Goodnews River | Alaska | Salmon Fly Fishing

The lodge is located in Southwestern Alaska, seven miles upstream of the small community of Goodnews on the Bering Sea. The lodge sits approximately 450 west of Anchorage.

The Goodnews River is a complex of three forks that offer anglers over 400 miles of fishable water accessed by jet boat. The river hosts runs of all five Pacific Salmon, with King Salmon and Coho runs getting much of the attention. In addition to their prolific Salmon runs, the river has lots of Leopard Rainbow, Grayling and great numbers of Dolly Varden.

The tidewater section of the river begins fills with King Salmon in late June and angling for them, from boats continues through 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. Coho Salmon aka Silvers arrive in large numbers in August and they are a great sport for fly anglers. They are eager to chase flies and can provide lots of action for fly anglers.

Each day two customers depart with a guide by jet boats to reach the fishing grounds at Goodnews River Lodge. The lodge is located just above tidewater, so if you are seeking fresh salmon the runs are short. When targeting Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden and Grayling, the runs may be longer as you head upstream to choose from one of the Goodnews’ three forks.

Depending on what time of year you join us will depend on what species will be available in the rivers, so please make sure you check out the species information on this tour. Throughout the year King Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Sockeye and Silver Salmon are all on the main menu. Other species include Northern Pike, Chum Salmon, Dolly Varden and Grayling.

The amount of fish you will catch will depend on the target species.

• Kings – 5-10 hookups per day on the fly is considered good.
• Rainbow trout – a dozen quality fish would be expected.
• Peak Silver fishing should provide 30-50+ hookups per day.

The fishing at Goodnews River Lodge is conducted in many different ways. For customer wanting to target the big Kings and Chum Salmon, it is best to swing large flies with Spey rods. Your guides at the lodge love nothing more than swing flies for these two hard fighting species of Salmon.

For the smaller Salmon, you can fish with shorter lighter rods like 12ft switch rods. You can even fish with 5# single handed rods with drys for the many Trout and Grayling. Although you use boats at Goodnews River Lodge, to access the river up and down the majority of the fly fishing is done by wading on foot.

All the guides speak very good English.

This is a great destination for any fly anglers wanting to target and catch King Salmon along with a huge 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 therefore it is preferable if customers before arrival have a basic understanding of fly fishing.

The physical demands are not challenging. You should expect to get in and out of boats on most days with some easy wading and short hikes.

Fishing at Goodnews River Lodge is done between June to September. When to go depends on the species you wish to catch. Contact our office and our staff will advise you on the best times.

Firstly, you will arrive in Anchorage. After an overnight stay in Anchorage, it’s a 2-hour flight to Goodnews Bay Airstrip. From there it’s only a 20-minute boat ride to the Lodge.

Goodnews River Lodge is an elaborate tent camp with large Weatherport tents built up on platforms, several fixed buildings and lots of nice boardwalks connecting everything together. The complex consists of a boathouse, dining hall, commercial kitchen, restrooms with flushing toilets, showers, a drying room and smaller tent-cabins for staff and guests. The lodge has seven standard guest tent-cabins, each with elevated front porches overlooking the as well as several 10 deluxe cabins upgrades with full ensuite bathrooms.

The food is excellent; it is in true Alaskan style with plenty of traditional meat and fish dishes! You will eat a cooked breakfast before you head out for the day, pack a sandwich for lunch or request a shore lunch complete with fresh fish and all the fixings. Evening meals are eaten in the dining room and include three courses, with a choice of entrees that changes daily.

Goodnews River Lodge includes all flies and terminal tackle. Loaner single handed fly rods, reels and waders are available at no charge. Customers should bring their own 2 handed rods and reels.

There is internet available at the lodge. However, it is limited to emails and texts. No downloading or uploading of photo’s, videos or VOIP communications. The lodge does have a phone for emergencies. Note there is no mobile phone coverage.

This lodge is only geared and suited to anglers as the only other activity would be watching the wildlife while out fishing.

We offer the complete package including all flights and transfers. To view all prices and availability click the “Dates & Prices” tab above.

Alternatively, if you wish to arrange all your own travel arrangements Sportquest Holidays can book just the lodge and fishing for you.