GOODNEWS RIVER
Alaska's Most Epic Float Trip Waters
Where Silver Salmon Reign Supreme
The Ultimate Wilderness Fishing Adventure
In the gin-clear waters of the Goodnews River, it's common to witness a spectacular phenomenon: a literal biomass of fish spanning from bank to bank, nose to tail, as they surge upriver from Bristol Bay and the Bering Sea. This extraordinary display creates fishing so intense that anglers often discover their cheeks aching from the permanent grin plastered across their faces.
Flowing approximately 65 miles through the remote Togiak National Wildlife Refuge in Southwest Alaska, the Goodnews River offers the perfect balance of concentrated fishing action and pristine wilderness solitude. Unlike longer river systems, the Goodnews allows for thorough exploration of highly productive runs, pools, and braids—maximizing your time with a bent rod rather than covering vast distances.
Alaska Rainbow Adventures was selected by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as the premier operator on the Goodnews River. With over 30 years of experience, our special use permit ensures you'll enjoy the best available trip dates with only six carefully scheduled departures annually—guaranteeing uncrowded waters and an exclusive wilderness experience.
This isn't just another fishing trip. It's an authentic expedition where you'll float the entire river over multiple days, fish new waters daily, and experience deep immersion in Alaska's stunning backcountry. Accessible only by floatplane, the Goodnews River remains a roadless paradise where remarkably low fishing pressure preserves the pristine quality of every cast.
WHO: Alaska Rainbow Adventures
Alaska Rainbow Adventures stands as a pioneer in Alaska float fishing, earning an unparalleled reputation through world-class service and highly skilled guides. Our passion for fishing and extensive knowledge of Southwest Alaska's rivers ensures you'll fully immerse yourself in both the joy of fishing and the breathtaking beauty surrounding you.
USFWS #1 Selection
Chosen as the top operator on the Goodnews River, giving us the best available start dates and ensuring the highest standards of wilderness stewardship.
Expert Guides
Our experienced team combines years of river-specific knowledge with patient teaching abilities, accommodating anglers of all skill levels with both fly fishing and spin fishing techniques.
Superior Comfort
Custom-built spacious tents with chairs and comfortable cots, dining facilities that accommodate the entire group, and amenities designed specifically for Alaska's extreme conditions.
Proven Track Record
Three decades of successful trips, countless satisfied anglers, and an unwavering commitment to providing the most memorable Alaska fishing experience possible.
WHAT: Target Species
The Goodnews River offers the remarkable opportunity to target all five species of Pacific salmon, plus trophy resident fish—all in one spectacular trip.
Trophy Fish 40+ lbs
Abundant Runs
Strong Fighters
Great Action
LEGENDARY RUNS
Epic Numbers
Leopard Rainbows
Trophy 22"+ Fish
Aggressive Strikes
The Coho (Silver) salmon run on the Goodnews is legendary throughout Alaska. Beginning in late July, peaking in August and running through September, these chrome-bright fish fresh from the ocean provide explosive strikes and spectacular aerial displays. Their willingness to strike surface flies like poppers and "wogs" creates thrilling topwater action that few other salmon species offer. In the gin-clear waters, you'll often see these powerful fish before they see your fly—adding an exciting visual dimension to every cast.
WHEN: 2026 Trip Dates & Pricing
Only six exclusive dates available annually through our USFWS special use permit
| Trip Dates | Duration | Standard Style | Fisherman's Deluxe Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 22-29 | 8 Days / 7 Nights | $7,995 pp | $10,795 pp* |
| July 31 - August 6 | 7 Days / 6 Nights | $7,995 pp | $10,795 pp* |
| August 8-14 | 7 Days / 6 Nights | $7,995 pp | $10,795 pp* |
| August 16-23 | 8 Days / 7 Nights | $7,995 pp | $10,795 pp* |
| August 25 - September 1 | 7 Days / 6 Nights | $7,995 pp | $10,795 pp* |
| September 3-10** | 8 Days / 7 Nights | $7,995 pp | $10,795 pp* |
*Fisherman's Deluxe Style available for groups of six guests
**Option to add two days for $700 pp
Trip Insurance Required
Standard Style
• Maximum 8 guests with 4 guides
• Spacious 10x10 tents with cots & chairs
• Custom rafts with front/rear seating
• Some group participation appreciated
• Excellent comfort & amenities
• Perfect balance of value & quality
Fisherman's Deluxe
• Limited to 6 guests for intimacy
• Dedicated gear boat & camp hand
• Maximum luxury & fishing time
• Limited guest participation needed
• Enhanced raft maneuverability
• Ultimate wilderness experience
WHY: The Goodnews River Advantage
Concentrated Excellence
The 65-mile system means more time thoroughly fishing prime spots rather than covering vast distances. You'll have the opportunity to re-fish highly productive runs and pools, maximizing catch rates and consistent action throughout your trip.
Intimate & Exclusive
As one of only a few permitted operators with six USFWS-permitted trips annually, you'll enjoy truly uncrowded waters. You'll often have entire river sections to yourself, creating a genuinely personal wilderness experience impossible on more accessible rivers.
Wade-Friendly Waters
The Goodnews is fairly intimate by Alaskan standards, making it exceptionally conducive to wading and sight fishing. This hands-on approach allows for deeper connection with the environment and more personal angling challenges.
All Five Salmon Species
Late July offers the perfect timing to catch all five Pacific salmon species in one trip! From trophy Kings to legendary Cohos, the diversity of fishing opportunities is unmatched in Alaska.
Legendary Silver Runs
Home to Alaska's most consistent and aggressive Coho salmon runs. These ocean-fresh fish are famous for explosive topwater strikes and spectacular aerial displays providing some of the most exciting fishing in the world.
Pristine Wilderness
Flowing through the Togiak National Wildlife Refuge, the Goodnews offers untouched wilderness with abundant wildlife including grizzly bears, moose, caribou, bald eagles, and wolves against a backdrop of stunning mountain vistas.
Crystal-Clear Waters
Gin-clear visibility allows for exciting sight-fishing opportunities. Watch trophy trout rise to your dry flies and see salmon surging upriver before they ever spot your presentation.
Superior Comfort
Unlike roughing-it operations, we provide spacious tents built in Alaska for Alaska's conditions, comfortable cots, chairs, custom dining facilities, and attention to every detail that transforms a wilderness trip into a comfortable adventure.
What's Included & Excluded
INCLUDED
- Expert professional guide service
- Float plane transportation Bethel to river & return
- All camping equipment & facilities
- Spacious tents with cots & chairs
- Custom rafts with comfortable seating
- All meals from dinner first day to lunch last day
- Snacks, beverages & purified water
- Use of camp equipment & facilities
- Satellite communication for emergencies
- First aid & safety equipment
- Wildlife viewing opportunities
- Fishing instruction & techniques
NOT INCLUDED
- Commercial airfare to/from Alaska
- Alaska fishing license ($145 + King stamp $100)
- Accommodations in Bethel (night before trip)
- Personal fishing equipment & tackle
- Alcoholic beverages (bring your own)
- Trip insurance (REQUIRED)
- Guide gratuities (15-20% customary)
- Bush pilot gratuity ($50-100)
- Personal items & toiletries
- Travel to/from Bethel
- Meals in Bethel or during travel
After thirty years of Alaska wilderness guiding, we've learned that true value transcends simple cost comparisons. While fishing trips span every price range, cutting costs often means cutting corners on the details that matter most. The difference isn't always visible in marketing materials—it's felt in guides who anticipate rather than react, equipment that performs when conditions get tough, and camp operations so refined they become invisible. These experiences, where every detail reflects uncompromising standards, create the adventures that become stories you'll tell for decades.
What Our Guests Say
"I fished the Goodnews River with Alaska Rainbow Adventures and had a GREAT time. It was my first time in Alaska, and an adventure it was. The crew worked hard all day, every day to ensure that the guests were well taken care of, and of course, to get us into fish. Some in our group caught all five salmon species, plus Lake Trout, Rainbow, Dollies, and Grayling. But this was so much more than a fishing trip. The beauty of Southwest Alaska is something to behold, complete with wildlife and majestic landscapes."
"The experience was everything I expected. Alaska Rainbow Adventures is a very professional and top-notch guide service. The guides were very knowledgeable, friendly, and hardworking. The food and camp experience was incredible. The fishing on the Goodnews river was excellent. The Goodnews River offers many photographic opportunities. Between the continuously changing landscape and the encountered wildlife, anyone with a camera will end up with hundreds of photographs at the end of this trip. I would definitely recommend Alaska Rainbow Adventures, and I plan on using this guide service in the future."
Experience Alaska's Epic Waters
Join the ranks of anglers who've discovered Alaska's most productive silver salmon fishery
Alaska Rainbow Adventures
P.O. Box 874570 • Wasilla, AK 99687-4570
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