ILIAMNA RIVER LODGE - Kienes' Premier Destination
Destination Overview
Kiene's Fly Fishing Travel is so proud to represent this spectacular Alaskan destination!
The Iliamna River Lodge, a sister lodge to the famous Rainbow River Lodge, is in a word, ‘stunning’. The new guest cabins, new main lodge and kitchen are impressive as they perch over the crystal clear water of the fabled Iliamna River.
Just one hundred feet from the cabins are the docks and jet boats that will wisk you upriver in minutes, and into the rugged glacial peak lined canyon. The white sand bottom of the Iliamna river makes for intense sight fishing to giant lake run Rainbows and large spectacular Char.
You will certainly want to spend a day or two on the Iliamna River, running the rapids, exploring the deep clear bends that hold large numbers of native Char and massive Rainbows. You will be under the watchful eyes of Golden and Bald eagles, moose, bears and other wildlife. The scenery is so extremely picturesque, that many clients have exclaimed the jet boat ride alone is with the price of admission!
You may choose fly out options during your week to fish the other great rivers of Bristol Bay. The planes, DeHaviland Beavers, will taxi right to the trimmed grass in front of the lodge for easy loading of guests and gear.
In addition to a fleet of river jet boats, your guides will also use the 22’ high side jet boat to explore and fish short-run, rarely touched rivers that flow into the remote north end of Lake Iliamna, Alaska’s largest lake, measuring about 100 miles north to south. These secret tributary rivers see only a few anglers a year.
An added bonus to Iliamna River Lodge is a large passenger van that is stashed upriver on an inland road. This van is accessed by jet boat allowing a drive to a cached boat on the Cook Inlet! Imaging gathering razor clams and sight casting to migrating salmon amidst harbor seals and bears!
Kienes Fly Fishing Travel sincerely declares this lodge as a must do destination, filled with exquisite scenery and unimaginable adventure!
At a Glance
Location: On the Iliamna River, close to Pedro Bay.
Target Fish: Big Rainbow Trout, Huge Dolly Varden, Salmon- all 5 species, Lake trout, Arctic Grayling, Northern Pike
Time of Year: June – September
Lodge Capacity: 8 fishermen each week, with one guide for every two anglers.
Nearest Airport: Pedro Bay via Merrill Field Airport in Anchorage.
Documents Required: 7 Day Non-Resident Alaska Fishing License. Proper photo ID for airline travel.
Fishing Program
You have two choices for your week of fishing. The “Homewaters Package” includes 6 days of fishing on waters that can be accessed by boat. This includes jet boats on the Iliamna River and using the 22’ covered high side jet boat to explore and fish short-run rivers that flow into the north end of Lake Iliamna.
The “Full Deal Fly Out Experience” is the other choice you have and it includes the best fishing destinations traveling by air or boat and fish up to 6 different rivers per week. The lodge has three DeHaviland Beavers at their disposal and the best seasoned Alaskan pilots you can find.
No matter which package you choose you will have seasoned and professional guides on staff for a maximum of 8 fishermen. These are all professional men who have made guiding their life. They have multiple seasons of guiding in the area with valuable local knowledge of the fisheries guaranteeing you a great day on the river. Every evening you will meet with your guides to discuss the best plan for the following day.
Accommodations
Iliamna River Lodge was opened a few years ago and includes new spacious double occupancy cabins appointed with efficient heating, walk-in showers, and a front porch that commands fantastic views of one of Alaska’s most scenic rivers.
Owners Chad Hewitt and Steve Jensen have spared no expense. They have recently retained Bill Betts as a managing partner. Bill will be on site around the clock to serve the clientele.
Chad and Steve have had many years as partners in Rainbow River Lodge which has given them the foresight to make this small eight person lodge an immediate winner. Like their wildly successful Rainbow River Lodge, this facility will literally take your breath away!
All meals are like one would find in finer restaurants. Prime rib, tender steaks, roasted chicken, fresh seafood, steaming crab legs all served with fresh salads, soups, homemade breads and hand crafted desserts. Breakfasts are hot, fresh and you will not leave for fishing with an empty belly. The 5-star chefs are amazing.
One of the goals we have for this lodge is to provide a realistic way for guests to book the entire lodge for their group. It is set up to handle 8 guests. If you bring 8, then the facility is exclusively yours, a rare option in Alaska! Additional guests can also be added to your group at an adjusted rate.
There is a satellite phone at the lodge for you to use ( cell phones will not work).Any standard calling card works to place long distance calls. A satellite internet connection with a wireless router is on site if you bring your laptop or smartphone. A desktop computer for your use is available in the main lodge.
Getting There
Iliamna River Lodge guests will fly from Anchorage to Pedro Bay on a private charter flight operated by Lake Clark Air out of Merrill Field Airport near downtown Anchorage.
Iliamna River Lodge will schedule your flight from Anchorage to Pedro Bay for you. The cost of this flight is usually about $480 and is payable to Lake Clark Air (907-278-2054).
Staff of the Iliamna River Lodge will meet you in Pedro Bay as you step off the plane and will transfer you to the 22’ boat for a short ride to the lodge. After a week of great fly fishing you will depart the lodge and return to Pedro Bay for your charter flight back to Anchorage.
When scheduling your flights from your home city and Anchorage, make certain to give yourself two hours to make the charter flight to Pedro Bay.
Airlines and websites that service Anchorage:
Alaska Air, Delta, Kayak, Orbitz
Suggested Anchorage Accommodations:
Captain Cook Hotel
5th Avenue & K Street Anchorage AK 99501 Phone: (800) 843-1959
The Captain Cook has been called the premier Hotel in Anchorage. It offers Great Alaskan decor and is located downtown within close walking distance to several great restaurants and is a short taxi ride to Merrill Field Airport. This is a Wild On The Fly favorite hotel in Anchorage.
Millenium Hotel
4800 Spenard Road, Anchorage, AK , USA 99517-3236
tel: +1 907 243 2300 fax: +1 907 243 8815 reservation: +1 866 866 8086
The Millenium Alaskan Hotel is the most popular choice among our guests. It is located close to Anchorage International Airport and right on the world’s largest floatplane base in the world. This is what you would expect from an Alaskan Hotel.
Executive Suite Hotel
4360 Spenard Toad Anchorage, AK 99517
(800) 770-6366 (907) 243-6366 fax (907) 248-2161
The Executive Suite Hotel is a good choice for those who are looking to save a little money while still expecting a good night’s rest.
Barratt Inn
4616 Spenard Road Anchorage, AK 99517
Reservations 800-221-7550, 907-249-494,1 907-249-4909
The Barratt Inn is conveniently located next to the airport and is a good value for those looking for a quiet place for the night. Be sure to ask for a new room.
Rates
4 Flyouts / 2 Homewaters: $8800
5 Flyouts / 1 Homewaters: $9300
Our local homewaters are an incredible fishery. However, daily flyouts in our float planes add diversity to your week, visiting different river destinations with flight-seeing along the way. You may choose between 4 or 5 flyouts included in your trip (additional flyouts added at a rate of $500 per angler and may be added once you’re at the lodge).
Rates Includes:
Transportation to the lodge from Pedro Bay and transportation to the best fishing destinations by air or boat for fishing up to 6 different rivers per week (depending on number of flyouts chosen). We have 4 DeHavilland Beavers at our disposal and the best seasoned Alaskan pilots you can find. All gourmet meals, guiding, use of all boats and motors, use of aircraft, all equipment including rods, reels, flies & leaders. We also include waders and wading boots if you need them or would like to leave yours at home.
Rates do not Include:
Gratuities, liquor, 7-day Alaska fishing license, commercial flight or chartered air travel between Anchorage and Pedro Bay (this flight will be set up by lodge personnel through Lake Clark Air).
Reservations and Deposits:
A deposit of 50% per person is required to confirm reservations. The balance is due 60 days prior to the scheduled arrival. Call or email us to reserve your date.
Additional Information
Cancellations: Should you find it necessary to cancel your reservations, we will gladly apply your deposit to another booking. Trip cancellation insurance is recommended for your Alaska fishing vacation. We recommend using Travelguard trip insurance.
Alcoholic Beverages: Guests will need to provide their own beer, wine and liquor as Iliamna Alaska is a "Dry” village. Lodge personnel can assist you in purchasing and shipping your alcohol. Kiene's wishes you the best of travels and invites you to one our favorite fly fishing lodge in Alaska.!