining area, bathroom, and a very nice kitchen. There are 4 guests cabins that all have nice decks overlooking the river, and have a queen and single bed. Each cabin has a private toilet and shower.
Our gourmet food will leave nothing to be desired. Fresh baked bread, pastries, and rolls complement meals created by our professional kitchen staff. If there is something you crave, or if you have dietary restrictions, just let us know.
Getting There
On the day prior to your arrival in camp (Saturday) you should plan on traveling to Anchorage and overnighting. On Sunday morning, you will fly out from Anchorage and land in Iliamna.
This is a spectacular 90 minute flight. While you need to pay for this round trip, we will book it for you in your name. You will just need to call and pay for the flight, telling them you are a client of Copper River Lodge. Iliamna Air Taxi is owned by Tim and Nancy La Porte, who have been providing safe air travel in the Bush for well over two decades.
On Arrival into Ilaimna, walk to the terminal owned by Iliamna Air Taxi and tell them you are guests at Copper River Lodge. You will then be put on one of their float planes for a 20 minute flight. You should be at the mouth of the Copper River by 11:30 am and will be met by jet boats that will transfer you to the lodge.
After arriving at the lodge there will be ample time to settle into your room, set up your fishing equipment, have fishing licenses issued (if needed) and receive a brief orientation. As soon as everyone is organized, they'll meet at the dock and head out for your first day of fishing. A lunch will be packed and ready to eat on the river.
The schedule is for a Saturday afternoon departure from the Lodge back to Iliamna, allowing you to fish that morning. Depart Iliamna via Iliamna Air Taxi. You'll want to schedule a late evening flight out of Anchorage as you'll arrive back to Anchorage after 5:00pm. There are several red eye flights back to the lower 48 or you can fly out Sunday morning.
Rates
2020 Week Package: $6,100 (per person)
Duration: 7 days • Season: June 8–Early October • Capacity: Six Guests
Packages Include:
Float Plane Transportation between Iliamna and the Lodge
Leaders/tippet
Flies
Local and State Taxes
All lodging, and meals throughout the week, 6 nights, 7 days.
7 days of guided fishing (change out days are not full days)
Use of our lake boat to access the tributaries of Lake Iliamna
Packages do not include: fishing license, additional charters, flights to Iliamna from Anchorage, gratuities or alcohol.