Alaska

In addition to our operations, Copper River Lodge and the Royal Coachman Lodge, there are a number of outfitters and lodges we represent in Alaska.  If for whatever reason our operations aren't right for you, we'll tell you.  Or if you just want to see something different, we understand.  The truth is it's fun to see new rivers.  There are several areas in Alaska where we don't operate, but that we know a lot about,  have great partners in the business and would be happy to help you arrange a trip.  Timing of course is critical.  It's always best to book these trips as far out as you can as the lodges we'll recommend are usually sold out months in advance.  Here's a basic overview prior to getting on the phone with you. 

Katmai National Park
For many anglers, Alaska is about one thing--giant rainbow trout.  By giant we mean fish that can average 23-26 inches.  There's no place on the planet, including Kamchatka, that will deliver so many big trout in so little time.  But that said, there are downfalls.  Think crowded fisheries, a rat race to the best holes, hook scarred fish and fishing beads.  It's not that you won't do that other places, rather it's 90 percent of what you'll do in Katmai National Park.  That said the fisheries are mindblowingly solid and the experience is still the right one for many anglers.  A number of our closest friends work and guide in Katmai.  The lodges we'll recommend are predominantly fly out so you'll see a number of great trout fisheries and bears...lots of bears. 

Our view is that if you go with the right expectation and the right timing for your desires, that you won't be disappointed.  But book wisely and be sure to let us know exactly what you are looking for.  We'll either talk you out of it or book you into the right venue. 

Southeast Alaska
Southeast Alaska is a trickier fishery and one we'll likely do our best to talk you out of.  It's absolutely scenic, rich in spring steelhead, but in our view not at all comparable to summer run British Columbia steelhead.  That said, there are a handful of boat based outfitters we do recommend and if you insist on chasing steelhead in the spring, Southeast Alaska not BC is your best option.  Spring steelhead fisheries in Alaska are simply too depleted for our recommending them as a fishery for our clients.  Most rivers have returns that number in the low hundreds.  Further the fish are in and out of the systems in less than three weeks so the window is as difficult as they come.  Add terrible weather and possible floods, and we'll likely ask again...why do you want to go steelhead fishing when 10,000 tarpon are flooding through the Keys, bones tailing in the Bahamas or permit in Belize?   That said, if it's on your life list, we'll steer you to the best available.