Copper River Salmon Charters has been offering qulaity Chinook (King Salmon) and Sockeye (Red Salmon) Salmon charters in the tributaries to the Copper River in the beautiful Copper Valley 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 liability insurance, permits, licenses and top of the line equipment, I am able to insure that your wilderness experience on the Gulkana and Klutina Rivers, which flow into the famous Copper River, will be memorable during your Alaska adventure.
It is with confidence that I can invite your review the rest of this web site as you plan your trip. If there are any questions or needs of assistance in planing let us know.
Copper River Salmon Charters has been working with our Alaska visitors for many years and have a good knowledge of the many exciting opportunities here in the beautiful Copper Valley as well as other places across the state. I am happy to share that knowledge with you as you plan your trip into Copper Valley Country to catch that prized Copper River Red Salmon (Sockeye ) or King Salmon(Chinook ) on your world class Alaska salmon fishing experience.
I am anxious to be of help and hope we can be of service to you this summer. Just email or call us at the numbers provided on this site.
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 five hour and ten hour guided raft trips fishing for the famous Copper River Sockeye (Reds) and Chinook (King) Salmon in the beautiful Gulkana River.
With up to three trips daily, the guides outfit every client with all the essentials including your own fully insured and permitted professional guide and rafts, all tackle, PFD's, and for your nourishment we carry snacks and beverages for the five hour charters and sack lunches, snacks and beverages for the ten hour trips . (No alcoholic beverages please!)
As you may know, 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 the opportunity presents itstlf, do a comparison taste test with any other salmon it will quickly show what so many people have learned ~ Copper River Salmon (Kings and Reds) are the top of the line.
The Gulkana River is a beautiful winding river. Its head waters are just a little stream that exits Copper Lake in the Wrangell Mountains and travels over 300 miles to tide water at Cordova. At tidewater the Copper River Delta is over five miles across and teaming with our famous Copper River Reds and Kings.
The Gulkana River covers about three river miles for every mile on the highway. On our five hour charters we fish 5 to 6 miles of the river. On our ten hour charters we can extend that up to 23 miles of the river.
Often times 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 are seen and are enjoyed up close and personal.
Limits and Size:
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, Chinook (King) Salmon the rule is catch and release all day ~ keep one per day and four per season.
The Sockeye (Reds) range in size from 4 to 10 pounds. For the Sockeye Salmon the rule is catch and release all day ~ the rule is keep three per day with no seasonal limit.
Of course, some days anglers will limit out and some days fishing can be challenging. I cannot guarantee your catch but I can guarantee that our guides will do all they can to provide an exciting an eventful day as they put our guests 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)
King Season:
Effective 2009 the King (Chinook) Salmon season on the Klutina River was changed by the State of Alaska Board of Fish. The new season begins on July 1 and runs through August 10. The reason for the change is to give us the opportunity to fish the river in the latter part of the run when the Salmon are running strong and relax the fishing in June when the Salmon run has been weakening. We are happy for this change and look forward to some excellent results as we begin the new schedule this year.
Our guides will continue to fish the Copper River Kings on the Gulkana River in June; and when the Red Salmon (Sockeye) are in on the Klutina we will offer five hour and ten hour charters too.
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 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, all your gear is provided. Your only requirement is to come with your current Alaska fishing license, King Stamp and dressed for the weather. It is strongly recommended that all anglers 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, everyone will get wet in the rapids. Rain gear will help to keep everyone dry and comfortable all day.
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Daily Schedule
Five Hour Charters
Morning: Leave: 7:00 AM ~ Return: 12:00 PM
Afternoon: Leave 1:00 PM ~ Return: 6:00 PM
Ten Hour Charters
Morning: Leave: 7:00 AM ~ Return: 5:00 PM
Note: Above times include transport from headquarters to the rivers and return to headquarters
and the times are subject to change depending on water conditions, weather, and the needs of the clients.
Rate Chart
Five Hour Charters
Adult: $215.00
Children from 8 to 12 years of age: $165.00
Ten Hour Charters
Adult: $315.00
Children from 8 to 12 years of age: $265.00
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: Transportation from the Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge and back will be provided for a nominal charge per person and is included in the rate quoted by the Princess Tour Desk.
Note 2: You will find additional prices for rooms and fishing packages on Rates Page in this site.
The Angler Provides:
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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, Fairbanks and right here in the Copper Valley.
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Clothes for the weather (Rain gear strongly recommended)
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A great "ketchum" attitude!
The Outfitter Provides:
Transportation from our property to and return from the rivers. 
Professional fishing gear including:
- Fully experienced, licensed, permitted and insured fishing guides
- NRS Poly-hypolon rafts with rowing frames and Cartright oars
- Shakespeare 9' King salmon spinning 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 are available on the property . (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 competitive prices.
One day overnight shipping of your catch with FedEx is available on request.
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