- Region
- Location
- Species
- From
- Trip
The place
Rainbow River Lodge is located on private land in the heart of Alaska’s Bristol Bay and Lake Iliamna trophy Rainbow Trout watershed, conveniently adjacent to the Katmai Wilderness. The lodge is nestled among pines overlooking a small picturesque lake from which their float planes land and take off, just a little more than a stone’s throw away from their famed home river, the Copper River, one of Alaska’s original “fly fishing only” designated streams. The rivers and streams in the area are world renowned for their runs of wild Pacific Salmon and thriving resident populations of Rainbow Trout, Arctic Char, Arctic Grayling, Northern Pike, and Dolly Varden.
Rainbow River Lodge is a premier fly-out fishing lodge only accessible by float plane or jet boat, and is an excellent candidate for couples, families, and hard-core anglers alike. The Copper River is known for its scenic beauty, colorful Rainbow Trout, the diverse wildlife that call the river home, and the millions of Pacific Salmon that make their run up this river. Guests fish the Copper and - with the use of the lodge’s aviation program - hundreds of miles of nearby rivers, creeks, and lakes (flight times range from 15 minutes to 1 hour), many of which are located in national and state parks and federal wildlife refuges with little or no human development. Western Alaska is the last American frontier in the world of fly-fishing, and we can think of no better experience for first time or returning Alaska guests than Rainbow River Lodge.
The fishing
Rainbow River Lodge has designed a customizable fishing program that caters to guests’ ideal fishing experience. Whether you are interested in diversity of fishing, or pursuing a single species all week, RRL can create a custom schedule to maximize your opportunities. Each day’s fishing is scheduled the evening before, and the destination board is posted showing your pilot, guides, destination, time of departure, and fishing companions for the day. This allows you time for conversing with guides and your pilot so that you can fine-tune tackle, gear, clothing, and other preparations for the following day’s adventure.
With four DeHavilland Beavers on floats, a Cessa 185 on floats, and dozens of jet skiffs, RRL pilots and guides work together to deliver guests where the fishing is best, each and every day. In the event that weather precludes flying, guests can still access rainbow trout and salmon fishing of the Copper River through a short jet boat ride through a slough connecting the river to the lake that the lodge is situated on. In fact, many guests forgo one or more fly-out days for longer fishing hours and the convenience of the Copper.
The water
The runs, riffles and holding water.
Water that holds Trophy Rainbow Trout, Four Species of Pacific Salmon and Arctic Char.
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The lodge
After an adventurous fishing day, guests come home to their private cedar cabins, each with an Indian slate entry, maple hardwood floors, state bathroom with slate vanity, corner glass shower, hand-made Aspen log furniture, custom built wall sconces and chandelier, and pillow top mattresses with down comforters. No expense has been spared in creating a luxurious atmosphere and comfort level for lodge guests. Catering to as many as 14 guests per week, the lodge’s well-appointed facility offers casually elegant wilderness living filled with creature comforts and an atmosphere of camaraderie.
Their accessibility to daily flights from Anchorage allows their world-class chef team to pamper guests with meals of the freshest ingredients. They serve only the finest meats and wild game, have access to the freshest salmon and halibut on earth, and have fresh produce delivered weekly. The lodge employs a full time professional chef that turns out phenomenal meals from fresh seafood to steaks made-to-order. The dining at the lodge is first-class, a true luxury given the remoteness of the location.
Guest Rooms
- Private cedar cabins with maple hardwood floors and slate entry
- Bathroom with slate vanity and corner glass shower
- Hand-made Aspen log furniture and pillow-top mattresses with down comforters
Facilities
- Caters to as many as 14 guests per week
Special Features
- Full-time professional chef; steaks made to order and wild game
- Fresh produce delivered weekly via daily flights from Anchorage
When to go
June - October
Rainbow River Lodge is open from early June through early October.
Choosing a date to fish anywhere in Western Alaska depends on which species you would like to target. Fishing is excellent all season, but the conditions and species available vary from month to month and may impact when you decide to visit. All months are excellent for viewing wildlife, and anglers often find themselves sharing the river or stream with multiple grizzly bears doing a little fishing of their own.
The annual salmon run plays a huge role in the productivity and style of fishing. Every summer, millions of Pacific Salmon return to their home streams to spawn and die, contributing in the natural cycle of life that maintains the health and productivity of the fishery.
Getting there
Rainbow River Lodge operates on a Saturday – Friday schedule.
The first leg of the trip is accomplished by guests reaching Anchorage, Alaska for an overnight before transferring to Iliamna the next day. The following day, guests will board a regional flight with Lake & Peninsula Airlines to Iliamna, Alaska where lodge staff will be waiting for you with a van. The lodge staff will load your luggage and gear into the van for a short car ride to the float plane. Guests will then be transported to the lodge via float plane, arriving in time to unpack and get oriented before participating in hors d'oeuvres, meeting guides, and getting outfitted with any necessary gear.
Beyond the fishing
Although fishing is the predominant activity at Rainbow River Lodge, we encourage non-angling companions to visit the lodge as well. Perhaps the best way to see Alaska’s beautiful countryside, wildlife, and wilderness is on a fly-out fishing trip. Although daily activities are oriented around fishing, guests at IRL can detour to enjoy some wildlife viewing, valley of 10,000 smokes, go on a hike, canoe or paddleboard on Pike Lake, etc. RRL is by no means a pretentious “fly fishing only” program. The staff is known for making guests feel like family, which is why so much of RRL’s schedule is booked with returning clients.
What’s included
In the price
- 6 Nights double occupancy accomodations at Rainbow River Lodge
- 6 Days guided fly-out fishing with shared guide
- Daily transportation via aircraft to rivers, streams, lakes, and wildlife viewing areas
- Daily housekeeping and daily laundry service
- Three meals per day from a daily menu
- All transfers between the Iliamna Airport and Lodge
- Use of waders and boots, fly rods & reels, spinning rods, tackle
- Use of lodge telephone and fax
- Preparation of all harvested game in approved shipping container for traveling home
Not included
- Roundtrip airfare to/from Anchorage, Alaska
- Roundtrip regional airfare to/from Iliamna, Alaska
- Accommodations while in Anchorage Friday night prior to Saturday arrival at the lodge (when applicable)
- Applicable fishing licenses
- Souvenirs
- Alcoholic beverages
- All applicable gratuities (10-20% of trip cost is customary)
What to bring
Gear for Alaska.
Picked for this water and these fish, not a generic list. Everything below is in stock in Dallas.
We highly recommend multi-piece travel rods in four or five piece models for all travel with commercial airline carriers. If you are bringing your own rods, anglers should be prepared with at least two rods - one for trout and one for salmon, or an extra in case of breakage. The most versatile all-around fly rod is a 9 foot 6 weight for trout and a 9 foot 8 weight for all salmon species except for Kings. Please check whether your lodge provides rods and reels.
Sage
Salt R8 Rod
From $1,150
G. Loomis
NRX + Saltwater Fly Rod
From $1,040
Scott Rod Company
Sector Fly Rod - 4pc
From $1,095
Scott Rod Company
Centric Fly Rod - 4pc
From $995
TFO
Pro 3 Rod
From $229.95
TFO
LK Legacy Rod with Case
From $399.95
Sage
R8 Core Rod
From $1,050
TFO
Blue Ribbon Rod with Case
From $299.95
TFO
Blitz Fly Rod
From $499.95
Sage
Foundation Rod
From $550
Redington
Wrangler Kit
From $329.99
Hardy
Marksman Z Fly Rod
From $1,050
Rates
From $11,800
$11,800 // 6 Nights / 6 Days Fishing
Talk to someone who has fished it.
We book Rainbow River Lodge ourselves. Tell us when you want to go and who is coming, and we will tell you honestly whether it is the right week.
Enquire about this tripTerms & conditions
Tailwaters Travel must adhere to the cancellation policies of the guides, outfitters and lodges which it represents. Rainbow River Lodge’s policy follows: A non-refundable 50% deposit is required to secure all reservations. Final balance is due 60 days prior to departure. All deposits are non-refundable unless clients can be replaced. Full payment may be transferred to another guest for original dates. No credits or refunds are given for fishing time lost due to inclement weather. Refunds of deposits/payments made on credit cards will be charged a 3.5% service charge to fully compensate Tailwaters Travel for all bank charges incurred. Receipt of deposit and/or final payment is acknowledgement that registrant has read and accepts the cancellation, refund and responsibility clauses.
Watch
Watch before you go
How to Pack for an Alaska Fly Fishing Trip | Tailwaters Fly Fishing
Episode 6: Alaska Fly Fishing Explained | Tailwaters Fly Fishing Podcast