Copper River Salmon Charters has been offering qulaity Chinook (King) and Sockeye (Red) Salmon charters since the early 1980's. Our long list of returning and referred clients speaks to the satisfaction of our program and the professionalism of our experienced guides. With full insurance, permits, licenses and top of the line equipment, we are able to insure that your wilderness experience on the Gulkana and Klutina Rivers will be memorable during your Alaska adventure.
It is with confidence that I can invite you to review the rest of this web site as you plan your trip. If you have any questions or need assistance in planing let us know. We have been working with our Alaska visitors for many years and have a good knowledge of many opportunities here in the beautiful Copper Valley as well as other places across the state. We are happy to share that knowledge with you.
We are anxious to be of help and hope we can be of service to you this summer.
Best regards,
Alan LeMaster, Outfitter |
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| "Catch of the Day" |
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| Overseer |
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Gulkana River (Blue Water)
Beginning in early June, Copper River Salmon Charters offers full day and half day guided raft trips fishing for the famous Copper River Sockeye (Reds) and Chimook (King) Salmon in the beautiful Gulkana River. Offering up to three trips daily, we outfit every client with all the essentials including your own fully insured and permited professional guide and rafts, all tackle, PFD's, and for your nourshiment we carry sack lunches and bervrages for the full day trips and snacks and beveages for the half day trips. (No alcoholic beverages please!)
As you may know, the Copper River Salmon are considered by many to be the most prized and best tasting salmon in the world. The reason for this is that these fish have a slightly higher fat content in their meat and like a good steak, the extra fat produces a brighter taste. If you have the opportunity to do a comparison taste test wth any other salmon you will quickly come to understand what so many people before you have learned ~ Copper River Salmon (Kings and Reds) are the top of the line.
The Gulkana River is a beautiful winding river that covers about three miles for every mile on the highway. On our half day trips we fish 5 to 6 miles of the river. On our full day trips we fish up to 23 miles of the river. We often times see various kinds of Alaska wildlife such as Caribou, Black and Brown Bear, Moose, Beaver, Otter, and a myriad of water foul and a couple of dozen Bald Eagles that you will enjoy up close and personal.
In the Gulkana River, King Salmon range in size from 15 to 45 pounds with an occasional catch over 50 pounds. As in all our rivers in East Alaska, you are allowed to catch and release Chinook (King) Salmon all day and keep one per day and four per season. The Sockeye (Reds) range in size from 4 to 12 pounds. The limit is three per day with no seasonal limit. Of course, some days you will limit out and some days fishing can be challenging. We cannot guarantee your catch but we can guarantee that we will do all we can to provide an exciting an eventful day as we put you in the middle of them. The rest is up to you and providence.
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| Bright guide ~ bright Rainbow |
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| Klutina River from Access Road |
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| Guide, Mike Hernandez with 65 pound Copper River King caught on the Klutina River |
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| NRS Poly-Hypolon Professional White Water Rafts |
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Klutina River (White Water - Class 2 to 4 rapids)
As soon as the Sockeye appear on the Klutina River, (normally early June) we fish our half day trips until the Kings come in. Usually, the Kings enter the Gulkana River before the Klutina, in early June. Later in the month they begin their journey up the Klutina River to their spawning grounds in and beyond Klutina Lake, more than 25 miles up stream from the Copper River. We continue fishing this river until the season ends on July 31. Normally the fishing is very strong up to the end of the month with many of our largest fish caught in those last 7 to 10 days of July.
the Klutina River normally produces larger fish and because it is white water the challenge is superior. These fish average between 25 and 40 pounds but in most years we see fish that can easily top out above 50 pounds with occasional catches between 60 and 75 pounds. Without question, fishing the Klutina is a world class experience for both the most dedicated fishermen as well as the novice.
As with the Gulkana charters, we provide all your gear. You only need to come with your current Alaska fishing license, King Stamp and dressed for the weather. We strongly recommend that you bring good rain gear for the Kutina River as the water originates at the Klutina Glacier and is in the mid 30's. Odds are, you will get wet in the rapids. Rain gear will help to keep you dry and comfortable all day.
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Daily Schedule
Half Day (Five hour trips)
Leave: 7:00 AM and 1:00 PM
Return: 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM
Full Day (Ten hour trips)
Leave: 7:00 AM
Return: 5:00 PM
Note: Above times include transport from headquarters to the rivers and return to headquarters
and are subject to change according to water conditions, weather, and the needs of the clients.
Rate Chart
Half Day (Five hour trips)
Adult: $209.00
Children from 8 to 12 years of age: $159.00
Full Day (Ten hour trips)
Adult: $309.00
Children from 8 to 12 years of age: $259.00
Note 1: These prices include transport from headquarters to the river and from the river back to headquarters.
Transportation to our property and your next destination is the sole responsibility of the guest.
Note 2: You will find additional prices for rooms and fishing packages on Rates page in this site.
You Provide:
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Current Alaska Fishing License
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King Salmon Stamp
Available at local outlets and in many locations in Anchorage, Faribanks and right here in the Copper Valley.
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Clothes for the weather (Rain gear strongly recommended)
A great "ketchum" attitude!
We Provide:
Transportation from our property to the rivers and return
Professional fishing gear including:
- Fully experienced, licensed, permited and insured fishing guides
- NRS Poly-hypolon rafts with rowing frames and Cartright oars
- Shakespeare 9' King salmon spining rods with Quantum BOCA-PT's Reels
- Shakespeare fly rods and spinning rods for the Sockeye (Reds)
- Personal Flotation Devices (PFD's)
- Bait and lures
- Snacks on half day trips and hearty sack lunches on full day trips
- Bottled water
- Cleaning, preparation and freezing of catch for shipping
Gakona Cabins on the property are available. (See Page 2 for more information.)
Gakona Stop 'n Shop offers groceries, tobacco, and gifts. (See Page 2 for more information.)
Gakona ECO Gas offers Unleaded and Diesel fuel at competetive prices.
One day overnight shipping of your catch with FedEx is available on request.
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