Fly Fishing the Copper River in SW Alaska

Copper River Fishing

The Copper is a classic fly-fishing-only Alaska trout stream. Easily waded and crossed. The River is packed with long, dry fly glides, deep winding pools studded with boulders, fast riffles, and deep undercut banks just begging for a mouse fly. The Copper River runs through a scenic valley lined with cottonwood, spruce, and birch. The trees provide shelter from the relentless north wind.
The Copper was the first river in Alaska to be designated as a "fly fishing, catch-and-release only, trophy rainbow river."

Fly-Outs Included:  The Lodge now has their own floatplane and will be able to fly up to four anglers per day to different sections of the home river or different fisheries in the Lake Iliamna/Katmai region. This program enables anglers to see a variety of water while still getting to fish the Copper River on the non-fly-out days. Each angler should plan on three to four fly-out days per week, weather permitting.

The Lodge also has a lake boat to access other tributaries of Lake Iliamna, particularly the Gibraltar River, which can be an exceptional fishery. They can only make this trip on days that are not very windy as the lake can get very big swells.
All fishing is catch-and-release using barbless hooks - with one exception:  anglers can keep five sockeye salmon during July.

The Fishing Program:

Season:  June through early October. The Copper has some of Alaska's best dry fly fishing in June and July. Sockeye salmon fishing is red hot in July before tapering off in early August. Fish care is included in July only, when anglers are allowed to keep five sockeyes.
Boats:  16 ft. tunnel boats with 40 HP jet units to run the river and get to the next fishing hole. You'll rarely, if ever, fish from the boat. The Lodge also has a lake boat to access other tributaries that flow into Lake Iliamna.
Guides:  You will fish with different guides during the week. The guides have fished around the world, and this is their career. Two anglers per guide. They can help beginners learn how to cast or show experienced fly anglers how to reach a tricky undercut bank.
Equipment:  Flies are included in the package. No equipment is provided. Fly outfit rentals are $75 per week per person, with a $50 breakage fee. Wader rental for $125 per week. You'll need to reserve equipment 90 days in advance. Always bring a backup rod because broken rods are much more common than you think.
Fishing License:  Your Alaska fishing license is not included in the package; $45 for a 7-day license.

Sample Fishing Day:
7:00 a.m. - A hearty breakfast with coffee available early.
8:00 a.m. - You'll leave for fishing.
Midday - You'll enjoy a packed lunch on the river.
6:00 p.m. - Time to head back to the Lodge.
8:00 p.m. - Enjoy a family-style dinner and a gourmet dessert. Enjoy a sauna in the evening.

Fly Fishing for Trophy Rainbows

In July, you can keep Five Sockeye Salmon.

Beginners to Advanced

Copper River Lodge is a great trip for novice and seasoned anglers.

About The Lodge

The Lodge has four guest cabins with electricity provided by a diesel generator. Each cabin features a deck that offers a view of the river. The Lodge accommodates a maximum of six anglers per week, ensuring personalized service and a tranquil ambiance.

Four Guest Cabins

Each cabin has a queen and twin-size bed, heat, and a private bathroom with a shower and toilet. Guest rooms are cleaned daily. (Laundry service is not available for guests.)
Communications:  The Lodge has Starlink Wi-Fi and a telephone that you are welcome to use. It is the Lodge's only phone line, so it cannot be used for long periods. There is no cell phone service or television at the Lodge.

Dining Room

Meals:  The Lodge prides itself on the quality and freshness of its cuisine. Freshly baked bread, rolls, or pastries are served with each meal. Fresh fruit and vegetables are always available. Dinner menus vary and include entrees such as pork tenderloin, New York steak, roast duck, and fresh-caught salmon. Dinners are served family-style and followed by a gourmet dessert. With advance notice, the Lodge can accommodate special dietary needs.
Alcohol:  Alcoholic beverages are not sold at the Lodge. If you would like to place an order to enjoy at the Lodge when you arrive, Fishing with Larry will help you arrange it.

Copper River Lodge

Getting to Copper River Lodge:

From Anchorage to the Lodge involves a charter flight, a floatplane flight, and a jet boat ride.
Saturday:  The Lodge recommends staying in Anchorage for one night and getting a hotel with an airport shuttle. The hotel night is not included. A list of hotels is included in our confirmation packet.
Sunday:  You should be in Anchorage no later than 1:30 p.m. You'll take a taxi or Uber to Merrill Field Airport, and at 4:00 p.m., you'll take a 90-minute flight to Iliamna. Upon arrival in Iliamna, a Lodge representative will meet you at the airport and drive you to the float base for a 15-minute flight in a Cessna 185 Beaver to the river. Have rain gear ready. The guides will transfer you by boat to the Lodge, a five-minute ride. You'll unpack, take in an orientation, and have dinner.
Saturday - Departure Day:  You'll get in about six hours of fishing and depart the Lodge at 5:00 p.m. by floatplane. You'll be in Iliamna for the 6:00 p.m. flight to Anchorage. Please give yourself two hours between your arrival and departure from Anchorage. It is best not to book a flight to the Lower 48 until after 9:00 p.m. that evening.

2025 Rate:

Season:  June through early October.
6-nights and 6-days guided fishing
$9,750.00 per person

The Lodge does not offer non-angler rates.
*If inflation is over 5% at final invoicing, expect a modest rate increase to help the Lodge absorb the cost.

Copper River Wildlife Viewing

The Package Includes:

• Floatplane flights between Iliamna and the Lodge
• 6-nights lodging at Copper River Lodge
• All meals at the Lodge
• 6-days guided fishing
• Starlink Wi-Fi at the Lodge
• 3 to 4 Fly-outs per week, weather permitting
• Flies, leaders, and tippets
•Fish care is included for sockeyes in July only.
• Taxes for the Lodge package.

The Package Does Not Include: