Copper River Fly Fishing  Lodge is located in the famed Iliamna Basin of Alaska on the shores of the lower Copper River. This is, arguably, one of the most beautiful locations and the finest fishing for Rainbow trout in our 49th state. It is Alaska the way most anglers imagine it to be... a shallow, crystal clear stream, choked with rainbows, flowing through an evergreen forest teeming with wildlife.

The Rainbow Trout of the Copper River are some of the largest in Alaska and are the reason the Copper was the first river in the state designated a "trophy rainbow river". The finest angling in the region is available early and late in the season. There are few places that can compare with the dry fly Rainbow fishing on the Copper from the second week in June through early July. Fish generally range in size between 1 lbs and 4 lbs (and there are plenty of them) during the dry fly season By mid July, tens of thousands of Sockeye Salmon storm the river followed by the big Lake Iliamna Rainbows. Then, starting in late August, the truly giant fish move into the river, gorging themselves on the salmon spawn and decomposing salmon, making a 10 pound plus rainbow a reality for the streamer and wet fly fisherman! Rainbows during this time on the Copper average 5 pounds, with fish occasionally reaching 15 - 20 pounds. In a nutshell, the Copper is in a class by itself! Currently, "flyfishing only" and "catch and release" regulations have insured the Copper River will remain a healthy fishery for future generations.

Your hosts, Jeff and Pat Vermillion, run a top-notch lodge. Their's is one of the few pieces of private property in a one million acre reservation. The lodge is limited to six anglers per week and maintains a very flexible schedule that will please even the most extreme angler. Food is tops, featuring fresh baked bread, pastries, fresh meats, and vegetable, all created daily by the seasoned kitchen staff. Copper River Lodge is no "Hilton in the woods". What it is, is a fishing lodge where serious flyfishers gather to pursue some of the largest rainbow trout in the world. The emphasis here is fishing, and the entire staff is committed to meeting or exceeding each anglers wants and needs. This is the type of destination that most serious trout fishermen only dream about!

To sum it up, this is a wonderful trip on a great flyfishing river and one of the best bargains in Alaska. Space is very limited, advance reservations are a must.

Lodging:  The lodge is two large log cabins connected by a wader/boot-storage area. The main building is the lounge and dining room. It is furnished with homemade wood furniture. The other log cabin is the guest's sleeping area. It is divided into two rooms furnished with a double and bunk beds. There is also a separate duplex sleeping cabin. Although they can sleep a total of 10 guests, they limit the week to 6 fishermen and 2 non-fishermen.

Travel Arrangements:  Arrive at Iliamna on the morning flight from Anchorage. You will then be transferred by van to the lake at Iliamna for a float plane trip across the lake to the mouth of the Copper River. You will then be met at the mouth of the river with jet boats that will transfer you to the Lodge.

Length of Stay: Arrival on Monday morning; Departure on Sunday evening.

Inclusions: The rate includes: 7 days guided fishing, round trip charter flight transfer from Iliamna to lodge, fishing license, all flies & borough taxes.

Non-Inclusions: This rate does not include: Personal gear, tackle other than flies, gratuities, or liquor.

Deposit: A 50 percent deposit is due to secure a reservation.

 

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Comments and questions are welcome. Please contact me at mercer@theflyshop.com or call 800-669-3474