The Goodnews River winds through a remote region of western Alaska, north of Bristol Bay and south of the Kanektok. Goodnews River Lodge is the only true lodge on the river and accesses hundreds of miles of water by jetboat. The Goodnews system flows through the protected Togiak National Wildlife Refuge and consists of three forks flowing west out of the Ahklun Mountains. With only a few float trips passing through this vast system each season, the lodge has the luxury of rotating their waters, enabling their guests to fish different well-rested water each day. With all five species of Pacific salmon, rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, and grayling calling the Goodnews home, this comfortable base camp offers some of the least pressured and most varietal fishing in all Alaska.

The Goodnews River is a complex of three forks that offers anglers over 400 miles of fishable water accessible by jetboat. The river hosts runs of all five Pacific salmon, with the king and silver runs getting much of the attention. In addition to the prolific salmon runs, the river is home to healthy populations of leopard rainbow trout, grayling, and Dolly Varden. Each day, two anglers depart with a guide by jetboat. The lodge is located just above tidewater, so if anglers are seeking fresh salmon, the travel to the fishing spot is short. When targeting rainbow trout, Dolly Varden and grayling, the travel may be longer as anglers head upstream to choose from one of the Goodnews’s three forks. These up-river beats are remote and while guests may on occasion see a float trip party, it’s more likely there will not be any other anglers.

The tidewater section of the river fills with kings in late June and angling for them from boats continues through July. The kings are followed closely by chum and sockeye salmon. For those wanting to take some fish home, the sockeyes are a great option. Silvers arrive in large numbers in August and their fervid nature to take flies provides no shortage of excitement for fly anglers.

Goodnews River Lodge is an elaborate tent camp comprised of large Weatherport tents built on platforms, several fixed buildings, and well-constructed boardwalks connecting it all. The complex consists of a boathouse, dining hall, commercial kitchen, restrooms with flushing toilets and showers, a drying room, and smaller tent-cabins for staff and guests. The lodge has ten standard guest tent-cabins, each with elevated front porches overlooking the river as well as several deluxe cabins upgraded with attached full bathrooms. Ideal for couples, they are large enough to accommodate a party of three (available on a first come first served basis at an additional charge). Each guest cabin offers the following features:

• Front door and cross-ventilating windows
• Front porch for gear storage and relaxing
• Hardwood floor
• Thermostat-controlled propane heat
• Electric and gas lighting
• Extra-long mattresses with flannel sheets and thick comforter

Meals at Goodnews River Lodge are hearty and tasteful, considering the remote location. Hot coffee, tea and juices are available at 6:30 am for early risers and breakfast is served promptly at 7:00 am. Classics such as pancakes, French toast, bacon, sausage, fresh baked muffins, hash browns, quiches, hot and cold cereals, fruits, and eggs made to order are all on the breakfast menu. Guests make their own lunch sandwiches or wraps and hot soup is always available as well. Shore lunches are also a possibility, and those interested should consult with their guide the evening before. Dinners are served at 7:00 pm, preceded by appetizers and cocktails. Main courses include fresh fish, prime rib, buffet-style barbeque, and other mains. Delicious desserts complete these filling dinners.

Day 1: Arrive Anchorage and overnight at elected accommodations (independently arranged, not included).

Day 2: Depart Anchorage on the lodge coordinated charter flight (estimated cost $975 per person). Arrive Goodnews, AK, meet the lodge boats and transfer upstream to the lodge to get settled.

Day 3 – 8: Full days of guided fishing with all meals and accommodations included.

Day 9: Transfer downriver, board the charter flight back to Anchorage. Guests may book a departing flight from Anchorage after 7PM.

2024 Rates: Per person based on double occupancy

• June 19 - July 24: 7 night/6½ day package: $7,995 plus $1,375 round trip charter flight and $125 land use fee
• July 24-31: 7 night/6½ day package: $8,200 plus $1,375 round trip charter flight and $125 land use fee
• July 31 - September 4: 7 night/6½ day package: $8,995 plus $1,375 round trip charter flight and $125 land use fee
• September 4-11:  7 night/6½ day package: $8,200 plus $1,375 round trip charter flight and $125 land use fee

Single accommodations: $1,500 (based on availability)

Included: Accommodations and meals at the lodge, guided fishing, limited selection of flies and/or terminal tackle, transportation between Goodnews and the lodge.

Not Included: Round trip airfare to Anchorage, accommodations and meals in Anchorage, alcohol, staff and guide gratuities.

Note: A limited amount of loaner equipment is available and may be reserved in advance.

Species: Rainbow trout, five species of salmon, char, grayling

Season: June to September

Capacity: 16 anglers