Copper River Lodge
Trophy rainbow trout fishing on Alaska's Copper River, a scenic, wadeable, catch-and-release fishery in the Iliamna region.Copper River Lodge sits on one of Alaska's most distinctive trophy trout rivers. Unlike many tundra fisheries, the Copper flows through a protected river valley lined with cottonwood, spruce, and birch. The result is a river that is both beautiful and practical: anglers get the scale and fish quality Alaska is known for, with enough structure and tree cover to offer refuge from the relentless northern winds.
One of the nicest surprises for visiting anglers is the river's size and wadeability. Guests who want the solitude of their own water can comfortably and successfully fish on foot, while those who want guide support can fish two to a boat and cover more of the system. The Copper River rainbow trout are among the largest in Alaska, and the river was the first in the state designated a fly-fishing, catch-and-release-only, trophy rainbow river. That designation is a major reason the fishing has remained so spectacular.
Plan This Trip Contact Property Manager
Pat Vermillion: pat@sweetwatertravel.comScott Schumacher: scott@sweetwatertravel.com
Call Pat and Scott: 406-222-0624
Small Lodge, Big Trout Water
A six-guest week on a trophy rainbow river with room to fish the way you like.
Copper River Lodge is intentionally small, flexible, and river-focused. Guests can lean into guide support, explore on foot, sleep in and fish later, or ask to see a different stretch of water without feeling locked into a rigid program.
Request a Brochure
Copper River Lodge At A Glance
| Fishery |
| Fly fishing, catch-and-release-only trophy rainbow trout river. |
| Large Alaska rainbow trout, strong wade-fishing opportunities, and refuge from wind in a tree-lined valley. |
| July anglers may keep up to 5 sockeye salmon. |
| Lodge |
| Only six guests per week. |
| Beautiful lodge overlooking the Copper River, with a large deck, living room, dining area, and river views. |
| Four cozy guest cabins, each with heat, a queen bed, a single bed, private deck, and private three-piece bathroom. |
| Included |
| Float plane charters between Iliamna and the lodge. |
| All accommodations and meals during the week, taxes, flies, leaders, tippet, and guide services. |
| Please contact us for the current per-angler rate for a seven-day/six-night stay. |
The River
The Copper River's size is part of its appeal. Anglers of many ages and skill levels can step away from the boat, find solitude, and fish successfully on their own when they want a quieter rhythm.
For those who prefer the structure of a guided day, guests fish two to a boat. Caring for the fish is a critical part of the program, and all rainbow trout fishing on the Copper is catch and release. That ethic, paired with the river's special trophy designation, protects the fishery that makes the lodge so compelling.
A Wadeable Trophy Rainbow Fishery
For those who prefer the structure of a guided day, guests fish two to a boat. Caring for the fish is a critical part of the program, and all rainbow trout fishing on the Copper is catch and release. That ethic, paired with the river's special trophy designation, protects the fishery that makes the lodge so compelling.
Fishing Program
The core program is centered on trophy rainbow trout, but the week is not limited to one beat or one style. In July, anglers may keep 5 sockeye salmon, adding another layer to the fishing experience.
The lodge also has a lake boat used to access tributaries of Lake Iliamna. The Gibraltor River can be an exceptional fishery, and the boat gives the program flexibility when conditions or guest goals point beyond the main Copper River.
Guided Water, Walk-and-Wade Options, and Iliamna Tributaries
The lodge also has a lake boat used to access tributaries of Lake Iliamna. The Gibraltor River can be an exceptional fishery, and the boat gives the program flexibility when conditions or guest goals point beyond the main Copper River.
Accommodations
Guest accommodations are in four cozy cabins. Each cabin has a private deck with river views, heat, a queen bed, a single bed, and a private three-piece bathroom.
Lodge Life on the River
The lodge overlooks the Copper River, with a spacious deck made for watching Alaska sunsets after a long day on the water. Inside the main lodge, guests find a large living room, dining area, and bathroom.Guest accommodations are in four cozy cabins. Each cabin has a private deck with river views, heat, a queen bed, a single bed, and a private three-piece bathroom.
A Small-Group Week
The video gives guests a quick feel for the water, the fish, and the setting before they start planning the week.
Watch the Copper River Lodge video
Flexible, Personal, and Easy to Settle Into
With only six guests per week, Copper River Lodge can cater to both serious anglers and more laid-back fishermen. Flexibility is part of the point: sleep in, fish later, spend more time on a productive piece of water, or ask to see another stretch of river.The video gives guests a quick feel for the water, the fish, and the setting before they start planning the week.
Watch the Copper River Lodge video
Getting There
Travel to the lodge is part of the Alaska experience. Guests fly to Iliamna, then continue by floatplane shuttle to Copper River Lodge.
Itinerary in Brief
Arrival Day
Your departure to Iliamna is in the mid afternoon. From Iliamna you will take a floatplane shuttle to the lodge, arriving in the early evening in time for dinner.Monday - Friday
Breakfast is usually at 8:00 am, with departure for fishing at 9:00 am. Lunch is served on the river. Guests return to the lodge around 7:00 pm, followed by dinner at 8:00 pm.Departure Day
You can fish on Saturday, have lunch, and then depart by floatplane around mid afternoon. You will arrive in Iliamna in time for the mid-afternoon flight to Anchorage, usually early enough to catch a red-eye flight.Rates, Gear, and Travel Support
| Rates |
| Please contact us for the current per-angler rate for a seven-day/six-night stay. |
| The rate includes float plane charters between Iliamna and the lodge, all accommodations and meals throughout the week, taxes, flies, leaders, tippet, and guide services. |
| Gear |
| We recommend a 5 or 6 weight rod for trout and an 8 or 9 weight rod for salmon in July. |
| Bring well-matched fly reels with sturdy drag systems, floating lines for both trout and salmon, and at least three 9-foot tapered leaders in 1X strength. |
| Tippet spools in 0X, 1X, and 2X are optional but recommended. |
Ready to talk through Copper River Lodge? Contact Pat Vermillion or Scott Schumacher at 406-222-0624, or request a brochure to start planning a seven-day/six-night Alaska trout week.