Rainbow River Lodge

Rainbow River Lodge

Rainbow River Lodge is located on private land in the heart of Alaska’s phenomenal Bristol Bay and Lake Iliamna “Trophy Alaska Rainbow Trout” watershed, conveniently adjacent to the Katmai Wilderness. The fly fishing lodge offers magnificent views of the Alaska wilderness and the “Home River” is the beautiful Copper River, one of Alaska’s original “fly fishing only” designated streams.

Nestled among pines overlooking a small picturesque lake from which float planes land and take off, the lodge and guests have easy access to countless rivers teeming with wild Rainbow Trout and Salmon. The famed Copper River (that your guides long ago nicknamed “Rainbow River”) is just a little more than a stone’s throw away.

Rainbow River Lodge was founded and built after the Alaska Department of Fish & Game discovered the abundant wild rainbow trout in the Copper River years ago while doing a state-wide survey project on all Alaskan rivers. They were so impressed with the rainbow trout in the Copper River that they named it the “Rainbow River”. Now with over 25 years in operation, Rainbow River Lodge has become a legend itself and one of the finest fly fishing lodges in Alaska.

Lodging & Dining

Luxury & comfort are the main concern for RRL’s guests. Close attention is paid to every detail and it is all topped off with a touch of wilderness esthetics.

Beautiful natural cedar both inside and out. Each cabin at Rainbow River Lodge has an Indian slate entry, Maple hardwood floors, slate bathroom with slate vanity, corner glass shower, hand-made Aspen log furniture, custom built wall sconces & chandelier and pillow-top mattresses with down comforters. No expense has been spared in creating a great atmosphere and comfort level that each of our guests deserve.

Nothing has been spared in providing you with top quality sleeping accommodations. Your guides want you to get a good night’s rest for the exciting day ahead tomorrow. The esthetic wilderness décor of the main outfitter lodge is carried throughout all of the guest cabins.

Dinners like one would find in fine restaurants are served in the main lodge. The bell for breakfast rings early for anglers anxious to get out and fly fish this treasured Iliamna Lake region of Alaska. Dining or relaxing the lodge provides the perfect setting for many pleasant moments of conversations and memories.

Guests are required to provide their own beer, wine and liquor as Iliamna Alaska is a “Dry” village. Ask us how we can assist you in purchasing and shipping your alcohol.

Getting to Rainbow River Lodge

Rainbow River Lodge guests will fly from Anchorage to Iliamna on a private charter operated by Lake Clark Air. Expedition Broker will schedule this flight for you.

Your flight will depart Anchorage at 4:00 pm on Saturday arriving into the village of Iliamna at 5:20 pm. Chad Hewitt will meet you in Iliamna as you step off the plane. You will then be transferred over to the lodge’s floatplanes for a short 15 minute flight to Rainbow River Lodge. After a week of great fly fishing you will depart the lodge on Friday at 6:15 pm for a 7:00 pm departure out of Iliamna. You will arrive back into Anchorage at 8:20 pm. You may want to take a flight out that night or overnight in Anchorage and fly home Saturday morning.

Please allow at least 2 hours in Anchorage to ensure connections to and from Iliamna.

Expedition Broker can arrange all aspects of your travel including flights, hotels and additional travel while in Alaska at no cost to you. Feel free to use our local expertise to help you prepare for your trip!

What’s Included

• All 5-star meal
• Guided Fly Fishing
• Use of all boats and motors
• Use of floatplanes
• All equipment including rods: reels: flies and leaders
• Flights to and from the fishing lodge and Iliamna and a 7 day Alaska non-resident fishing license.

Why Go?

• Located a stone’s throw from one of Alaska’s Premier Rainbow Trout Rivers – Copper River
• 12 Guests guided by 6 seasoned guides per week
• Located adjacent to Katmai Wilderness and the phenomenal Lake Iliamna watershed

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