Sitka AK Fishing Charters | 5 Day Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fiveday fishing charter targeting halibut, salmon, lingcod, and rockfishAll meals provided with expert crew preparation aboard vesselSmall group experience accommodating maximum six guests total
Picture this: you're waking up each morning to pristine Alaskan waters stretching as far as the eye can see, coffee in hand, ready to drop lines for some of the most sought-after fish in North America. Our 5-day fishing adventure with Alaskan Outlaw Adventures isn't your typical charter - it's a complete immersion into Sitka's world-class fishing grounds. We're talking about targeting lingcod, rockfish, halibut, salmon, and even running crab and shrimp pots while keeping our eyes peeled for whales and bears. This isn't just fishing; it's living the Alaska dream for five straight days with a crew that knows these waters like the back of their hand.
Each day brings something different out here in Sitka's fishing paradise. We'll be working everything from deep ocean drop-offs to protected channels and productive bays, adjusting our game plan based on what's biting and what your group wants to chase. With just six anglers max, you're getting personalized attention and plenty of elbow room at the rail. The beauty of a multi-day trip is we can follow the fish - if the halibut are stacked up on a particular reef, we can camp there. If the salmon are running thick in the channels, that's where we'll focus our efforts. Your crew handles all the cooking, so you can focus on what matters: putting fish in the boat. We're talking fresh meals prepared right onboard, giving you more time with lines in the water and less time worrying about logistics.
We fish these Sitka waters using a mix of techniques that'll keep you engaged all day long. For halibut, we're bottom fishing with heavy tackle and big circle hooks loaded with herring or salmon bellies - these flatfish love structure, so we'll position over reefs and ledges where they ambush prey. Salmon fishing means switching between trolling with downriggers and mooching with cut-plug herring, depending on conditions and what the fish are telling us. When we're after lingcod and rockfish, it's all about vertical jigging and dropping baits right to the bottom around rocky pinnacles. The crab and shrimp pots add another dimension - we'll set these early and check them throughout the day, giving you a taste of Alaska's shellfish bounty. All gear is provided and maintained by our crew, from rods and reels to tackle and bait, so you can focus on fighting fish instead of rigging leaders.
Black Rockfish are the bread and butter of Sitka's bottomfish scene. These scrappy fighters live around rocky structure in 100-300 feet of water and they'll hit just about anything you drop down there. They average 3-8 pounds but don't let their size fool you - they fight hard and make excellent table fare. Peak season runs from May through September when they're most active and feeding aggressively. What makes them special is their consistency; when other species are finicky, you can usually count on rockfish to keep the action going and put meat in the cooler.
Coho Salmon, or silvers as we call them, are pure adrenaline on a fishing rod. These acrobatic fighters average 8-15 pounds in Sitka waters and they'll test your drag system with blistering runs and aerial displays that'll leave you breathless. July through September is prime time when they're staging near river mouths and feeding on baitfish. Coho are notorious for their aggressive strikes and unpredictable fighting style - one minute they're bulldogging deep, the next they're completely airborne. They're also some of the best eating salmon you'll find, with firm red meat that's perfect for grilling or smoking.
Pacific Halibut are the ultimate trophy fish in Alaska, and Sitka's waters produce some real barn doors. These flatfish can range from "chickens" around 10-20 pounds all the way up to 100+ pound giants that'll make your arms ache. They're ambush predators that bury themselves in sand and mud, waiting for prey to swim overhead. What's exciting about halibut fishing is you never know what size is coming up - that steady head-shaking could be a 20-pounder or it could be the fish of a lifetime. Peak season runs from May through September, with the largest fish typically caught in deeper water during summer months.
Lingcod are the thugs of the reef, with massive mouths full of teeth and an attitude to match. These aggressive bottomfish can reach 20-40 pounds in Sitka waters, and they'll absolutely hammer a jig or bait dropped near their territory. They're ambush predators that hide in rocky crevices and caves, making explosive strikes when prey gets too close. What makes lingcod fishing exciting is their aggressive nature - they'll often grab a hooked rockfish trying to steal your catch. Their bizarre appearance and fierce fighting style make them a favorite target, plus they're excellent eating despite their intimidating looks.
Chinook Salmon, the kings of the Pacific, represent the pinnacle of Alaska salmon fishing. These bruisers can reach 20-40+ pounds in Sitka waters and they fight with the power and endurance that earned them their royal nickname. Spring through early summer offers the best action when mature kings are moving through our waters heading to spawning rivers. What sets kings apart is their raw power - they make long, determined runs that'll test your gear and your patience. Landing a trophy king salmon is a rite of passage for serious anglers, and their rich, fatty meat is prized by chefs worldwide.
This 5-day adventure represents the best of what Alaska fishing has to offer - variety, quality, and the chance to really dial in on what's working instead of rushing back to port each evening. With
The M/V Desperado is your floating home base for serious Sitka fishing. This 67-foot Hodge Marine yacht handles Alaska's waters with ease, powered by a reliable 375HP John Deere that gets you to prime fishing spots while you stay comfortable inside. Built for extended trips, she's loaded with everything anglers need – fish finder to locate halibut and salmon, GPS and radar for safe navigation, plus a full kitchen where your crew whips up fresh-caught meals. After long days targeting lingcod and rockfish or pulling crab pots, relax in air-conditioned comfort with the multimedia system, cold drinks from the fridge, and real beds for proper rest. With room for 6 anglers and all the amenities of home, the Desperado turns multi-day fishing into the adventure it should be. No rushing back to port – just pure fishing time in Alaska's rich waters with whales and bears as your neighbors.
Hippoglossus HippoglossusAtlantic halibut are the giants of the flatfish world, capable of reaching massive sizes up to 400+ pounds, though most run 30-50 pounds. These diamond-shaped bottom dwellers live in deep, cold water from 160-600 feet, preferring rocky bottoms and strong currents. They're incredibly strong swimmers despite being flatfish, making for epic battles that can last an hour or more. Spring through fall offers the best action when they move into shallower water to feed. Guests love the combination of size, fight, and outstanding table fare - halibut is some of the best eating fish in the ocean. The key to landing big halibut is patience and heavy tackle. My best advice: always tire them completely before bringing them boatside, and use a variety of baits like herring, mackerel, and squid to get their attention.
Sebastes MelanopsBlack rockfish are solid fighters that hang around rocky reefs and kelp beds, usually in 30-200 feet of water. These dark, bass-shaped fish average 4-5 pounds but can reach 11 pounds and live up to 50 years. They're aggressive feeders, which makes them great targets for jigs and bait fishing. You'll find them schooling with other rockfish species around structure. What guests love most is their reliable bite and excellent table fare - firm, white meat that's hard to beat. Best fishing is during summer and fall when they're actively feeding. One trick I always share: watch for their spiny dorsal fins when handling them, and use a medium-action rod with 30-pound braid since they'll try to dive back into the rocks once hooked.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the royalty of our waters - the largest Pacific salmon that can exceed 50 pounds in Alaska. These silver-sided beauties with black-spotted backs prefer deeper, cooler water and are light-sensitive, so early morning and evening fishing produces best. Spring through summer is prime time as they feed heavily on herring and other baitfish in our channels and bays. What makes kings special is their incredible strength and stamina combined with rich, red meat that's unmatched for eating. They're smart fish that require finesse - heavier tackle and deeper presentations work best. My favorite technique is trolling with herring or spoons in 60-120 feet of water. Key tip: kings have soft mouths, so keep steady pressure without horsing them, and always net them headfirst to avoid last-second breaks.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon are pure adrenaline on the line. These acrobatic fighters average 8-12 pounds and can jump 6 feet out of the water when hooked. You'll find them in estuaries and nearshore waters during their ocean phase, then moving into rivers to spawn. Summer through early fall is prime time here in Sitka waters. What makes coho special is their aggressive strikes and spectacular aerial shows - they'll jump, twist, and fight every inch of the way to the boat. The bright orange meat is phenomenal eating too. They hit everything from spoons to flies, feeding on herring and other baitfish. My go-to tip: keep steady pressure but let them run when they jump, or they'll throw the hook. Use bright colors like chartreuse or pink when the bite gets tough.
Ophiodon ElongatusLingcod are the monsters with attitude lurking in our rocky depths. Despite the name, they're actually greenlings, not cod, with massive heads full of razor-sharp teeth. These ambush predators can reach 80 pounds, with females significantly larger than males. You'll find them in 30-300 feet around rocky structure and kelp beds where they lie motionless waiting for prey. They're year-round targets but spring brings the best action during spawning season. What guests love is their aggressive nature - they'll fight rather than run, making for exciting battles. The firm white meat is excellent eating too. They'll hit anything that moves, from jigs to live bait. Pro tip: use heavy braided line since they'll try to wrap you around rocks, and don't be surprised if they grab your bait while you're reeling in another fish.
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