Float trips average 35 to 45 miles long. Longer and shorter trips can be arranged. You need 5-7 days to complete most of the Iliamna Region Rivers comfortably. Floats can be guided or unguided. The trips stay out on the river the entire time, stopping at key points to set up camp and fish the many rivers and lakes of the Iliamna Region. The primary purpose of these trips is for fly fishing, although there is great adventure involved with the fish & float trip program. A river guide is always a good idea while in the wilds of Alaska. If you have good experience on the oars, are in good health and feel adventurous you may opt for a self-guided trip. Self-guided trips are the ultimate in adventure. This is a lot more than just a fishing experience. However, a river guide can provide an extra margin of safety while navigating the rivers, understanding of the fishery, handling “bear situations” and setting up camp along the river. Floats can accommodate groups from 2 - 9 anglers. Based on what you want to experience when fishing and what level of experience you have rafting, the lodge will select a river and location for you to float. You have over six different Alaska River Floats to choose from including, Alagnak River, River X, Chili River, Kokatuli River, Moraine River and Mulchatna River. Within these Alaskan rivers there are some with class III to IV rapids and others that are nothing but riffles and long runs.

The difficulty of the rivers are as follows. This is based on a 1-5 ranking with 5 being very difficult. This takes into consideration rapids, technical water and potential log jams: Alagnak River - 2 River X - 4 Chili - 3 Kokatuli - 3 Moraine - 2 Mulchatna - 3

Best Time to Visit

This is answered best in what you would like to experience in Alaska. Each month offers a unique experience for a Fly Fishing Float Trip in Alaska. Some months will be better for Salmon fishing while other will be better for Rainbow, Dollies, Grayling and Pike. All five species of Pacific Salmon available to our fly fishermen. The Alagnak and Copper Rivers have a unique and different schedule for the return of these salmon. We will put you on the river that offers exactly what you would like to experience while fishing or floating these beautiful Alaskan Rivers.

Fishing Techniques

The River X and Moraine River have been designated fly fishing only rivers. The others are restricted to single hook barbless artificials only. Again the time of the year will dictate the style of fishing. In June and July we will be casting 5-8 weight rods for rainbows. The fishing is like what you would expect in western rivers of the lower 48. Dry flies will consist of caddis, stimulators and midges. Smolt patterns, leaches, stones and midge larva will also be fished regularly.

In August and September we transition over to fishing egg pattern, leaches and flesh flies. However, there is the rare occasion of needing some dries and stones along as well. For chasing salmon you will need an 8-10 weight rod. We fish a lot of string leaches, spun marabou flies and anything else that is big, heavy and ugly! The only exception is with sockeye salmon. Sockeye like a sparsely tied fly that is not so intrusive.

Best Fly Fishing Seasons

This is answered best in what you would like to experience in Alaska. Each month offers a unique experience for a Fly Fishing Float Trip in Alaska. Some months will be better for Salmon fishing while other will be better for Rainbow, Dollies, Grayling and Pike. All five species of Pacific Salmon available to our fly fishermen. The Alagnak and Copper Rivers have a unique and different schedule for the return of these salmon. We will put you on the river that offers exactly what you would like to experience while fishing or floating these beautiful Alaskan Rivers.

We use a 14' self-bailing NRS raft for all trips. We will provide all top of the line equipment needed while on one of our float trips. Because you will be floating a river with large self-bailing rafts that can handle big loads, you will be able to enjoy some luxury items that you wouldn’t have along on your typical backpacking trip, but it’s advised to pack like as though you are going backpacking, using a similar clothing and layering system and lightweight personal items. You are limited to 75 pounds of gear/person. This includes fishing gear, clothes and food - basically the items that we don’t provide. It is very easy to stay within this weight.

Iliamna is 195 miles southwest of Anchorage. Therefore, we recommend that you fly to Anchorage the day before and stay in a hotel for the night. Once you arrive in Anchorage, a flight to Iliamna can be arranged for you via private charter operated by Lake Clark Air. This flight is not included in the package. The flight to Iliamna has a 75 pounds per person weight limit; this includes fishing gear, clothing and food. Rates vary each season but are approximately $500 per person. The following day (Sunday) your Lake Clark Air flight will depart at 10 AM for a one- hour flight to Iliamna. Once there, you will be met by Chad Hewitt and board floatplanes, which will transport you to Rainbow River Lodge to gear up. After gear is loaded on the plane you will enjoy lunch at the lodge. Any extra gear/luggage will be stored. Then fly out to the selected river to begin the float that afternoon on most fly outs. Your return trip to Anchorage from Iliana will take place at 12 pm the following Sunday. More detailed information will be available in the Pre-Trip document you will receive prior to departing on your adventure.

(Rates are based on double occupancy) Self-Guided Trip: One week self-guided trip is $2,200 per person for a group of two or more. Guided Trip: One week guided trip is $4,200 per person for a group of two or more.

Prices are in USD and subject to change prior to booking.