Unlike other tundra rivers in Alaska offering large trout, the Copper River runs through a scenic river valley lined with groves of cottonwood, spruce, and birch. Aside from helping make it one of the most gorgeous rivers in the state, these trees offer the fly fishermen refuge from the relentless northern winds. Probably one of the nicest surprises for anglers visiting the Copper River is its size and wadeability. Fishermen of any age or skill that desire the solitude of the river rather than the tutelage of the guide can comfortably and successfully fish on their own. The Copper River rainbow trout are some of the largest in Alaska, and are the reason the Copper River was the first river in the state designated a "fly fishing, catch and release only, trophy rainbow river." It is this designation that has kept the fishing so spectacular.
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The Fishing
Clients will fish two to a boat. Caring for the fish you catch during your week is a critical component of our fishing program. All fishing for rainbow trout on the Copper is catch and release. Anglers are allowed to keep 5 sockeye salmon during the month of July. We also have a lake boat to access the tributaries of Lake Iliamna. We use this boat especially to fish the Gibraltor River, which can be an exceptional fishery.
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Accommodations
The lodge is a beautiful building overlooking the Copper River. Its spacious deck is ideal for enjoying spectacular sunsets. Inside, guests find a large living room and dining area complete with a bathroom. Additionally, there are four cozy guest cabins, each featuring a private deck with river views, heating, a queen bed, a single bed, and a private three-piece bathroom.
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Rates
Please contact us for the 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, as well as flies, leaders, tippet, and guide services.
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Gear
We recommend using a 5 or 6 weight rod for trout and an 8 or 9 weight rod for salmon (July only). make sure that your fly reels are well-matched to your rods and have a sturdy drag system. For both trout and salmon, use floating lines. It's advisable to bring at least three 9-foot tapered leaders of 1X strength. Tippet spools in 0X, 1X, and 2X are optional but recommended.
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Request a brochure
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Why Copper River Lodge
The Copper River Lodge has the distinct advantage of being a small operation located right on the river. This allows us to cater to both the serious and the more laid back fisherman. What most distinguishes our lodge from the others is our guest capacity and our professional guide staff. There are only six guests a week at our lodge. We understand that flexibility is the key to any vacation. If you want to sleep in and fish a little later, or see another stretch of river, your yearnings will never be far from reality.
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. You will arrive at the lodge in the early evening in time for dinner.
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Monday - Friday
You will usually have breakfast at 8:00 am with departure for fishing at 9:00 am. You will have lunch on the river and will return to the lodge at 7:00 pm. Dinner will follow at 8:00 pm.
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Departure Day
You can fish for on Saturday, have lunch and then depart on the floatplane at roughly mid afternoon. You will arrive into Iliamna in time for the mid afternoon flight which will get you into Anchorage in the early evening in time to catch a red eye flight.
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