Copper River Lodge

Completely renovated in 2014, Copper River Lodge offers unrivaled access to the legendary Copper River and the surrounding region. Situated on a bluff overlooking the River, the lodge features comfortable guest cabins and a well-appointed main lodge. Small groups ensure an intimate experience and extremely low fishing pressure. The fabulous food and hospitality found at Copper River Lodge are only outdone by the fishing, which is focused around the wadeable Copper River, and the nearby Gibraltar River. For anglers who prefer sight-fishing to big rainbows on smaller water, the Copper River is one of the premier options in Alaska. On the whole, Copper River Lodge offers fantastic accommodations and one of the best home waters in Alaska and should be on any trout angler’s bucket list to experience.

Who It’s For

•  Novice to advanced anglers
•  Couples and groups
•  Families

When To Go

Copper River Lodge operates from June through September. Throughout the season, anglers have access to wild Rainbow Trout and Sockeye Salmon on the Copper and Gibraltar Rivers. The early season in June offers excellent hatches and “lower-48” style trout fishing for mammoth resident Rainbow Trout in the Copper River. Dry flies and dry-dropper rigs are common and productive. By July, the Sockeye Salmon begin migrating upstream in monumental numbers, creating productive Salmon fishing for anglers of any ability, as well as fantastic Trout fishing with beads. September brings the end of the Sockeye Run, and with it comes excellent streamer fishing for fat Rainbows. The entire season at Copper River Lodge is special and can offer incredible fishing. When you should come depends on your goals and when you can get there!

Rainbow Trout

The Bristol Bay region of Alaska is well known for its hard-fighting, wild Rainbow Trout. At Copper River Lodge, you’ll experience these amazing creatures firsthand in the Copper and Gibraltar Rivers. Techniques for targeting Rainbows can depend on the conditions and the time of the season. Common tactics include drifting dry flies, skating mice, swinging or stripping streamers, and nymphing.

Sockeye Salmon

The Bristol Bay region boasts one of the world's largest Sockeye Salmon (aka Red Salmon) runs, from July through mid-August. Not only are these brightly red-colored Salmon extremely fun to catch on a fly rod, but their smolt, fry, and eggs create an extremely abundant forage for Rainbow Trout.

Equipment

A week of fishing at Copper River Lodge requires only a couple of rods and reels, plus a backup. We recommend bringing a 9’ 5wt for dry flies and trout, and a 9’ 7wt for streamers and Sockeyes. Your guide will help you rig appropriately for the day’s fishing. We recommend adhering to the packing and equipment lists provided by Trident.

Day 1: From Home to Anchorage, Alaska

A week-long trip at Copper River Lodge typically runs from Sunday to Saturday. Getting to the lodge generally begins with a Saturday flight to the Anchorage International Airport in Anchorage, Alaska (ANC). Once you’ve arrived in Anchorage, you will take a taxi to your pre-arranged hotel, and spend one night there.

Day 2: From Anchorage to Copper River Lodge

On Sunday afternoon, you will take a taxi from your hotel to the Merrill Field Airport (MRI), where you’ll board a flight to Iliamna via Iliamna Air Taxi. From Iliamna, you’ll board a short 20-minute flight to the mouth of the Copper River, where Copper River Lodge guides will be waiting for you. You will be transferred by jet boat from the mouth to the lodge. Once you’ve arrived at the lodge, you can settle in, rig your equipment, and then head out with your guide for your first fishing session.

Days 3 - 7: The Fishing Days

Fishing days start with a full breakfast before heading out with your guide for the day. Fishing locations depend on your goals and the daily conditions. Daily adventures could include jet boat access on the Copper or Gibraltar Rivers, or fly-outs to the Upper Copper River. Hearty cooler lunches are packed by your guide daily, allowing you to eat and relax on the water. Following an afternoon fishing session, you’ll return to the lodge by 7 pm to unwind, and enjoy a hot shower and a hearty meal. After dinner, you can enjoy cocktails and stories with friends, or retire early to prepare for the next day’s adventure.

Day 8: From Copper River Lodge to Anchorage

After your week of fishing, you’ll enjoy breakfast on Saturday morning before enjoying one more morning fishing session with your guide. After fishing, you’ll begin your transfers back to Iliamna, and then the Merrill Field Airport (MRI). From there, you’ll typically take a taxi to your pre-arranged hotel, where you’ll spend one night.

Day 9: From Anchorage to Home

On Sunday morning, you’ll take a taxi to the Anchorage International Airport (ANC), where you’ll board your flight back to your home destination.

Accommodations

Copper River Lodge features 4 guest cabins, each with a queen and a single bed. Each cabin can accommodate up to 1 or 2 anglers. The cabins feature an ensuite bathroom with a hot shower, heat, electricity, and a deck overlooking the Copper River.

The beautiful lodge building features a great room for relaxing, and a large wood deck overlooking the Copper River valley. The dining room hosts family-style meals for guests and lodge staff and is the perfect place to tell stories of the day’s fishing or to make plans with your guides for the following day.

Food

Meals at Copper River Lodge are hearty and delicious, providing anglers with the nourishment they need to fish hard all day. Breakfast is served daily in the dining room, and features classic options such as eggs, biscuits, bacon, and strong coffee or tea. Substantial cooler lunches are packed daily by your guide, allowing you to maximize your time on the water. Dinners include meats, fish, sides, and salads, punctuated by delectable desserts.

Connectivity

WiFi and Cell service are not available.

2025 Fishing Packages

Trident Travel’s expert planning service is free of charge. The rates below are the same as you would pay by booking directly with the lodge. 

Rates and inclusions are subject to change at any time. Contact us for the most current pricing. 

Double Occupancy (Per Person)

6 Nights / 6 Days = $9,750

What's Included:

•  Air transfers between Iliamna and the lodge
•  Daily guide service on the Copper River
•  Lodging at Copper River Lodge
•  All meals at Copper River Lodge
•  Flies
•  Alaskan taxes
•  4 fly-out days (weather permitting)
   

What's Not Included:

•  Alaska Fishing License (approximately $70)
•  Airfare to/from Iliamna (ILI)
•  Lodging and meals in Anchorage
•  Gratuities for lodge staff
•  Gratuities for guides
•  Alcoholic beverages
•  Fishing equipment

What skill level is required for this trip?

The guides at Copper River Lodge are patient and knowledgeable professionals, capable of guiding anglers of any ability. From first-timers to seasoned veterans, all anglers can find success and enjoyment in the productive fisheries of the area.

How should I prepare for a week of fly fishing in Alaska?

Practicing your casting is crucial, as accuracy is important when sight-fishing to large Rainbow Trout. Also, purchasing the right gear, tackle, and clothing is important - use our recommended packing lists. You should think about your goals for the trip so that you can relay them to your guides. Lastly, figure out your travel logistics well in advance.

Is Copper River Lodge Family Friendly?

Copper River Lodge is a great option for fishing-oriented groups or families. Due to the remote nature of the lodge, there isn’t much else to do here other than fish and relax at the lodge.

How many other anglers will be there?

Guest capacity at Copper River Lodge is limited to 6 guests per week, resulting in an intimate atmosphere that often results in lifelong friendships. The vast fishery surrounding the lodge ensures uncrowded fishing beats and unpressured fish.

How does money work in Alaska?

Although credit cards are accepted throughout Alaska, we advise also carrying enough cash in USD to cover all expenses at the lodge, including gratuities.

Do I need travel insurance?

We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment. We recommend Travel Guard, a well-established insurance company offering excellent, affordable policies for angling travel.

What happens if I'm injured or have an emergency requiring evacuation?

Every situation is different when medical and security emergencies happen. To ensure you’re protected when things don’t go as planned, we highly recommend our clients enroll with Global Rescue.

What wildlife can we see in Alaska?

In addition to amazing fly fishing, seeing the plentiful wildlife is a highlight of any trip to the remote parts of Alaska. At Copper River Lodge, you could see Eagles, Moose, Brown Bears, Foxes, and much more. We recommend bringing a packable digital camera to take photos of wildlife during your trip.

Is it safe to fish near the bears?

The Brown Bears of Alaska are wild animals and certainly demand respect and space. That being said, the bears here are typically unbothered by human presence. Your guides will prepare you for any bear encounters to ensure a safe and memorable fishing experience.

What kind of electrical outlets are there?

Electrical outlets are the same as anywhere in the U.S. - 110 Volt AC power.

What is the weather like?

The Bristol Bay region is known for mild, variable summer weather. Temperatures here can range from the low 40s to the upper 70s, Fahrenheit. With rain and wind possible at any time, we recommend dressing in layers and packing a reliable (Gore-Tex or similar) rain jacket to be prepared for the varying weather conditions at Copper River Lodge.

Is tipping customary in Alaska?

Yes, tipping is customary and appreciated, although it is at your discretion. Tipping 15-20 % of your trip total per person is recommended. Please plan on tipping in cash.