Photos by Jim Klug
Copper River Basin
As with most remote fishing destinations in Alaska, the upper reaches of the Copper River is reached by float-equipped aircraft during the peak season. Several lakes in the area are stocked with a variety of freshwater fish, including coho salmon and Arctic char. Three species of anadromous North Pacific salmon, i.e., king, coho and sockeye salmon, can be targeted in the Copper River itself. Other fish species frequently captured include rainbow trout and/or stealhead, burbot, Arctic char, Arctic grayling and lake trout.
The upper Copper River lends itself to spectacular dry fly fishing and sight fishing opportunities in runs and riffles shallow enough to wade. Fishing amongst the wind sheltering groves of cottonwood, spruce and birch trees gives this valley a unique feel compared to most other Alaskan rivers.
-
- Fighting a good fish amongst spawning sockeyes, upper Copper River
-
- Float-craft props
-
- Float-equipped aviation is the favoured form of travel in Alaska
-
- Scarlet congregation of sockeye salmon spawning on the upper Copper River
-
- Rainbows concentrate on salmon eggs and flesh during salmon runs and easily accept large streamers dressed in colours of flesh
-
- Sight fishing the crystal clear waters of the upper Copper
-
- Survival of the fittest, only the strongest salmon make it to the upper reaches to spawn, upper Copper River
-
- Catch of the day
-
- Brown bears cannot resist the taste of salmon
-
- The break of dawn through a filtered sky
