Intricate Bay Lodge

Located just west of Lake Iliamna’s famed Copper River, Intricate Bay Lodge is a handsome top-tier lodge focusing on the region’s numerous trophy rainbow fisheries. Guests have the option of selecting from full fly out packages or packages that combine three days of flying with three days of jetboat access to the Copper and Gibraltar systems. Additionally, for groups of 2-6 anglers, Intricate Bay offers their Lodge and Stars package, where guests spend three days floating and camping in a wilderness system, followed by three days at the lodge.   

In addition to sweeping views of Lake Iliamna, Intricate Bay’s guests enjoy great meals, comfortable rooms with attached baths, a great bar area with darts and an in-deck hot tub overlooking the lake. With jetboat access to the Copper and Gibraltar rivers, and fly-outs to legendary creeks including Moraine, American and more, guests can expect an action-packed trip filled with exceptional fishing opportunities. 

Intricate Bay offers multiple packages enabling guests to select the one that best meets their budget and desires. Their most popular one includes the Full Fly Out package, the Combo package with three fly outs and three days on the local waters and their Lodge and Stars package with three days of wilderness float and camping combined with three days at the lodge.  

Nearby rivers such as the Copper and Gibraltar are just a short jet boat ride away, consistently producing impressive numbers of trout. For those looking to explore even more prolific waters, quick fly-outs transport guests to legendary fisheries like Moraine, Funnel, Battle and American Creek within Katmai National Park. The lodge also offers flights to the west side of Cook Inlet for thrilling chum and silver salmon fishing. 

Anglers can mix up their experience by targeting northern pike in the secluded sloughs and coves along the lake. Intricate Bay Lodge provides all necessary tackle and pairs each guest with expert guides who are dedicated to delivering a personalized and unforgettable fishing adventure. 

Intricate Bay Lodge offers an inviting blend of comfort, elegance, and rustic charm, ensuring guests feel at home in the heart of Alaska’s wilderness. 

The lodge features four double occupancy rooms and one “bunk room” that can host four guests, along with an out cabin that hosts an additional three guests.  Single accommodations are available for an added charge. 

Each evening, delicious appetizers are served as guests sip cocktails on the expansive deck, which overlooks the breathtaking expanse of Lake Iliamna—the largest lake in Alaska. The lodge’s state-of-the-art kitchen, outfitted with professional-grade equipment, is helmed by a skilled chef who crafts gourmet meals designed to elevate the dining experience.  

For those who need to stay connected, the lodge offers wireless internet, ensuring guests can share their experiences or check in with the outside world before returning to the tranquility of this extraordinary wilderness retreat. 

Day 1: Arrive Anchorage on Friday and overnight at elected accommodations (independently arranged, not included). 

Day 2: Saturday morning, take a taxi or hotel shuttle to the flight to Iliamna (independently arranged, not included). In Iliamna, guests will be met by a representative from Intricate Bay Lodge who will fly them to the lodge (approximately 20 minutes). Once at the lodge, the staff will help guests move into their rooms and get settled in. Guests will then head out for a half day of fishing from the lodge. 

Day 3-7: Five full days of guided fishing with five fly outs (weather permitting). 

Day 8: After fishing, guests will return to the lodge for the departing flight on the lodge plane. Guests will be flown to Iliamna to catch a return flight to Anchorage via air taxi. Upon arrival in Anchorage, guests will transfer directly to the international airport for their flight home or points beyond. Conversely, guests may elect to overnight to depart on Sunday (independently arranged, not included). 

Note: If departing on Saturday, please book a flight departing after 9 PM.

2025 Rates: Per person based on double occupancy
6 night/6 day package (6 fly-outs): $11,250  

June - July and the last two weeks of September:
6 night/6 day package (3 fly-outs): $9,750 

Included: Accommodations and meals at the lodge, round trip transportation between Iliamna and the lodge, guiding, fly-outs (weather permitting and dependent on your package), tackle, fly rods, and flies. 

Not Included: Round trip airfare to Iliamna, fishing license (available online), alcohol, staff and guide gratuities. 

Who is best suited to this destination?
Intricate Bay Lodge is a great choice for anyone wanting to experience the incredible trout fishing in the greater Iliamna region of SW Alaska’s Bristol Bay interior.  They can tailor guest experience to the physical needs and angling skills of their guests, making it a great destination for a wide range of clients. Intricate Bay also offers the advantage of paying for as many or as few fly-outs as you like on site.    

Where is the lodge?
The lodge is in the heart of Bristol Bay on the shores of Alaska’s largest lake, Lake Iliamna. It is located near the mouth of the famed Copper River.  

How do I get there?
To get to Intricate Bay Lodge, guests will fly commercial to Anchorage followed by about a 1-hour charter flight to the village of Iliamna, AK.  There, you will be met by a pilot/representative of IBL and load into a van for a short 10-minute drive to the neighboring float plane lake.  A quick 15-minute flight from there and you arrive at the lodge, greeted by the guides and staff who will get you settled in for your week.  

When should I go?
Their season runs from June 8th through late September. The time of year that will be most appealing will depend on the type of fishing and species you are after.  

How will I fish?
Fishing will be a combination of floating in small rafts, jetboating and walk and wade venues. Guests will either depart the lodge by jetboat or by float plane. Once on the water, guests might fish streamers, nymph sand indicator rigs and at times, dry flies and nymphs. How you fish will depend on the time of year and the most effective methods for the fishing conditions encountered.  There will be a combination of fishing on foot and from the boat.  

Is there wade fishing?
Yes, a good deal of the fishing is walk and wade.  

Where will I fish?
You will have the opportunity to fish up to 6 of 14 rivers/ beats, depending on weather and the latest fishing reports from our professional guide staff. These systems will be in the greater Iliamna Katmai region of SW Alaska.  

How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds?
Transit from the lodge to the fisheries ranges from 10-30 minutes via float plane or jet boat. 

What type(s) of fish will I catch?
You will have a shot at rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, grayling, sockeye salmon, silver salmon and pike. 

How many fish will I catch?
The fishing varies from day to day and week to week. A tough day would be a few quality fish and a good day could be 15 or more great fish.  

Will I see other anglers?
Yes. While Alaska remains a wild place, there are a good many operations that fish the best waters.  

What are the guides like?
The guides are passionate, hardworking professionals with a wealth of experience. They are eager to teach guests and help them to improve their fly-fishing skills.   

What are the physical demands?
Climbing in and out of small float planes, rafts and jetboats and basic wading in knee deep water with slippery rocks, and rubber soles.  

Are there any special skills required?
No, all skill levels are welcome.  

Does the lodge provide equipment?
Yes. Intricate Bay Lodge provides waders, wading boots, fly rods, reels and all flies needed for your week at the lodge. 

What is your favorite setup for the trip?
The go to rod is 7-8 weight with a floating line.  

What are the top flies?
The lodge’s favorite flies in June and July are Chubby Chernobyl, Stimulators, Copper Johns, Pheasant Tails, Caddis and Stone Flies.  August and September, they fish custom painted beads tailored to the spawn on each river.  

 What are the options if water conditions become challenging?
The regional rivers rarely get “out of shape” but if they do, guests can often still fish effectively in “corner pockets” and on the edges with larger patterns. 

What is a typical day like?
The typical day starts with a great breakfast, followed by either a short jetboat ride or flight to your day’s beat.  Guests can expect to have their line in the water between 8-9 am.  A packed lunch will be served shoreside, midday and guests will continue to fish until 4-5 pm.  After a short transit back to the lodge, the hot tub, drinks and appetizers will be ready before dinner, which is served around 7 pm. 

What is the general vibe, atmosphere and style of the lodge?
The lodge is a handsome log-built structure with views of Lake Iliamna from the great room, featuring a large bar area with darts and additional seating.  Meals are served restaurant style at a 14-person dining table.  Staff are available to pour drinks and tend to requests while the lodge owner and or manger are around to hear about your day, and talk about the plans for the next day’s adventure. 

Is there an on-site owner, manager or other point-person at the lodge?
Yes. The owner and or lodge manager will be around and available from breakfast until after dinner.  They will be able to help you tailor your trip and outings to your needs and requests. 

Where do we eat, and what are the meals like?
Meals are served restaurant style at their 14-person dining table, where the chef will inform you of the upcoming 3-4 course meal, including ingredients and cooking style.  Food is hearty, healthy and eclectic, often featuring some local fish or meat along with homemade bread and desserts. 

What is the alcohol policy?
Wine and beer are provided with dinner, and guests are welcome to bring or order other beverages for their time on the water and in the lodge. 

Where do we stay, and what are the accommodations like?
The lodge features four double occupancy rooms and one “bunk room” that can host four guests, along with an out cabin that hosts an additional three guests.  Single accommodations are available for an additional charge. 

Is there internet and/or cell service?
The lodge has Starlink WIFI throughout the building and around the grounds near the lodge. FaceTime phone calls are smooth, and connectivity is great.  

Are there other activities?
There are a few short hikes that can be done around the property with guides (bears can be found from time to time on the property), and an increasingly popular “cold plunge” off our dock is always available before hopping back in the hot tub.

Are there any other expenses?
A fee of $60 will be incurred for broken rods or torn waders, gratuities and a local room tax of $10 per night, per person, and custom orders of wine and other alcohol are additional expenses that can be incurred.  

Do I need a visa?
No 

Are there any health concerns, dangers or annoyances?
There are risks associated with fishing wild rivers as well as boat and plane travel. The area has bears, mosquitoes and other biting insects.   

We recommend that guests always consult the U.S. Department of State and the Center for Disease Control websites for general travel information and guidelines.