Iliamna River Lodge

Iliamna River Lodge Fishing

Iliamna River Lodge provides access to one of the world's great wild trout fisheries: the Lake Iliamna watershed of Bristol Bay. This vast region offers unparalleled diversity: aggressive rainbow trout, chrome-bright silver salmon, and colorful Dolly Varden in gin-clear rivers surrounded by dramatic Alaskan wilderness.

The Water
Daily fly-outs in DeHavilland Beaver floatplanes take you to remote rivers accessible only by air. These pristine waters flow through untouched valleys where you'll fish bends and oxbows teeming with wild fish. Jet boat trips on home waters provide additional variety closer to the lodge.

The Fishing
Sight-fishing dominates the experience—watching wild rainbows rise to dry flies or crush streamers in crystalline water. The rivers hold native Dolly Varden char and trophy rainbows, with silver salmon runs adding explosive action depending on timing.

Target Species

Rainbow Trout
Wild, aggressive rainbows are the primary target. These fish feed voraciously on salmon eggs, flesh, and aquatic insects.

• Size: Average 18-24 inches, with fish to 30+ inches possible
• Behavior: Aggressive surface and subsurface feeders; powerful fighters

Silver Salmon (Coho)
Chrome-bright silvers enter rivers during late summer and fall runs.

• Size: 8-15 pounds average
• Behavior: Explosive takes on streamers and surface flies

Dolly Varden
Beautiful char native to these waters, often feeding alongside rainbows.

• Size: 16-22 inches
• Appearance: Vibrant orange and red spots

Iliamna River Lodge

Nestled among pines overlooking the Iliamna River where floatplanes land and depart, the lodge provides comfortable accommodations surrounded by breathtaking Alaskan scenery. Bill & Mel Betts have created a warm, welcoming environment that brings guests back year after year.

Guest Cabins
Newly built spacious cabins feature:

• Private accommodations with comfortable beds
• Efficient heating for Alaska's variable weather
• Walk-in showers
• Front porches with views of nearby peaks and the Iliamna River

Main Lodge
The main lodge serves as the heart of the operation:

• Dining area for gourmet meals
• Common spaces for relaxation and conversation
• Deck overlooking river

Cuisine
The lodge's gourmet chef receives consistent high praise from guests. Expect restaurant-quality dinners each evening and hearty breakfasts before early departures. You won't leave for fishing without a full belly: the food at Iliamna is legendary among returning clients.

The Fleet
DeHavilland Beaver floatplanes and jet boats provide daily transport to the region's best fishing waters.

Travel to Iliamna River Lodge

Arrival

• Fly to Anchorage (ANC), arriving before 2:00pm on departure day
• Transfer to Lake Clark Air at Merrill Field (2425 Merrill Field Dr)
• Taxi service: 907-276-1234 or 907-562-6805
• Arrive at Lake Clark Air by 3:00pm for check-in
• 4:00pm departure to Pedro Bay via scenic floatplane ($500 per person, paid directly to Lake Clark Air)
• Lake Clark Air: 907-278-2054 (FRA arranges this flight)

The Flight to Pedro Bay
The flight from Anchorage to Pedro Bay is spectacular—one of the most beautiful you'll ever experience. Lake Clark Air is an excellent family-run charter operation providing safe, scenic transport across the Alaska Range.

Departure

• Return from final day's fishing by 3:00pm
• Light meal and farewells at the lodge
• 5:00pm departure from lodge to Anchorage
• Schedule commercial flights out of Anchorage no earlier than 10:30pm or 11:00pm

TAB 5: Itinerary

Weekly Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival

• Arrive Anchorage before 2:00pm
• 3:00pm check-in at Lake Clark Air (Merrill Field)
• 4:00pm scenic floatplane flight to Pedro Bay
• Transfer to Iliamna River Lodge
• Welcome dinner and trip orientation

Days 2-7 – Fishing Days

• Early breakfast bell rings for anxious anglers
• Depart for fly-out destinations via DeHavilland Beaver (or jet boat to home waters)
• Full day of guided fly fishing for rainbows, silvers, and char
• Streamside lunch provided
• Return to lodge late afternoon
• Gourmet dinner in main lodge

Fly-Out Options:

• 4 Fly-Outs / 2 Home Waters Package: $8,800 per angler
• 5 Fly-Outs / 1 Home Waters Package: $9,800 per angler
• Additional fly-outs available at lodge ($500 per angler)

Day 8 – Departure

• Final fishing until mid-afternoon
• Return to lodge by 3:00pm
• Light meal and farewells
• 5:00pm departure to Anchorage

Weekly Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival

• Arrive Anchorage before 2:00pm
• 3:00pm check-in at Lake Clark Air (Merrill Field)
• 4:00pm scenic floatplane flight to Pedro Bay
• Transfer to Iliamna River Lodge
• Welcome dinner and trip orientation

Days 2-7 – Fishing Days

• Early breakfast bell rings for anxious anglers
• Depart for fly-out destinations via DeHavilland Beaver (or jet boat to home waters)
• Full day of guided fly fishing for rainbows, silvers, and char
• Streamside lunch provided
• Return to lodge late afternoon
• Gourmet dinner in main lodge

Fly-Out Options:

• 4 Fly-Outs / 2 Home Waters Package: $8,800 per angler
• 5 Fly-Outs / 1 Home Waters Package: $9,800 per angler
• Additional fly-outs available at lodge ($500 per angler)

Day 8 – Departure

• Final fishing until mid-afternoon
• Return to lodge by 3:00pm
• Light meal and farewells
• 5:00pm departure to Anchorage

Package Rates

7 Nights / 6 Days Fishing:

• 4 Fly-Outs / 2 Home Waters: $8,800 per angler (double occupancy)
• 5 Fly-Outs / 1 Home Waters: $9,800 per angler (double occupancy)
• Additional fly-outs: $500 per angler (book at lodge)

Contact Front Range Anglers for current availability

What's Included:

• Seven (7) nights lodging in newly renovated cabins
• Six (6) full days of guided fly fishing
• Transportation to/from Pedro Bay
• All fly-out destinations via DeHavilland Beaver floatplanes
• Jet boat fishing on home waters
• All gourmet meals (breakfast, streamside lunch, dinner)
• Professional guiding
• Use of all boats, motors, and aircraft
• All fishing equipment: rods, reels, flies, leaders
• Waders and wading boots (if needed)

Not Included:

• Commercial flights to/from Anchorage
• Charter flight between Anchorage and Pedro Bay ($500 via Lake Clark Air)
• 7-day Alaska fishing license
• Gratuities for guides and staff
• Alcoholic beverages
• Travel and medical evacuation insurance (highly recommended)

Cancellation Policy

• At booking: 50% deposit due
• 90 days before trip: Remainder plus VAT/taxes due
• Cancellation 90+ days out: Full refund less $100 fee (if replacement found)
• Cancellation within 90 days: No refund unless qualified replacement provided
• No refunds for weather, acts of God, or airline/travel issues

Travel Insurance
Front Range Anglers strongly recommends Medical Evacuation Insurance (Global Rescue) and Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance. "Cancel for Any Reason" (CFAR) upgrades available at 50% reimbursement.

For insurance questions contact:
Jessica Minard | 617.210.8106 | jminard@globalrescue.com

Connect with Our Alaska Experts

Ready to experience one of Alaska's most legendary lodges? Our Adventure Travel team has firsthand Iliamna experience and can answer all your questions about the fishing, Bill & Mel's operation, travel logistics, gear requirements, and what to expect.

Rob Kolanda – Adventure Travel Manager
Rob is a Front Range Anglers guide, Sage Elite Pro, and our lead Alaska expert. He can provide detailed insights on Iliamna's fisheries, fly-out destinations, and trip preparation.

John Brown – Adventure Travel Coordinator
John handles trip logistics and coordination, ensuring every detail of your Iliamna adventure is handled seamlessly from booking to departure.

What We Can Help With:

• Detailed fishing reports and seasonal timing
• Gear recommendations and fly selection
• Rainbow trout tactics for Alaska
• Silver salmon and Dolly Varden strategies
• Travel coordination and flight booking assistance
• PCR testing requirements (if applicable)
• Pairing you with compatible trip partners
• Pre-trip preparation and packing consultation

Contact Us:
Email: rob@frontrangeanglers.com
Phone: 877-935-2975
Visit: 2344 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302

Stop by our Boulder fly shop to see Alaska gear, test cast rods in our outdoor area, and talk with our team about your Iliamna River Lodge adventure.

What to Bring to Iliamna River Lodge

Fishing Gear (All provided, but you may bring your own)

Rods & Reels:

• 6-8 weight rods for rainbow trout and char
• 8-9 weight rods for silver salmon (if targeting)
• Floating lines and sink-tips
• Large arbor reels with strong drags

Flies:

• Egg patterns, flesh flies, bead-head nymphs
• Streamers (leeches, sculpins, intruders)
• Dry flies (attractor patterns, mouse patterns)
• All flies provided, but favorites welcome

Wading Gear:

• Chest waders (breathable)
• Wading boots with traction
• All wading gear provided if you prefer to travel light

Clothing for Alaska Weather

Rain Gear:

• Waterproof rain jacket (breathable)
• Waterproof rain pants
• Waterproof gloves

Layering:

• Fleece or insulated jacket
• Long underwear/base layers
• Mid-weight fleece
• Warm socks (multiple pairs)

Head & Hands:

• Warm hat
• Buff or neck gaiter
• Sun hat
• Fingerless fishing gloves

Essential Accessories:

• Polarized sunglasses (essential for sight fishing)
• Sunglasses retainer
• Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
• Lip balm with SPF
• Insulated water bottle

Personal Items

Documents:

• Valid ID for domestic travel
• 7-day Alaska fishing license (purchase in Anchorage or online)
• Credit card for charter flight, license, gratuities

Other Essentials:

• Personal medications
• Basic first aid items
• Toiletries and personal care items

Optional Items:

• Your favorite rods if you prefer
• Personal fly selection
• Fly tying kit for evening sessions
• Binoculars for wildlife viewing

Gear ConsultationFront Range Anglers can outfit you with everything needed for Iliamna. All fishing equipment and waders are provided at the lodge; travel light if you prefer. Contact our team for personalized recommendations.