Goodnews River Lodge

Fishing at Goodnews River Lodge

If you are looking for an Alaska fishing lodge that puts fishing first, then look no further. Located in a remote corner of southwest Alaska and accessible only by private charter airplane, the 3 forks of the Goodnews River flow out of the Ahklun Mountains, and wander through the Togiak National Refuge as they make their way to the Bering Sea. There are over 490 miles of fish-able streams, braids, creeks and river branches for you to enjoy. Our fleet of jetboats can easily access all 3 forks of the river, as well as the lower tidewater sections. Chrome bright Salmon, most still with sea lice, are the norm in tidewater. These fish are fresh and feisty, and will challenge your angling skills. Resident Leopard Rainbows and Grayling, along with sea run Dolly Varden can be caught in all 3 branches of the river, as well a the numerous creeks, streams and braids. It’s a river system as nature intended, with no trace of human interference besides you and your guide. It’s all here at the Goodnews River Lodge, and it’s all yours to enjoy.

The Lodge consists of a dining hall with commercial kitchen, a bath house with flushing toilets and shower area, a drying room so your gear is always ready for the next day, a Recreation Hall for relaxing after dinner, and newly completed Guest lodging. All Guests will now stay in one of our new double occupancy Tent/Cabins including their own separate bath area complete with shower, sink and toilet. They’re constructed of special hi-tech weatherproof fabric designed to give protection in the extreme Arctic environment, each with an elevated front porch overlooking the river or the mountains and just right for relaxing after a long day fighting fish

Sample Itinerary

Your typical day will start with a steaming hot coffee for the early risers at 6:30am in the Dining Hall. A full Breakfast is served family style at 7:00 am. Imaginative hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be available at 6:00pm, followed by Dinner at 7:00pm, a four course meal consisting of freshly baked breads, salad, and a main entree served with a starch and seasonal vegetables, followed by one of our signature desserts. On Thursday morning, you will be given a menu of choices for dinner for the rest of your stay, including the option of fresh fish. Of course, changes are always accommodated. Then it’s time to gear up, as the boats leave the Lodge at 8:15 am and return after a full day of fishing at 5:30 PM.

Once your day on the water is complete, you will return to the Lodge for a hot shower and brief rest before dinner. Dinner is served at 7:00 PM in the main Dining Hall, starting with imaginative hors d’oeuvres, refreshments and then a four-course meal consisting of freshly baked breads, salad, and a main entree served with a starch and seasonal vegetables, followed by one of our signature desserts.

Your Guides are assigned each evening after dinner for the next day’s fishing. This gives you and your Guide a chance to discuss what species you want to fish for the next day, and to make sure you have all the right gear ready. We rotate our Guides every day. That way our guests get to know all of our Guides and experience many different parts of the river, as each Guide has his favorite fishing spots and techniques. We do not put more than 2 anglers with a Guide and Boat. If you want to have a shore lunch consisting of freshly caught fish and all of the fixin’s the next day, now is the time to order it so we can have it ready for your morning departure. You are then free to tie flies, gear-up for the next day, or relax in our new Recreation Hall while swapping fish tales of the “one that got away”. Of course, if you still haven’t caught enough fish for the day, you can sample the outstanding fishing available right in front of the Lodge.