8-Hour Halibut & Salmon Combo in Juneau
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
8-hour halibut and salmon fishing combo in Icy Strait watersSmall group charter accommodates maximum 4 guests per tripExperienced guides provide equipment and local fishing expertise
When you're looking for a real Alaskan fishing adventure, this 8-hour combo trip out of Juneau delivers exactly what you came for. We're talking about targeting some of the most prized species in these waters – Pacific halibut that can tip the scales and five different salmon runs that'll keep your rods bent all day. With just 4 anglers max, you're getting the personal attention that makes the difference between a good day and an epic one. Our local captains know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're not just here to put you on fish – they're here to make sure you understand what you're doing and why it works.
This isn't your typical half-day charter where you're rushing from spot to spot. Eight hours gives us the luxury of really working the productive zones around Icy Strait, where the currents and structure create perfect feeding conditions for both halibut and salmon. We'll start early to beat any afternoon weather and position ourselves over the prime bottom structure where halibut love to ambush baitfish. The boat's equipped with quality rods, reels, and tackle – everything from heavy jigs for halibut to the lighter setups you'll want for salmon. Don't worry about bringing your own gear unless you've got something special you prefer. The captain will have fresh bait and the right lures based on what's been producing lately. You'll spend time learning to read your sonar, understanding how tides affect fish behavior, and picking up techniques that'll serve you well on future trips.
Halibut fishing means we're going deep – sometimes 200 feet or more – with heavy jigs and circle hooks loaded with herring or salmon bellies. You'll learn the rhythm of jigging: drop it down, feel for bottom, then work it up and down in that strike zone where halibut are cruising. For salmon, we switch gears completely. Depending on the run timing and conditions, we might be trolling with downriggers, mooching with live bait, or casting spinners near structure. Each technique has its place, and part of what makes this trip special is learning when and why to use each approach. The gear gets lighter and more finesse-oriented for salmon – these fish have excellent eyesight and can be picky about presentation. We carry everything from flashers and spoons for deeper trolling to lighter tackle for those heart-stopping surface strikes when salmon are feeding aggressively.
Pink Salmon show up in massive numbers during even-numbered years, and when they're running, the action is non-stop. These scrappy fighters average 3-5 pounds but make up for size with sheer numbers and attitude. They'll hit small spoons, spinners, and flies with abandon, making them perfect for anglers who want constant action. The best part about pinks is how they school up – when you find one, you've usually found a bunch. They're also excellent table fare when caught fresh from the ocean, with firm pink flesh that's perfect for the grill.
Chinook Salmon are the kings of these waters for good reason. These bruisers can weigh 30 pounds or more and fight like they know they're royalty. Kings are more selective feeders, preferring larger bait presentations and specific depths depending on the time of year. Early season fish are often deeper, following bait balls, while late-season fish might be found closer to the surface. When you hook into a big king, everything else stops – these fish have the power to strip line and test your drag system like nothing else in these waters.
Pacific Halibut are what most people picture when they think about Alaska fishing. These flatfish can grow enormous – anything over 40 pounds is considered a nice fish, and 100-pounders are caught regularly in these waters. Halibut are ambush predators that lie on the bottom waiting for prey to swim overhead. They're surprisingly strong fighters for a flatfish, and landing a big one requires patience and technique. The meat is legendary – firm, white, and mild enough that even non-fish eaters become converts.
Chum Salmon might not get the respect they deserve, but ocean-fresh chums are fantastic sport fish. They're aggressive biters and strong fighters, often jumping repeatedly when hooked. These fish have excellent stamina and will take you into your backing if you're not careful. Chums respond well to both trolled offerings and cast lures, and they're often found in the same areas as other salmon species, making them a welcome addition to any mixed bag.
Sockeye Salmon are prized for their rich, red meat and fighting ability. These fish are known for their spectacular jumps and determined runs. Sockeyes can be more challenging to hook consistently than other salmon – they're primarily plankton feeders, so getting them to bite artificial lures requires the right presentation at the right depth. When conditions align and sockeyes are cooperative, they provide some of the most rewarding fishing in Alaska.
This combo trip represents serious value for serious anglers. Eight hours on the water with experienced local guides, targeting multiple species in some of Alaska's most productive fishing grounds – that's the kind of day that creates lifelong fishing memories. The 4-person limit means you're not fighting for space or attention, and our guides take pride in making sure everyone on board learns something new while filling the fish box. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to add Alaskan species to your list or someone who wants to experience world-class fishing in one of the planet's most beautiful settings, this trip delivers. Book early – the best dates fill up fast, especially during peak salmon runs when the fishing is absolutely on fire.
Captain Mike's 30-foot Boulton fishing vessel delivers everything you need for a successful day chasing halibut and salmon in Juneau's productive waters. This locally renowned boat features generous deck space for fighting fish, plus a comfortable enclosed cabin when Alaska's weather kicks up. The onboard fish finder helps locate schools while GPS and radar keep you on course through Icy Strait's prime fishing grounds. An icebox and refrigerator ensure your catch stays fresh, and the air conditioning provides relief during those rare warm Alaska days. With a head onboard and room for four anglers, this well-equipped charter boat puts you right where the big halibut and salmon are biting, making it the perfect platform for serious fishing in some of Alaska's most productive waters.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the trophy fish every angler dreams about. These silver-backed giants with black-spotted fins typically run 15-30 pounds, but 40+ pounders aren't rare in our waters. They prefer depths of 80-200 feet, staying deep where it's cold, especially during bright days. Prime time is early morning or evening when they move up in the water column. What makes them special is that bone-jarring strike and the long, powerful runs that'll test your drag system. The meat is rich and buttery - some of the best eating you'll find. Kings are light-sensitive, so we fish deep with heavy tackle and downriggers. Here's what works: troll a cut-plug herring behind a dodger at 2-3 knots, and don't be surprised if it takes 20 minutes to land one. Keep steady pressure but let them run when they want to.
Oncorhynchus KetaChum salmon, also called "dog salmon," are underrated fighters that'll surprise you with their strength. They typically run 10-15 pounds and are built for the long haul - they make the longest migrations of any Pacific salmon. In saltwater, they're bright silver, but near spawning they develop those distinctive tiger stripes. We target them in 15-40 feet of water during their summer runs, especially July through September. What makes them fun is their aggressive nature and strong runs once hooked. The meat is excellent when caught fresh from salt water - firm and flavorful. They're not as picky as other salmon, making them great for kids or beginners. Here's the trick: use chartreuse or pink flies and don't cast right into the school. Cast a few feet to the side and let your lure drift past them naturally - they spook easily if you're too aggressive.
Hippoglossus StenolepisPacific halibut are the giants of our waters and the reason many folks book their first Alaska trip. These flatfish average 20-40 pounds, but we regularly see barn doors over 100 pounds. They hug the bottom in 150-300 feet of water, waiting to ambush prey on sandy or muddy flats. Summer months are prime time when they move to shallower feeding areas. What guests love is the surprise - you never know if that tug is a "chicken" halibut or a monster that'll bend your rod in half. The meat is firm, white, and mild - perfect for anyone who says they don't like fish. These bottom-dwellers hunt by sight and smell, so we use heavy jigs with scent. Pro tip: once you feel that subtle tap-tap, don't set the hook right away. Let them chew on it for a few seconds, then lift firmly and keep steady pressure.
Oncorhynchus GorbuschaPink salmon, or "humpies," are the most abundant Pacific salmon and perfect for beginners. They average 4-5 pounds but can reach 15 pounds. You'll find them in cold waters around 50°F, often near the surface during their summer runs from June through August. They're aggressive feeders, going after small crustaceans and fish, which gives their meat that signature pink color. What makes them fun is their willingness to hit bright pink jigs and hoochies - they're not too picky. The fight is scrappy for their size, and they make excellent table fare when caught fresh from saltwater. Here's a local tip: when you see them jumping, cast a pink hoochie just ahead of the school and let it sink about 10 feet. The key is keeping your jig moving - static baits don't work as well with these active feeders.
Oncorhynchus NerkaSockeye salmon are pure gold in Alaska - literally worth their weight for the deep red meat that's prized worldwide. These metallic blue-green fish average 6-10 pounds and lack the black spots you see on other salmon. They're the pickiest eaters in the salmon family, feeding mainly on plankton, which gives them that rich, oily flesh. We target them from May through July when they're staging near river mouths before their spawning runs. What makes sockeye special is the challenge - they're selective and the fight is fast and acrobatic. The payoff is meat that's restaurant-quality, perfect for grilling or smoking. They swim close to the bottom, so you need to get your gear down to their level. Local secret: use a small, bright fly on a long leader and drift it slowly through the school. Patience is key - they'll inspect your offering before committing.
Fairbanks