Fly fishing at Goodnews River Lodge is remarkable as it is the only fully serviced lodge on the Goodnews River Alaska. Because of this, the river receives very little fishing pressure. There is no commercial fishing in the estuary or river, allowing all five Pacific Salmon species a free run. Over the last few years, this has shown in the numbers of returning fish just how good these rivers can be if the fishing is properly managed.
The Goodnews River flows southwest from Goodnews Lake down the Goodnews Valley, during which it splits into three main forks. The lodge jet boats can easily access all three forks of the river plus all the lower tidewater sections. In total, there are over 490 miles of fishable streams, braids, creeks and river branches for you to enjoy. There are three options for you to enjoy while searching for that trophy fish. You can choose one of the three river branches, fish the tidewaters, or wade the feeder creeks.
The river boasts impressive runs of all five Pacific Salmon species, sea-run Dolly Varden, and resident Leopard Rainbows and Grayling. Chrome bright Salmon, so fresh from the ocean that they are covered with new sea lice. These fish are incredibly fresh and feisty, and they will challenge your angling skills. Resident Leopard Rainbows and Grayling live in all areas of the river and follow the Salmon upriver as they get ready for their spawning rituals.
This trip is also available as a hosted tour exclusive for Sportquest Holidays customers and is ideal for solo anglers, pairs of friends and even small groups. Our team of hosts are hugely experienced as both hosts and fishing guides and are well travelled, taking trips of customers around the world and fishing in a wide array of different environments. You can see the hosted tour here.
Time to visit will depend on what you wish to target when freshwater fly fishing, if looking for sheer numbers of fish or larger specimens. The tidewater section of the Goodnews River fills with Chinook Salmon in late June. Fishing for King Salmon from the boats continues throughout July. King Salmon are followed closely by Chum Salmon and Sockeye Salmon.
For those wanting to take some fish home, the Sockeye Salmon are a great option. Silver Salmon arrive in large numbers in August through to early September. These species are a great sport for fly anglers. They are eager to chase flies and can provide lots of action for you every day.
Both the Leopard Rainbows and Grayling are present in the rivers all year. In the early season, they can be found in the lower section and take various flies and are great fun on an evening with drys. As the season progresses, these fish follow the Salmon up to the upper reaches feeding on their eggs; matching with egg pattern flies can make for some fantastic sport.
If you wish to visit some of the peak weeks we run Hosted Trips to Goodnews River Lodge each season.
The night before your fishing day starts, your guide will discuss your options. Any species you want to fish for or a location you specifically would like to visit. The lodge has an excellent policy as there is so much water to fish. All the guides agree and inform each other where they will all be starting the day. Then from there you can visit and fish anywhere on the river you so wish. As the lodge sits right on the river bank just above the tidal water line, the runs to go out salmon fishing each day are short. There are no planes to catch or weather dependant issues to prevent your fishing. If you wish to target Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden and Grayling, the runs may be longer as you head upstream to fish some of the headwater braids.
Your typical day will start with breakfast at 7:00 am. At that time, you will also either make a sandwich for lunch, order a shore lunch, or decide to come back to the camp for lunch. If its a wet-looking day and you do not wish to be out in it all day, why not return for lunch, get dry and warm-up before returning to the river for an afternoon session. That is the beauty of Goodnews; you are so close to the fishing you can be as flexible as you wish. You will return to the camp around 5:30 pm in time to get cleaned up and ready for some snacks before dinner. The evening meal is served at 6.30 & 7.30 pm. Guides are assigned each evening after dinner for the next day’s fishing giving you a chance to discuss what species you want to fish for the next day with your guide. After diner, with the 24 hours of daylight, for anyone will some energy still left to burn, you can continue to fish in front of the lodge.
‘How many fish will I catch?’ is always an incredibly tough question to answer. If you’re an angler, you will know that many factors can affect catch rates, including angling ability, your intended target species, time of year and weather. However, at Goodnews, when all of the above align, you can enjoy some of the best-mixed fishing you will experience anywhere in the world.
If you would like to see more about what Goodnews has to offer, visit our dedicated playlist on our YouTube channel.
The fishing at Goodnews River Lodge can be conducted in many different ways and usually depends on what you wish to catch. Customers who want to target the big Kings and Chum Salmon; although you can fish with a single-handed rod, it’s much better swinging large flies with double-handed spey rods. The guides at the lodge-like nothing more than customers who want to swing big flies deep for the Kings as it produces the best results for these two hard fighting salmon.
You can use lighter rods like 12ft switch rods and single-handed 10# rods for the smaller salmon species like Sockeye, Pinks, and Silvers as you will be using smaller flies and mainly floating lines. If you are fishing in the sliver season, why not try fly fishing with poppers? It is entertaining to use surface fly poppers and watch these fish chase and hit them. Read our Tips on Pacific Salmon Fishing & Chasing Silvers in Alaska.
Although the lodge uses boats to run up and down the river to the various fishing spots, the fishing is mainly conducted by wadding on foot
Goodnews River Lodge is an excellent destination for any fly anglers wanting to target and catch King Salmon along with a massive run of Coho Salmon, aka Silvers in the Autumn. Although all levels are welcome at the lodge, this tends to be more of a big fish destination. The guides are great at supporting customers and putting you on fish, plus they love nothing more than teaching. Still, it is preferable if customers before arrival have a basic understanding of fly fishing as you will get much more from your holiday. Another great advantage of this lodge is the trip is not that physically demanding, as the boats are right outside the lodge there is minimal walking. Wading the river is easy, and the guides will always take good care of you.
Goodnews River Lodge offers an angler a glimpse of what fishing was like in Alaska in years gone by. This lodge and river are one of Alaska’s last places where you can rely on prolific Salmon runs as there is no commercial fishing or other lodges on the river allowing the Salmon a free run.
Goodnews River Lodge is a tented lodge that sits on the river banks, keeping you very close to the fishing. The whole camp consists of a large main dining room with a picture window overlooking the river, a commercial kitchen, a recreation hall complete with a lounge, TV/DVR, a Ping Pong table, a football table, and the never empty Popcorn machine. Inside there is also a shop for customers to purchase logo merchandise.
There are seven standard tents/cabins. Each cabin is built on a platform and includes a front porch. Guest cabins feature thermostatically controlled propane heaters, gas and electric lighting, comfortable bedding and handmade duvet covers, mosquito netting, storage shelves, and a chamber pot.
A separate building houses six private bathrooms with heater, toilet, sink, vanity, shower, and 110V AC electric service. There is also a drying tent for guest comfort.
In addition to the standard tent/cabins, we now have eight larger Deluxe tent/cabins, and these include their own separate bath area complete with shower, sink, and toilet. Ideal for couples, they are large enough to accommodate a party of 3. (Available on a first-come, first-served basis at an additional charge).
All guest cabins offer the following features:
The main lodge tent is the central gathering place for the camp, and a hot breakfast is served to start everyone’s day. Lunches are packed and thermoses are filled for the day on the river. Each morning the breakfast includes pancakes or french toast, bacon, sausage, muffins, hashbrowns, quiches, hot and cold cereals, fruits, and of course, eggs to order. Hot coffee, Orange Juice, and Tea are available for the early riser, and breakfast is served promptly at 7 am. After you’ve finished your breakfast, stop by the Lunch Bar, where you can make your sandwich or wrap for the day. Sodas are located in the same area. Cookies, brownies and great mixed granola are also available to take for that mid-morning snack. If a shore lunch is something you are interested in, just let your guide know the night before, and he will have everything set the following day.
At 7:30 pm, Dinner proceeded by appetisers ranging from smoked Salmon to bacon-wrapped cheese and Alaskan style sushi. The main courses include Salmon Wellington, Prime Rib, Blackened Halibut and Buffet style BBQ. Delicious pastries, tarts, fruit sorbet and combinations of ice cream and brownies or chocolate chip cookies complete these excellent dinners. One thing for sure is you will not go hungry.
Although the fishing days are fixed, the below itinerary is still flexible should you require additional free days to explore at the beginning or end of your holiday; we can tailor this itinerary to suit you personally. Feel free to talk to our travel consultants who can explain all options available.
Please note that depending on what international airport you depart from, travel to this destination may involve an overnight flight and/or an overnight hotel.
Once flights are available, your itinerary will be finalised.
Depart Any international Airport (See Details)
Arrive Anchorage
Transfer from the airport to Anchorage Hotel
On arrival in Anchorage, take a taxi (Not Included) to your hotel.
The remainder of the day is free to relax and explore.
Overnight Accommodation: Anchorage Standard Hotel in a twin room on a room only basis
Transfer from Anchorage Hotel to Internal Airport
Subject to your domestic flight times, allow enough time to take a taxi (Not Included) to the internal airport for your domestic flights.
Aim to arrive at the airport no later than 2 hours before departure.
Depart Anchorage
Arrive Goodnews Bay
Transfer from Goodnews Bay Airport to Goodnews River Lodge
On arrival, you will be met by the staff for the 20-minute boat ride to the Lodge. Lunch will be served while you wait for your luggage to arrive at your tent, then it’s time to tackle up and go fishing! Fish until 5:30 PM.
Overnight accommodation: Goodnews River Lodge in a twin room on a full board basis
On your first two days of fishing, your guide will take you and your fishing buddy out to explore the vast range of water on offer. The jet boats at Goodnews can easily access all three river forks and lower tidewater sections. There are over 490 miles of fishable streams, braids, creeks and river branches for you to enjoy.
Your typical day will start with breakfast at 7:00am. At that time, you will either make a sandwich for lunch, order a shore lunch, or decide to return to the camp for lunch. If it’s a wet-looking day and you do not wish to be in it all day, you can return for lunch, get dry and warm up before returning to the river for an afternoon session. That is the beauty of Goodnews; you are so close to fishing that you can be as flexible as you wish.
You will return to the camp around 5:30pm to get cleaned up and ready for some snacks before dinner. The evening meal is served between 6.30 and 7.30 pm.
Overnight accommodation: Goodnews River Lodge in a twin room on a full board basis
Hopefully, by your third and fourth fishing days, you will have already experienced some of the fantastic fishing the lodge is famous for.
Travelling rods visit this incredible part of the world to chase the full array of Pacific Salmon species, including Chum, King, Sockeye, Pink and Coho, which can all get caught in good numbers at the right time of the year. These fresh and feisty fish will challenge even the most experienced anglers. In addition, it’s possible to target and catch resident Leopard Rainbows, Graylings, and even Dolly Varden.
Although the lodge uses boats to run up and down the river to the various fishing spots, the fishing is mainly conducted by wadding on foot.
Overnight accommodation: Goodnews River Lodge in a twin room on a full board basis
On your final two days of fishing, let your guide know if there is a species you still need to tick off your list. The guides are assigned each evening for the next day’s fishing, so they can tailor your day to give you the best chance of catching the species you’re looking for.
With no commercial fishing on the river and with it being the only fully serviced lodge, the fish can run free and allow you to enjoy some unrivalled freshwater fly fishing sport.
Overnight accommodation: Goodnews River Lodge in a twin room on a full board basis
Transfer from Goodnews River Lodge to Goodnews Bay Airport
Early in the morning, you will transfer back to Goodnews Bay Airport, which is a boat journey of around 20 minutes.
Depart Goodnews Bay
Arrive Anchorage
Transfer from the airport to Anchorage Hotel
On arrival in Anchorage, take a taxi (Not Included) to your hotel.
The remainder of the day is free to relax and explore.
Overnight Accommodation: Anchorage Standard Hotel in a twin room on a room only basis
Transfer from Anchorage Hotel to International Airport
Subject to your international flight times, allow enough time to take a taxi (Not Included) to the international airport for your return flights.
Aim to arrive at the airport no later than 3 hours before departure.
Depart Anchorage
Arrive Home
Please note that depending on what international airport you wish to return to, travel from this destination may involve an overnight flight and/or an overnight hotel. Once flights are available, your itinerary will be finalised.
The season runs from June to September.
Season: 20 June to 31 July
Peak: 27 June to 25 July
Weight: 10lb to 60lb
Average Weight: 20lb
Season: 27 June to 31 July
Peak: 4 July to 25 July
Weight: 5lb to 16lb
Average Weight: 10lb
Season: 27 June to 31 July
Peak: 27 June to 11 July
Weight: 4lb to 12lb
Average Weight: 8lb
Season: 18 July to 8 September
Peak: 8 August to 5 September
Weight: 6lb to 20lb
Average Weight: 12lb
Season: 18 July to 29 August
Peak: 25 July to 22 August
Weight: 1lb to 12lb
Average Weight: 4lb
Season: 20 June to 5 September
Peak: 21 July to 12 September
Weight: 1lb to 12lb
Average Weight: 4lb
N/A
Remember that Sportquest Holidays' services are completely FREE! When you book a trip with Sportquest Holidays, you never pay more than when you book directly with the lodge and flights independently.
| From | To | Duration | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/07/2025 | 10/07/2025 | 10 | £10,108 | Sold Out |
| 15/07/2025 | 24/07/2025 | 10 | £10,108 | Enquire Now |
| 22/07/2025 | 31/07/2025 | 10 | £10,270 | Enquire Now |
| 29/07/2025 | 07/08/2025 | 10 | £10,899 | Enquire Now |
| 05/08/2025 | 14/08/2025 | 10 | £10,724 | Enquire Now |
| 12/08/2025 | 21/08/2025 | 10 | £10,724 | Enquire Now |
| 19/08/2025 | 28/08/2025 | 10 | £10,724 | Sold Out |
| 26/08/2025 | 04/09/2025 | 10 | £11,079 | Enquire Now |
| 02/09/2025 | 11/09/2025 | 10 | £9,933 | Enquire Now |
| 16/06/2026 | 25/06/2026 | 10 | £10,249 | Sold Out |
| 23/06/2026 | 02/07/2026 | 10 | £10,249 | Enquire Now |
| 30/06/2026 | 09/07/2026 | 10 | £10,249 | Enquire Now |
| 14/07/2026 | 23/07/2026 | 10 | £10,249 | Sold Out |
| 21/07/2026 | 30/07/2026 | 10 | £10,419 | Enquire Now |
| 28/07/2026 | 06/08/2026 | 10 | £11,079 | Enquire Now |
| 04/08/2026 | 13/08/2026 | 10 | £11,079 | Enquire Now |
| 11/08/2026 | 20/08/2026 | 10 | £11,079 | Enquire Now |
| 18/08/2026 | 27/08/2026 | 10 | £11,079 | Enquire Now |
| 25/08/2026 | 03/09/2026 | 10 | £11,079 | Enquire Now |
| 01/09/2026 | 10/09/2026 | 10 | £11,079 | Enquire Now |
Prices are based on two adults sharing transfers, fishing and accommodation (unless otherwise stated) and are correct at the time of going to press. Subject to time of year or date and currency fluctuations, these prices may fluctuate slightly due to flight price increases or fuel surcharge.
Wow just returned and getting back into the swing of things. Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. We all had a top trip. Mike and the lodge staff really work hard and they had their work cut out with us. What with easily landing 30 t0 40 fish each day each the guides were kept very busy. Also a nice touch was the huge rainbows and what stunning markings. Thanks everyone, now starting to save up for the return trip. Mike.
Mike, thanks for your kind comments and pictures I revived them today. Yes Mike and the crew are fantastic hosts and the camp right on the river is a great destination. Saving up for next year? so shall I pencil the 6 of you again? Regards Peter
Mel, just a quick thank you for both recommending Goodness and handling the whole operation.
Fantastic service from start to finish.
You asked would we use Sportquest Holidays again and would we recommend your company services, easiest question we have ever been asked. A very large yes.
Rupert
Rupert
It is always a pleasure and thank you for the kind words, the team works very hard so it is very nice when a customer takes the time to thank them all.
A great destination for keen fly fishermen. This is a tented lodge which does not offer the luxury of other lodges, however if you main reason is to travel for fishing Goodness has everything one would need.
Your tent also had heating which was very welcome after some very long wet days on the river.
If we were to change anything it would be the hotel in Anchorage, as we would prefer to be closer to the town centre.
For all fishing addicts you must check out the fly shops in Anchorage
Miles thank you for completing a destination review
Another fantastic trip back to Goodnews River Lodge and 1st class from Sportquest as always
John
You are a star
As always thank you for your customer and we look forward in dealing with you for your next adventure
We had some high water but this did not effect the guides putting us onto the fish. Could not ask for more.
Jon, Thanks for your comments we will be sure to pass them onto the camp staff.
I was hard to pull us away. We have never wanted to stay on at a location so much before. Great camp, guides, equipment, food. Just can not fault any of it. Thank you for suggesting Goodnews River.
Dr Moat, a pleasure as always and thank you for using our services. I look forward to the next time.
King fishing at its best. Thanks to Mike and the staff, top class holiday
Thank you for taking the time to complete your customer feedback, so nice to hear just how much people have enjoyed their holiday. I will pass on all your comments to the camp. Mel
Wow, what a great fishing resort in remote, wilderness Alaska. Top-notch service, fishing boats, guides and great hospitality.
Definitely a place to go back to.
Thomas, thank you for completing a destination review. If you would ever wish to return please consider using our services.
We stayed at this lodge a couple of years back now as a group of 4 mad keen anglers. I must say although we have not managed to go back all due to family reasons, we have very fond memories of the place.
We have not forgotten the trip in anyway and we WILL all be back as soon as we can possibly fit it all in.
Alfred,
Thank you for completing a destination review, if you ever should wish to return we would be more than happy to assist you all.
Our first time fishing for Silvers and it will not be our last.
Goodnews is a fantastic location river on the river and you feel like you are somewhere special from the minute you arrive. The Silvers provided non stop sport and they fight so hard for their size.
A special thanks to the guides and camp staff as they took very good care of us all. Nothing was to much trouble even when I was feeling under the weather one day so decided to take a day off. They kept a regular check on me and made sure I wanted for nothing. First class fishing and service.
Harry
We are so glad that you all enjoyed Goodness River lodge and that you are also feeling better, we will be sure to pass on all your thanks to the lodge and staff.
This was our first ever fly fishing holiday to Alaska. As a group we did not really know what to expect, therefore our expectations was not to high.
Your descriptions about what to expect was completely accurate. If anything I would say that you undersold the destination to us which is a good thing as Goodness then exceed all our expectations.
Some of the group, those with more fly fishing experience did better than others (Like me). Our guides worked very hard and were always on hand to give advice about casting plus to help sort out a few tangles.
Joshua, thank you for taking the time to talk to me on the telephone. Loved listening to your stories.
It will be a pleasure in helping you all again arrange another fishing holiday. Feel free to contact me personally when you are ready.
What a fantastic holiday.
All the people at Goodnews Lodge were tremendous.
The fishing was excellent I landed 19 Kings for the week, my friend who joined me also landed 18 kings for the week and he had never fished for Salmon before.
In total I landed well over 60 fish for the week.
The lodge is basic but has everything you need, food good, staff and fishing guides top class.
The only negative was our luggage did not arrive with us and took a further 2 days to arrive courtesy of British Airways. However the lodge did an amazing job in lending us everything we needed so we could start fishing from the moment we arrived.
I would recommend anyone to visit Goodnews River Lodge.
Cyril
It was so nice to catch up with on the telephone after your trip. It was a worry when you called us to say that you had arrived in Anchorage but your bags had not. Yes the staff at Goodnews did an amazing job in sorting things out. When we called them to say that you had no luggage they said they would take good care of you all.
What an amazing catch 19 Kings plus tons of other Salmon sounds like you did caught all the time.
Anyhow thanks for completing the customer feedback its very much appreciated.
I look forward in taking care off your travel plans again soon.
Regards Peter
Excellent fishing experience overall but I had a bad experience with a couple of the guides not trying as hard as the other to find fish.
A great destination with lots of Silver Salmon can not wait to return next year for the Kings.
Hi Steve Thanks for your feedback and also your company it was a great trip with lots of fish. I know what you mean about the guides as it seemed some knew what to do in the difficult conditions where others looked lost.
After a disappointing trip to Good News River in 2022, where low water levels and bright sunshine made fishing challenging, this year was a completely different story. The conditions were perfect, and for me and my fellow guests, it turned out to be the fishing trip of a lifetime.
The guides were outstanding in every way, quickly getting us onto big, hard-fighting Kings and powerful Chum that refused to give up without a battle. I’ve never caught so many fish in a single week,I even lost count of the ones that got away.
Mike and Dawn made us feel incredibly welcome at the lodge, and both the food and accommodation were excellent. Having hot showers and flush toilets in our tented rooms was a real bonus, making the whole experience even more enjoyable.
Thanks for your review! We’re really glad to hear this trip was such a great experience for you. Sounds like the fishing was incredible, and we’re happy the guides and lodge team helped make it a memorable one. Hope to see you back again soon!
An absolute fly fishing paradise, with big numbers of fish of all species - without doubt the best fishing I've ever experienced. I wish it wasn't so far away, but that probably adds to the experience. The lodge was stunning, the hospitality and food were excellent. Thank you to Mike and his team.
Thank you Roger, it is a fantastic destination where dreams come true.
Tight lines, Peter.
The Coho or Silver Salmon, as they’re also known, are powerful game fish, famed for their hard fighting qualities and aerial acrobatic displays. They get found in good numbers throughout the Skeena region from around the middle of August until the end of October, and our Nicholas Dean Trophy Coho package runs right through the peak summer and fall seasons.
Our British Columbia Sturgeon fishing tour provides travelling anglers the chance to fish for the mighty White Sturgeon on the Fraser River. These prehistoric river dinosaurs can grow to over 10ft in length and half a tonne in weight, and provide one of the most exciting freshwater fishing challenges on the planet.
If you are looking for an incredible fly fishing holiday for Steelhead, Salmon or Trout with the comfort of having your own single room with private en suite bathroom our lodge on the banks of the Skeena River is the perfect destination. Our guided Steelhead and Salmon trips offer spectacular fishing for all levels of anglers.
In this lonely place of the Andes the King Salmon have developed a healthy population that continues to grow every year due to low fishing pressure and not having many predators. We have developed this fishing as an extension to our Sea Trout fishing packages, it can also be added to our Golden Dorado.
Alaska Trophy Adventures Lodge is the perfect wilderness fishing retreat. Boasting a world-famous run of all five species of Pacific Salmon, plus a host of resident fish, such as Leopard Rainbow Trout, Arctic Char and Grayling. No set itineraries fish with your guides each day for the species of your choice.
