Alaska Trip Report

Our group arrived in Anchorage the day before our charter flight, giving us time to enjoy one of the trails along the coastline and brunch together before our scheduled charter flight to Iliamna. Once in Iliamna, we took a float plane to the lodge.

Copper River Lodge itself offers stunning views and accommodations from the hillside along the Copper. Daily flyout options include sections of the Copper River and other area rivers and lakes. These include many of the areas you have read about as well as some of the lesser known areas.

Each day provided its own unique blend of this remote and rugged Alaskan wilderness. Certain areas provided rainbow fishing on both spey and single-handed rods and boats averaged more than 30 bear sightings. Other areas held fewer bears but plenty of fish and were tighter sections of river in gorgeous canyons.

The Copper River itself did not disappoint with many opportunities to fish for Salmon and the big rainbows Alaska is known for. Several ladies quickly put enough Salmon in the boat to bring home and share with family and friends. We moved on to targeting rainbows, but all of our days were filled with bears peeking in and out of the banks, Eagles, Mergansers and more.

Returning to the lodge every evening, the food was amazing and a warm cozy fire in the lodge led to some great fish stories, card games and time to get to know our guides. Each individual cabin offered a breathtaking glimpse of the river, a few nightly bear visits on the other side of the river and the late night sunsets. Alaska is truly a special place and the team at Copper River lodge leaves little to be missed.