Iliamna River Lodge - Pedro Bay, Alaska

kealaorona

My husband and I experienced a remarkable vacation in Alaska with friends staying at the Iliamna River Lodge (IRL) in August 2024. The owners Mel & Bill, and their amazing team - Bryson, Becca, Johnny, Matthew, Fuzz, Bethy, Bethy, Gracie, Kayla, and pilot Dawson were beyond talented, personable, and fun and made our trip a memorable one for us as first timers at fly fishing. We had the most joyous time and we will always remember all the lessons they taught us how to cast a rod and the history of the area. The food was exceptional as well - Chef Bethy spoiled us with her culinary skills and delicious meals. Every day was a delight. Fly fishing was so much fun but when you bridge it with great people who work at IRL it’s a bonus. The location is so serene, beautiful, and clean, and the views are breathtaking. We highly recommend IRL.

Steve A

This lodge has the best owners and staff of any vacation destination that I have ever visited. The hosts Bill and Mel are the most gracious and pleasant people you will ever meet to be around. The chef makes the most scrumptious food without being over the top. The housekeeping staff keep the accommodations in tip top shape and are fun to be around. The float pilots were always safety conscious and wonderful about explaining the plane, flying, and what we were seeing out the windows. The fishing guides were so knowledgeable and patient. Yes, they worked overtime to put you on fish. They help me go from never having fished with a fly rod to having the competency to confidently catch fish. If you are looking for a breathtaking fishing location, with top of the line accommodations, in the bush of Alaska, with a not to be out done staff that put you on fish, stop looking. The Illiamna River Lodge is your answer.

Annette c

The experience we had was phenomenal. The family that owns the lodge is gracious, caring, and attentive. We spent a week in a remote spot in Alaska, flyfishing every day. The guides were friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. We took float planes to different spots to fish and the flights were amazing (& so was the fishing!). The chef made incredible meals. It was quite a peaceful, relaxing, fun place. We hope we make it back to enjoy all of the wonderful experiences again!

Samuel H

I had an amaizing experience at IRL! Bill and Mel Betts who run the lodge were thoughtful, caring, and attentive hosts who have created a family atmosphere perfect for the experience. All the staff including guides, cheffs, to the assistants and the pilot were helpful and had servants hearts. The food was top notch. The fishing was second to none in the most increadible locations possible. I appreciated joining the staff for times of devotions early before the days began. I highly recomend Illiamna River Lodge.

Ann A

First class hospitality and a week to remember. Every detail is attended to by hosts Mel and Bill who make you feel like family. Hidden away 200 miles from roads this quiet lodge on the Iliamna River is on accessible by float plane and boat. It offers up to six fly outs with professional guides to incredible fishing locations in addition to fishing the river. Enjoy spectacular views dining with other fishermen before and after your days fishing. Delicious meals are prepared by a professional chef. Beautiful cabins have all amenities needed and are cleaned each day by housekeeping. This memorable trip is one of our favorites. We will be back.

autumn meagher

I am not a fisherman but I have traveled extensively. After several years of my husband visiting, he finally convinced me to come along. It was SO worth it! Alaska is a place where being in the air and on its rivers gives you the best opportunity to truly experience its beauty. The trips by boat and air were spectacular! All the guides and pilots were accommodating, experienced, and friendly. I have never fly fished before and the patient guides helped me learn and catch several fish.

The staff was welcoming and friendly. From the moment you arrive you feel at home. The food was beyond my expectations and the service was excellent. The cabins were clean and well maintained. The main lodge was comfortable and inviting. At the end of a fishing day you can hot tub or steam to warm up and relax. Bill and Mel make sure your stay is tailored to you. Everyone there works hard to provide a memorable stay. I am so glad I had the opportunity to visit this very special place. I would return again without hesitation.
Thank you Iliamna River Lodge for an amazing experience!

Tami L

It's really amazing there is a full lodge with delicious food and filtered water and electricity built so far away from any town in Alaska. The family atmosphere found at Iliamna hosted by Bill and Mel and staff are so friendly and welcoming they are clearly filled with God's love and peace. The chef Bethy is amazing and so creative and pours her heart and creativity into every meal. ||The history of the area and stories told by the Fishing Guides while rafting and on the jet boat rides are just as entertaining as the fishing itself. My friend caught five different species of fish at five different lakes and rivers we went to throughout the week with her very talented fishing guide. She caught a Dolly Varden, Rainbow Trout, Pike, Grayling, and Lake Trout!! ||The float plane rides were surprisingly my favorite part of the trip and we had smooth flights with smooth landings all six days!! We saw two bears real quick, one moose (from the plane), several bald eagles, and spotted a super rare Wolverine So lucky we were able to have this incredible experience and will be telling many stories for years to come I'm sure. Thank you so much for a great week Bill and Mel and all the staff!!!

Jason Patchell

ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME!

YOU HAVE TO DO THIS!

Mel and Bill have done a outstanding job of creating the most hospitable lodge making everyone feel right at home. From the morning wake up knock at your door with fresh coffee, to the amazing chef prepared meals, to the evening relaxing in the sauna, hot tube, (cold plunge in the river if you want).

The fishing and the guides were outstanding as well. The entire team at IRL were top notch people. They truly loved hosting and take care of you. The guides were patient for those who weren't fishermen. They were encouraging and were always there to tie another fly on if needed. We were a group of 12 guys and caught tons of sockeye and some great trout and Charr (Dolly).

I'll never forget this trip. It truly was like living in a dream for a week. Being 200 miles off the road system, in the middle of all of God's creation - it was a dream.