As we stepped off the float of the floatplane that had carried us to Goodnews lake, we were warmly greeted by our guides, seasoned veterans of this untamed wilderness. Their confident smiles and firm handshakes immediately reassured us of their deep respect for the land. Leading our group was Mike, a man whose weathered face, beard and keen eyes betrayed countless seasons spent on the river. He had an uncanny ability to read the water, effortlessly pointing out subtle currents and eddies that concealed the promise of fish. Alongside him was our other guide also named Mike—yes, it could get confusing—but who fortunately went by Ohio. His infectious enthusiasm and vast knowledge of fly patterns and techniques made him an invaluable asset. They weren’t just guides but storytellers, educators, and guardians of this pristine wilderness.
Our raft, laden with gear and provisions, would be our transportation for the next eight days, expertly designed to navigate the many moods of the Goodnews River. As we pushed off into the gentle current, our adventure began to unfold.
The fishing was extraordinary. The Goodnews, alive with rich ecosystems, lived up to its legendary status. Rainbow trout, fierce and stunning, struck our flies with wild abandon. The Dolly Varden, glimmering in shades of silver and pink, fought valiantly. And then there were the magnificent salmon, showcasing their raw power through exhilarating runs. Mike taught us the intricacies of dead-drifting our flies, demonstrating how to mend our lines for a natural presentation. He encouraged us to observe the water’s surface, looking for subtle rises and disturbances that indicated feeding fish.
Meanwhile, Ohio introduced us to a range of effective fly patterns. We heavily relied on Dali Lama’s, egg-sucking leeches and flesh flies for rainbows, mimicking the salmon spawn. The Dollies favored bright, flashy streamers, such as pink salmon smolt patterns and the classic woolly bugger. For the salmon, we utilized large, vividly colored streamers, swinging them through the deeper runs in anticipation of the powerful tug.
One unforgettable afternoon stands out vividly—sunlight casting long, golden shadows across the water. Suddenly, my line went taut, and the rod bent into an exhilarating arc. A colossal rainbow trout soared into the air, a stunning burst of iridescent colors against the majestic mountain backdrop. The battle was fierce—a thrilling dance of give and take—until, at last, I landed it: exhausted but victorious, the weight of that radiant fish in my hands brought pure elation. Mike, witnessing the entire fight, nodded knowingly. “That fish was holding in that deep seam behind the boulder,” he pointed out, indicating a spot I had nearly overlooked. “You presented the fly perfectly, right in its feeding lane.”
Yet, the Goodnews River was about much more than extraordinary fishing. It was an intoxicating symphony for the senses. A profound silence enveloped us, occasionally interrupted by the river’s rush and the calls of soaring birds. We were surrounded by breathtaking scenery—a panorama of snow-capped peaks, lush forests, and endless tundra. We spotted moose with impressive antlers silhouetted against the horizon, and bears ambled along the riverbanks, their robust forms a reminder of the wild beauty enveloping us.
Evenings were spent around a crackling campfire, where stories and laughter danced in the starlit sky. Ohio shared tales of fish caught on the river, while Mike recounted close encounters with bears, emphasizing the importance of respecting their space. They explained the intricate life cycle of salmon and how their return to the river sustained the entire ecosystem—from the bears and eagles to the very soil itself.
Each day flowed into the next, dictated by the river’s gentle course, the sun’s rise and set, and the magnetic pull of the fish. We learned to read the water, anticipate its currents, and appreciate the delicate intricacies of this pristine ecosystem. Mike taught us how to identify different types of water—riffles, runs, pools—and which areas were most likely to harbor fish. He showed us how to look for subtle signs, like the “bubble line” where currents converged and the “soft spot” behind a rock, where fish could rest out of the main flow.
Of course, challenges arose. The unpredictable weather tested our resolve. Battling wind, rain, and the occasional onslaught of mosquitoes, if we strayed too far into the tall grasses along the shore, became part of our shared adventure, enhancing the richness of our experience.
As the plane ascended from the village of Goodnews, carrying me back to civilization, a wave of sadness washed over me. I had fallen deeply in love with the Goodnews River, captivated by its untamed beauty and wild spirit. This was far more than just a fishing trip; it was a profound reconnection with nature, a powerful reminder of the strength and fragility of the wild.
The Ultimate Alaska Float Fishing Adventure on the Goodnews River with Alaska Rainbow Adventures is an experience that will forever resonate in my heart.
