Fishing At Rainbow Point Lodge Lake Iliamna, Alaska

 

Alaska Rainbow Point Lodge is a great fishing destination on the water
The Alaska Rainbow Point Lodge is a great fishing destination.

A Fishing Destination Filled with Adventure and Intrigue

Alaska! Just saying the word brings memories flooding back to those who have been lucky enough to visit and ignites a sense of wonder for those who haven’t. It’s a place where nature’s raw power and beauty are on full display, with towering mountains, ancient glaciers, and wild rivers teeming with life. Alaska is not just a destination—it’s an experience. For anglers, it offers some of the finest fishing opportunities in the world, with legendary runs of salmon and rainbow trout that attract fishermen from every corner of the globe.

The allure of Alaska goes beyond fishing; it’s about immersing yourself in the untamed wilderness. Standing knee-deep in a crystal-clear river with bald eagles soaring above and the occasional bear sharing the same fishing hole, you realize that this is what adventure truly feels like.

Where to Go in Alaska

Deciding where to go in Alaska can feel overwhelming. With thousands of rivers, lodges, and outfitters to choose from, the options seem endless. How do you know which one will give you the trip of a lifetime? Brochures and websites might promise you the moon, but until you hear from someone who’s been there, it’s hard to know what to expect.

I had the privilege of visiting Alaska last June, and it was nothing short of extraordinary. The place I chose offered more than just incredible fishing; it provided an experience that touched the soul. Every angler’s dream is different—whether it’s battling a king salmon in the current or casting for trout in a quiet backcountry stream. Choosing the right destination is about finding the spot that matches your vision.

An Offer You Can’t Refuse

My connection to Alaska runs deep. Over the course of 10 seasons, I guided anglers through the remote rivers and streams of Southwest Alaska. I’ve spent nights on the tundra under the midnight sun, drifted to sleep in boats after a long day on the water, and rested in everything from simple tents to luxurious lodges. Every trip was a chapter in an incredible story that shaped my love for the Alaskan wilderness.

This time, however, I had the opportunity to experience Alaska in a completely different way. Dr. Stephen Shapiro, a long-time client and dear friend I’ve guided for over 20 years, made me an offer that left me speechless. “You’re going back to Alaska,” he told me, “but this time as our guest, not our guide. And we want you to set it all up.”

Dr. Shapiro had joined me on three trips to Alaska in the ‘90s, so he knew firsthand what the region had to offer. The chance to return, not as a guide but as a guest, was something I couldn’t pass up. It was an opportunity to reconnect with a place I love and see it through fresh eyes. From planning the itinerary to experiencing the trip itself, this adventure was destined to be something truly unforgettable.

Booking a Lodge

There would be four of us—Steve, Gary, Chuck, and me. Planning the perfect lodge was a critical part of the trip. I started by calling various lodges and camps, focusing on places that hosted small groups of eight or fewer. We wanted an intimate and personable atmosphere, where we could enjoy excellent fishing without the need for daily fly-outs. Fly-out lodges can be fantastic, but when bad weather rolls in, grounding planes, you risk losing precious fishing days—a gamble we weren’t willing to take.

A tent camp was quickly ruled out. While those rustic setups had been perfect in our younger years, we now leaned toward comfort and convenience. Daily showers that didn’t require braving the elements, clean and warm beds, and hearty meals were high on our list of priorities. In the evenings, we pictured ourselves unwinding on a porch or deck, savoring wine, scotch, and cigars while reminiscing about the day’s catches. Most importantly, we wanted to chase wild, leopard-spotted rainbow trout in abundance.

After much deliberation, we narrowed it down to the Iliamna area. Located just an hour from Anchorage yet beautifully remote, it struck the perfect balance of accessibility and seclusion.

Rainbow Point Lodge on Lake Iliamna

It didn’t take long before I found the perfect spot. After about five calls, the voice on the other end of the line sounded familiar. Mark Higgins, now co-owner of Rainbow Point Lodge, answered the phone. Originally from Hamden, Connecticut, Mark had done some guiding on the Salmon River, where our paths had crossed many years ago at the Portly Angler Lodge.

Mark shared the story of how he and Brad Hughes, a talented chef from Casper, Wyoming, met while working at another Alaskan lodge. With their shared vision, they joined forces to create Rainbow Point Lodge, and it quickly became a favorite among anglers seeking a memorable experience.

Mark’s passion for the lodge and his detailed description of their fishing program had me sold within minutes. It was everything we were looking for: small, personalized, comfortable, and surrounded by phenomenal fishing. The deal was sealed—we were heading to Rainbow Point Lodge on Lake Iliamna for a week of catching rainbows on dry flies.

Traveling to the Lodge

Getting to Rainbow Point Lodge was refreshingly simple. First, you fly to Anchorage and spend the night. The next morning, a quick 50-minute flight takes you to Iliamna, where you’re met promptly by the lodge team. From there, it’s a short hop across Lake Iliamna, and just like that, you’ve arrived. No hassles, no stress—just the start of an incredible fishing adventure.

Amenities

Rainbow Point Lodge had all the comforts of a fine hotel, making it the perfect base for our Alaskan adventure. The spacious bedrooms were outfitted with wall-to-wall carpeting, private baths, and abundant hot water—a welcome luxury after a long day on the water. Daily maid service kept everything pristine, ensuring we could focus entirely on fishing and relaxing.

Dining at the lodge was an experience in itself. Chef Michael “Slam” Benavidez turned every meal into a masterpiece. His culinary skills and creativity transformed dining into a 5-star affair, with appetizers, entrées, and desserts that rivaled anything you’d find at top-tier restaurants.

Food

A plate with a delicious meal courtesy of the Alaskan Rainbow Point Lodge, a great fishing destination.
The Alaskan Rainbow Point Lodge knows how to treat guests!

The Alaskan Rainbow Point Lodge truly knows how to treat its guests, and Chef “Slam” is at the heart of that hospitality. Hailing from Santa Fé, New Mexico, Slam is a renowned saucier chef whose passion for food shines in every dish. His attention to taste, presentation, and variety left us in awe. From mouthwatering appetizers to indulgent desserts that could easily be called works of art, every meal was a highlight. His creations alone are reason enough to return to Rainbow Point Lodge.

Fishing

The fishing program at Rainbow Point Lodge was exactly what we were looking for—relaxed, uncrowded, and incredibly productive. There were no “0 dark thirty” wake-ups, no battling for space on the river, and no long plane rides to access the fishing spots. Instead, we enjoyed pristine waters brimming with fish eager to rise to our dry flies.

The rivers we fished were quiet and uncrowded, offering the kind of solitude that lets you fully immerse yourself in the experience. It felt like we had the entire fishery to ourselves, with plenty of willing wild-leopard rainbow trout ready to provide action throughout the day.

Great Guides

Our guides, Mike Goeser and Michael Reynolds, were outstanding. Young, enthusiastic, and deeply knowledgeable, they provided expert advice and assistance as we explored the waters. Their respect for the fishery and love for the Alaskan wilderness were evident in everything they did.

With the best weather of the summer—temperatures in the ‘60s and only a few light showers all week—conditions couldn’t have been better. The guides used small jet boats to navigate the shallow runs, ensuring we were always in prime fishing spots with minimal wading between locations. Their skill, coupled with their passion for the Alaskan bush, made the trip truly unforgettable.

Alaskan Adventure Awaits

I could write endlessly about the stunning scenery, incredible wildlife, delicious food, and unforgettable moments that make this fishing destination so special—but those are things you’ll fully appreciate when you see them for yourself. What I will tell you is that the fisheries on the Copper and Gibraltar Rivers, the home waters of Rainbow Point Lodge, are thriving. The fish are plentiful, waiting for your fly to tempt them, and the experience is nothing short of magical.

If you’re even remotely considering an Alaskan fishing adventure, do yourself a favor and reach out to Mark Higgins, Brad Hughes, or me. These are the kind of trips that stay with you forever, and you don’t want to miss the chance to make memories like these.

As someone blessed to fish for a living, this was the first true fishing vacation I’ve ever taken, and it exceeded every expectation. Honestly, I’m not sure how it could have been any better—except perhaps bringing home a box full of fresh sockeye salmon. But there’s always next year for that!

A heartfelt thank-you goes out to the entire team at Rainbow Point Lodge for making this trip an absolute dream come true. Whether you’re an experienced angler or planning your first Alaskan adventure, this is the place to make it happen.

Original Article By Captain Troy A. Creasy

About The Author

Captain Troy Creasy is the owner of High Adventure Charters on Lake Ontario and the Salmon River.  He has fished extensively in New York and Alaska.  

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