GPS Coordinates: 59°31’33.11″N | 154°30’7.74″W

Trip Questionnaire:
Please click on the link below. This will take you to an electronic questionnaire form that we ask you to complete and submit to The Fly Shop®. Please be sure to click the “Submit” button at the end of the form. The information provided will help us — and the outfitter best coordinate your trip.

THANK YOU!   Click HERE

Contact Numbers & Travel Delays:
If you have any delays during your travel to your destination, i.e., missed airlines connections, cancelled flights, weather delays, etc. please call the lodge direct and let them know your situation.
Copper River Lodge Phone: (907) 571-1464. You can also leave this number with your family and business in case of an emergency.

You are always welcome to call The Fly Shop® at Toll-Free (800) 669-3474 or (530) 222-3555. We are open seven days a week 7:30 AM–6:00 PM California time.

Sweetwater Travel Company Dan Vermillion dan@sweetwatertravel.com  | Christina Grabowski christina@sweetwatertravel.com | 1.888.347.4286 | Office: 406.222.0624 | Cell: 406.223.0066

Please Note:
Iliamna Air Taxi is NOT in the main airport. It is located 6231 S. Airpark Place, Anchorage AK 99502 (907) 334-9845. Your hotel shuttle will most likely know the location. There is a combined 70 pound baggage limit.

WI-FI:
As with most Alaska lodges, Copper River Lodge has WIFI available for clients who would like to bring their own WIFI-enabled electronic devices. It is satellite-based and not completely predictable – some days it works better than others – but generally speaking it is more than adequate to send and receive emails. There is not adequate bandwidth to support sending images or for streaming videos.

Liquor:
Iliamna is a dry community. If you want alcohol at the lodge, you will need to bring your own. Assuming you will be flying to Iliamna via Iliamna Air Taxi, they allow “personal consumption quantities” to be brought in your check luggage – an example might include a 12-pack of beer and/or 1 – 2 bottles of wine or hard alcohol.

Weather Conditions/Clothing:
With all the new “high-tech” clothing materials that are available today, there is no need to be cold or wet anymore. Weather in Alaska during the summer varies continuously. Average daily temperatures between June 21st and August 1st, are between the low 80’s to low 60’s during the day, and mid 60’s to high 40’s at night; August 1st through late September daily average temperatures are between the low 60’s to the mid 50’s during the day, and low 40’s at night. Please pack clothing accordingly. To those of you heading to Copper River Lodge in late June through July, temperatures can be well into the 70’s and 80’s at this time of year. A long-sleeved flats-style shirt can be the remedy for fishing in this weather. Dressing in layers is the easiest way to dress for the weather variations of the day.  High quality wicking long underwear is a staple item for a base layer. Fleece pants and tops provide warmth as well as pack easily. Wool or poly-blend socks will keep moisture away from your feet to keep them warm and happy. Comfortable, proper fitting, and broken-in wading boots are also a necessity, as well as breathable waders. We recommend an extra set of walking shoes, hiking boots, or sneakers for walking around camp after a day on the river. A good quality waterproof/breathable rain jacket will make moist days comfortable and is a necessary item.

One Note: While not particularly uncomfortable, the sun shines 20 plus hours each day during the months of June and July, so long sleeves, lip balm and SPF 30+ sunscreen are a necessity.

Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden, & Grayling:
Rainbow trout are one of the most sought after gamefish to target with a fly in Alaska. Copper River rainbows average 16 to 24 inches, with trophy specimens pushing the 30- inch class. Sea run Dolly Varden are also found in the river, averaging 15 to 20 inches, and it is not unusual to land several in a day. Grayling are beautiful fish – iconic to Alaskan rivers – and popular as they are often willing to take dry flies.

Single-Handed Fly Rods:
Alaskan rainbows and Dolly Varden are best fished with a 9’ graphite rod designed to cast a 6 or 7 weight fly line. A 4 or 5 weight rod is perfect for fishing dries for grayling. Sage, Winston, and Scott produce high quality rods, and The Fly Shop’s Signature Rods are an excellent choice at a modest price.

Single-Handed Fly Reels:
A high quality, single-action fly reel with rim-control feature is what to look for in a fly reel appropriate to handle the feisty Alaskan rainbow trout and Dolly Varden. The reel should be equipped with a smooth, reliable drag system. Reels should be filled with a minimum of 100 yards of 20 lb. high-visibility backing. Hatch, Ross, Hardy, Abel and Galvan reels are excellent choices.

Fly Lines for Single-Handed Rods:
Traveling with a floating line and a sink tip line is always a good choice, as conditions vary depending on the waters fished. Scientific Anglers Freshwater Titan Taper is the perfect line for throwing air resistant mouse patterns and heavy streamers, and the S.A. Sonar sink tip is tough to beat for subsurface presentations.

Leaders:
Guides provide leaders, though clients can bring their own. Traditional tapered leaders are not required – all you need is to bring a spool each of Maxima Ultragreen Tippet spools in 20, 15, 12, 8, and 6 pound test. The guides will construct your leaders for you from these spools. However, if you prefer tapered leaders, please feel free to bring your own.

Flies:
Copper River Lodge and your guides will provide flies that are proven fish catchers. Many of these patterns have been developed by staff, although please feel free to bring your patterns to try. Part of the enjoyment in fly-fishing is the ability to catch fish on something that you tied at the vise.  If you are interested in tying patterns for your stay, please contact us for samples or a list of additional patterns.

Standard Fly Patterns and Sizes:

Lodge:
The main lodge is located near the banks of the Copper, high on a bluff overlooking the Copper River valley and surrounding mountains. Your hosts run a top-notch lodge, one that was completely rebuilt in 2014. Theirs is one of the few pieces of private property in a one million-acre reservation, and anglers share the local stream with only a handful of other operations.

Copper River 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. We are happy to accommodate any dietary preferences and needs.

Alaska Department of Fish & Game Regulation – NO Felt Wading Boots

Statewide:
Anglers are reminded that footgear with absorbent felt or other fibrous material on the soles are prohibited while sport fishing in the fresh waters of Alaska.