Alaska’s landscape is a breathtaking tapestry woven from immense scale and awe-inspiring diversity. Summer ignites the scene with dramatic light, casting long shadows across towering mountains and painting the vast wilderness in vibrant hues. Nicknamed the “Last Frontier,” Alaska is a land of untamed beauty, where sprawling forests meet majestic mountain ranges, and miles of rugged coastline give way to immense rivers and vast stretches of tundra.
At the heart of this Alaskan paradise lies Lake Iliamna, a leviathan of freshwater. Stretching an impressive 75 miles long and 20 miles wide, this behemoth covers a staggering 1,000 square miles. But Lake Iliamna’s true claim to fame lies beneath its surface. It boasts the largest sockeye salmon run on the planet, a spectacle that draws anglers from across the globe. And for those seeking an even wider fishing bounty, Alaska’s bounty extends far beyond the mighty sockeye. Rainbow trout, with their vibrant colors, and Dolly Varden, known for their feisty spirit, lurk in the crystal-clear waters. For those who prefer a challenge, Arctic char, lake trout, and grayling offer a thrilling fight, testing the skills of even the most experienced angler.
"My 11 year old son and I recently spent a week at Rainbow King—July 17 to 23rd 2016. We were greeted at the Iliamna airport by the guides and taken to the lodge which is only a few miles away. From the minute we arrived, we were welcomed by the staff and immediately felt their warm hospitality. The other guests must have felt it as well, and everyone just sorts of naturally mixed. We had a wonderful dinner, and then a quick briefing on the week ahead by Gus. Our room was great, and the beds are very comfortable! We were awakened by a knock on the door the next morning and in came the hot coffee and hot cocoa for my son—-not too bad! We went to the dining room for breakfast, back to our room to get ready, and off we went. It’s that simple. Each day was a new adventure followed by relaxing in the “rec room”, a great meal, lots of laughs, and a great night's sleep. The fishing was incredible, and the guides were AWESOME. They were all extremely personable, polite, attentive, and knowledgeable. Not only can they fish and instruct, but they can cook the best shore side lunches I could have imagined. The pilots and the aircraft were also AWESOME! We were in Heaven. Gus and his crew are the most hospitable, and professional bunch of people I’ve ever met—hands down. The owners and staff of Rainbow King have got it figured out! John Jr. did not want to leave….. If you are looking for a first-class Alaska fishing experience, look no further. The fishing was incredible (sockeye, rainbows, grayling), but it was the people who made it a truly special experience. Thank you Gus and your crew for taking such good care of us and making our trip of a lifetime so perfect!” – John D Fentress