Frequently Asked Questions

Copper River Guides has the highest standards in the valley for our guides: all of our guides are Swiftwater Rescue Certified and Wilderness First Responders. Additionally, we are the only company that pays land use fees to the local Native Corporation, Ahtna Incorporated, for access to their traditional lands (this fee is built into our advertised price.) Further, CRG is a local business - you will be employing local Alaskans and contributing to the local economy. 

Depending on time of year and water flows, you can catch a variety of fish species including king salmon, sockeye salmon, rainbow trout, grayling, and dolly varden. We primarily target king salmon when they are running. 

• Kings: First run (Gulkana) - beginning of June to mid-July; second run (Klutina) - beginning of July to beginning of August.
• Sockeye: First run (Klutina) - beginning of June to mid-July; second run (Gulkana) - mid to late August.
• Trout: All summer; gets better towards fall (late August to early September)

We provide all the necessary equipment for our fishing and rafting tours, including fishing rods, reels, tackle, waders, personal floatation devices, and any other gear you may need.  Additionally, we will provide a lunch on full day fishing trips and snacks on half day fishing trips and rafting trips. You should plan to bring water, extra warm layers, a rain jacket, sunscreen, bug spray, and a camera!

The scenic rafting trip is a 10 mile float down the Copper River along the edge of Wrangell St. Elias National Park, with a quick stop in the park. This option is great for families with younger children, folks new to rafting, or those more limited in mobility.

 The whitewater rafting trip operates on a Class III River and is a wild backcountry experience. Very fun and splashy, this is a great introduction to whitewater rafting.

For both excursions, you will need to be able to walk short distances and get in and out of a raft.

Tips are not included in the advertised excursion price. Your guide will work very hard to get you on fish and safely down the river without the expectation of gratuity; however, tips are always appreciated for a job well done.

While we do everything in our power to get you on fish, it's important to realize that we are fishing for non-resident species and fishing is extremely variable day to day. If you can focus on the overall experience, we guarantee you will have a great day on the water.