Copper River Lodge

 
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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.

 

Contact Property Manager

email: Pat Vermillion
email: Scott Schumacher
Call Pat and Scott : 406-222-0624


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.
 

Accommodations

The lodge is a beautiful building overlooking the Copper River.  It has a large deck perfect for watching the sunset.  In the lodge we have a large living room and dining area with a bathroom.  We have 4 guests cabins that all have nice decks overlooking the river, heat, a queen and single bed, and three piece bathroom.
 

Rates

Contact us for the per angler for seven days/six nights rate. Included in the rate are the float plane charters between Iliamna and the Lodge, all accommodations and meals during the week, taxes, flies, leaders, tippet and guide services.
 

Gear

We recommend a 5 or 6 weight for trout and 8 or 9 weight for salmon (July only).  Make sure your fly reels match well with rods and have a solid drag.  Floating line for trout and salmon.   Bring at least 3 tapered leaders 9 ft 1X.   Tippet spools - 0X, 1X and 2X are optional.
 
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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.
 

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.
 

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.