Salmon And Halibut Fishing In Ketchikan AK
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour private charter targeting salmon, halibut, rockfish, and codMaximum four guests with Alaska King Charter's experienced crewEarly morning departure with free cancellation up to fourteen days
Get ready for a full day of serious fishing action in some of Alaska's most productive waters. This 8-hour private charter puts you and up to three buddies right in the heart of Ketchikan's legendary fishing grounds, where the salmon runs are thick and the halibut grow big. Starting at 6 AM sharp, you'll have the entire day to work the hotspots without sharing the boat with strangers. At $2,400 for your private group, this top-rated trip gives you the flexibility to fish your way, whether you're dead set on landing a barn door halibut or want to fill the cooler with fresh salmon fillets.
Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish from the get-go. We're talking about eight solid hours of fishing time, which means you'll hit multiple spots depending on what's biting best that day. The boat comes fully rigged with quality gear, so you don't need to worry about bringing anything except your fishing license and a good appetite for action. Ketchikan's inshore waters are famous for holding big fish year-round, and with a private charter, your captain can adapt the game plan based on what your group wants to target most. Whether the kings are running strong or the halibut are stacked up on the deeper structure, you'll be in the right place at the right time.
We're fishing these productive waters with a mix of techniques that'll keep your rods bent all day. For salmon, you'll be working with downriggers and divers, pulling herring and spoons through the strike zone where these fish feed. The setup varies based on conditions, but expect to fish anywhere from 20 to 120 feet down, following the bait schools and temperature breaks where salmon like to hang out. When we switch gears for halibut, it's a whole different game - heavy jigs, big circle hooks, and fresh bait fished right on the bottom. Your captain will have you rigged up with the right tackle for each species, and he'll walk you through the techniques that work best in these waters. The boat's fish finder and GPS help pinpoint the productive spots, but it's all about reading the water and adjusting your presentation as conditions change.
Chinook salmon are the crown jewel of Ketchikan fishing, and these kings can push 30 pounds or more when you hook into a mature fish. They're aggressive feeders that'll slam a well-presented herring or hit a flashy spoon with serious authority. Best fishing typically runs from May through September, with peak action in July and August when the big spawners are moving through. What makes chinook so special is their fighting ability - they'll make long runs, jump clear of the water, and test every knot in your setup. The meat quality is outstanding too, with rich, firm fillets that are perfect for the grill or smoker.
Atlantic halibut might seem like an odd name for an Alaska fish, but these flatfish are actually Pacific halibut that grow to monster proportions in these northern waters. We're talking about fish that can weigh 100 pounds or more, though most catches range from 20 to 60 pounds - still plenty of fish to fill your freezer. They're bottom dwellers that love structure and current, which makes the fishing around Ketchikan perfect halibut habitat. These fish are pure muscle, and when you hook a big one, it's like trying to lift a garage door off the ocean floor. The white, flaky meat is some of the best eating you'll find anywhere, and a good-sized halibut will keep your family in fish dinners for months.
Lingcod round out the target species list, and these toothy predators are a blast to catch on lighter tackle. They're ambush hunters that live around rocky structure and kelp beds, where they'll attack anything that looks like an easy meal. Lingcod can reach 30 pounds in these waters, and they're known for their aggressive strikes and strong fights near structure. The meat has a unique texture that's firmer than most white fish, and it takes on flavors really well when prepared right. Peak lingcod action runs from late spring through early fall, and they're often caught while targeting other species around the same rocky areas.
This world-class fishing adventure books up fast, especially during peak salmon season. With free cancellation up to 14 days out, you can lock in your dates without worrying about weather or schedule changes. Your private group gets the full attention of an experienced captain who knows where the fish are biting, and eight hours gives you plenty of time to target multiple species. The memories you'll make and the fish you'll catch make this trip a customer favorite that anglers talk about for years. Check availability now and get ready for the kind of fishing day that reminds you why Alaska has the best salmon and halibut fishing on the planet.
This 32-foot Hewes Craft aluminum fishing machine is your ticket to Ketchikan's best salmon and halibut grounds. Twin 300HP Honda engines push this beast to 42 knots, getting you to the hot spots fast and keeping you fishing longer. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 6 anglers with plenty of room to work your lines without getting tangled up with your buddies. When the fog rolls in thick, the radar keeps you safe while the fish finder shows you exactly where those big halibut are hanging out on the bottom. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during those long Alaskan summer days. With GPS navigation, you'll hit every productive ledge and salmon run, plus there's a head on board so you don't waste time running back to port. This rig is built for serious fishing in Alaska's challenging waters.
Hippoglossus HippoglossusWhile we primarily target Pacific halibut here in Alaska waters, it's worth noting these Atlantic giants are the world's largest flatfish. These diamond-shaped bottom dwellers can reach massive sizes - the record stands at over 400 pounds. They're deep-water fish, typically found 150-500 feet down in cold water, making them a serious challenge on heavy tackle. What draws anglers is the combination of incredible size potential and outstanding table fare - that firm, white meat is restaurant-quality. They're strong swimmers unlike most flatfish, so expect a real battle once hooked. The key is patience and heavy gear - 60-80 lb braided line minimum. Best technique is drifting with the current using heavy jigs tipped with cut bait. Keep steady pressure and tire them out before bringing them up.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the giants of the salmon world, and Ketchikan's waters produce some real beauties. These silver-sided powerhouses average 15-25 pounds but we regularly see 30+ pounders during peak season from May through September. They're built for fighting - strong shoulders and that classic salmon stamina make every hookup memorable. Kings cruise deeper waters and stay light-sensitive, so early mornings and evenings are prime time. The meat quality is outstanding with that rich, orange flesh that's perfect for grilling or smoking. Since they're anadromous, timing your trip during their ocean feeding phase gives you the best shot at trophy fish. Local trick: troll deeper with herring or spoons, and don't be afraid to drop down to 80+ feet when the bite slows.
Ophiodon ElongatusLingcod are some of the gnarliest-looking fish you'll find in Ketchikan waters, with massive heads full of razor-sharp teeth that earned them the nickname "Buckethead." Despite the name, they're actually greenlings, not true cod. These aggressive predators hang out in rocky areas 30-300 feet down, using their mottled coloring to ambush anything that swims by. Females can reach over 30 pounds while males stay smaller. They're available year-round and put up a decent scrap when hooked. What really gets people excited is their excellent eating quality - firm, white meat that's hard to beat. My tip: use heavy jigs and work them right along the bottom structure. Once you hook one, get it away from the rocks fast or it'll wrap you up.
Fairbanks