Our Alaska Float Trips from early July through mid-September, the Kanektok and Goodnews Rivers in Southwest Alaska offer exceptional fishing, with each period presenting unique opportunities. Early July on the Kanektok features diverse species, excellent “mousing,” and clear water. Late July and early August see peak salmon runs and stable conditions on both rivers, offering “grand slam” potential. Early to mid-August our focus is on the Goodnews River’s Silver Salmon run. Finally, late August to mid-September on both rivers provides intense coho, trout and char fishing, stunning fall colors, and a more secluded wilderness experience, though anglers should prepare for variable fall weather.
Early to mid-July is considered an excellent time to be on one of our Alaska float fishing trips on the Kanektok River in Southwest Alaska due to a confluence of favorable conditions:
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- Diverse Fish Species and Activity:
- This period sees a transition when various fish species are active. Strong populations of Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden, and Arctic Grayling are found.
- Additionally, early runs of Chinook, Sockeye, and Chum salmon begin entering the river system, providing a wide variety of fishing opportunities.
- “Mousing” Opportunities:
- Early season conditions often lead to excellent “mousing” opportunities, where Rainbow Trout are particularly aggressive in targeting mouse imitations, providing for exhilarating top-water action.
- Less Fishing Pressure:
- Compared to the peak salmon runs later in the season, early to mid-July often sees less fishing pressure, allowing for a more serene and enjoyable experience.
- Water Conditions:
- The water is often clearer during this period, which can enhance sight fishing opportunities.
- Variety of Fishing:
- Anglers can target a variety of fish and use a variety of fishing styles, from dry fly fishing for grayling to streamer fishing for trout to targeting salmon.
In essence, early to mid-July on the Kanektok River offers a sweet spot where you can experience diverse fishing opportunities with less crowding and favorable water conditions.
Scheduled Trips This Period:
Kanektok River
July 2 to 9 / July 6 to 13 / July 12 to 19 / July 16 to 22 / July 24 to 31 ~ additional days available
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Late July and early August are considered prime time for float fishing trips on the Kanektok and Goodnews Rivers in Southwest Alaska due to a confluence of factors that create exceptional fishing conditions. Here’s a breakdown:
Reasons for Excellent Fishing:
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- Variety of Species:
- This period coincides with the presence of multiple salmon species, including Sockeye and Pink salmon, and the beginning of the Silver salmon runs. Anglers can also expect opportunities to target a “grand slam” of Pacific salmon during this time.
- Additionally, the rivers are renowned for their healthy populations of Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden, and Arctic Grayling, which are actively feeding during this time.
- Optimal Timing for Salmon Runs:
- Late July and early August are within the peak of several salmon runs, meaning fresh, aggressive fish are entering the rivers from the ocean.
- Favorable Water Conditions:
- By this time of year, water levels tend to stabilize, often resulting in clearer water, which is ideal for sight fishing.
- The weather is usually more stable during this period.
- Diverse Fishing Opportunities:
- Anglers can employ various techniques to target different species, including fly fishing, spin fishing, and streamer fishing.
- The time frame also allows for excellent top-water fishing for trout, especially with mouse patterns.
What to Expect from the Fishing:
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- Abundance of Fish:
- The Kanektok and Goodnews Rivers are known for their high fish counts, providing anglers with numerous opportunities to hook into various species.
- Aggressive Fish:
- Freshly arrived salmon are typically very aggressive, offering thrilling fights.
- Diverse Fishing Experiences:
- Anglers can expect to target a mix of salmon, trout, and char, providing a varied and exciting fishing experience.
- Wilderness Setting:
- These rivers flow through remote wilderness areas, offering stunning scenery and an authentic Alaskan fishing experience.
In essence, late July and early August on the Kanektok and Goodnews Rivers offer a unique opportunity to experience world-class fishing in a pristine wilderness setting.
Scheduled Trips This Period:
Goodnews River
July 22 to 29 / July 31 to August 6 / August 8 to 14
The period of early to mid-August through mid-September is considered prime time for float fishing on the Goodnews River in Southwest Alaska due to a confluence of factors related to the life cycles of the fish and the prevailing environmental conditions. Here’s a breakdown:
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- Silver Salmon Run:
- This period coincides with the peak of the Silver (Coho) Salmon run. Silver Salmon are known for their aggressive strikes and powerful fights, making them a highly prized target for anglers.
- As the Silver Salmon migrate upriver, they are in their freshest and most vigorous state, offering exceptional fishing opportunities.
- Variety of Species:
- While Silver Salmon are a major draw, this time also offers excellent fishing for other species, including:
- Dolly Varden: These fish are abundant and often display vibrant fall colors during this period.
- Rainbow Trout: The Goodnews River is known for its trophy-sized Rainbow Trout, which remain active throughout this time.
- Arctic Grayling: These fish are also very active during this period.
- Environmental Conditions:
- The weather in Southwest Alaska during this period tends to be relatively stable, although it can still be unpredictable.
- Water levels are typically favorable for float fishing, and the cooler temperatures can stimulate fish activity.
- The transition from summer to fall creates beautiful scenery.
- Fishing Expectations:
- Anglers can expect to encounter large numbers of fresh, hard-fighting Silver Salmon.
- Opportunities to catch trophy-sized Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden, and Arctic Grayling are also excellent.
- The remote nature of the Goodnews River ensures a relatively uncrowded fishing experience, allowing anglers to enjoy the solitude of the Alaskan wilderness.
- It is also worth noting that the changing of the seasons brings on beautiful fall colors, adding to the beauty of the trip.
The combination of abundant fish, favorable conditions, and the stunning Alaskan wilderness makes early to mid-August through mid-September an ideal time for a float fishing trip on the Goodnews River.
Scheduled Trips This Period:
Goodnews River
August 16 to 23 / August 25 to September 1
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The late-August through mid-September period is considered prime time for float fishing on the Kanektok and Goodnews Rivers in Southwest Alaska for a confluence of reasons, primarily centered around the fish species present and their behavior during this time:
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- Silver Salmon (Coho) Run:
- Silver salmon are known for their aggressive strikes and powerful fights, making them thrilling targets for anglers. The peak of their run in these rivers occurs in late August to mid-September.
- Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden/Arctic Char:
- As the salmon runs begin to wind down, the rainbow trout and Dolly Varden/Arctic char fishing intensifies. These fish become very active, feeding on salmon eggs and flesh, which creates excellent opportunities for anglers.
- Additionally, as the fall season approaches, the rainbow trout reach their peak size after feeding all summer.
- Fall Colors and Scenery:
- This time of year also offers stunning scenery, with the tundra landscapes displaying vibrant fall colors, adding to the overall wilderness experience.
- Reduced Crowds:
- Compared to the peak of the salmon runs earlier in the summer, fewer anglers are on these rivers at this time, and fishing late season offers a more secluded and intimate experience.
What to Expect from the Fishing:
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- Variety of Species:
- Anglers can expect to target silver salmon, rainbow trout, Dolly Varden/Arctic char, and other species like Arctic grayling.
- Aggressive Fish:
- The fish are typically very aggressive during this time, leading to exciting and action-packed fishing.
- Excellent Fly Fishing Opportunities:
- The rivers are well-suited for fly fishing, with opportunities to use various techniques and flies.
- Wilderness Experience:
- These rivers are located in remote areas of Alaska, offering an authentic wilderness experience with stunning scenery and abundant wildlife.
- Weather:
- Be prepared for variable weather. Fall in Alaska can bring cold temperatures, rain, and wind. Layered clothing and quality rain gear are essential.
This period provides a unique opportunity to target a diverse range of fish in a breathtaking wilderness setting and take in the spectacular fall colors in the foliage and fish species as well!
Scheduled Trips This Period:
Goodnews River
August 16 to 23 / August 25 to September 3 to 10 or 12
Kanektok River
August 31 to September 6 or 7 / September 8 to 15 or 17
