8-Hour Salmon Fishing Charter in Juneau
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Eighthour salmon fishing charter in Juneau watersProfessional guides target prime Alaska fishing locationsSmall group experience with maximum four guests
When you're looking for world-class salmon fishing in Alaska, Juneau's waters deliver the goods. This 8-hour charter takes you into some of the most productive salmon fishing grounds in Southeast Alaska, where five different species of Pacific salmon run through these pristine waters. You'll fish from a fully equipped vessel with experienced local captains who know exactly where the fish are biting. With a maximum of 4 anglers per trip, you get personalized attention and plenty of room to work your lines without crowding.
Your day starts early when you meet the crew at the harbor. The captain will brief you on the day's game plan based on current conditions, tides, and recent fish reports. Juneau's fishing grounds stretch from the protected inside waters of Gastineau Channel to the more open areas around Douglas Island and beyond. The boat comes loaded with downriggers, rod holders, and all the tackle you'll need. Most days, you'll be trolling with herring, spoons, or hoochies at various depths depending on where the salmon are holding. The crew handles all the technical stuff - setting lines, adjusting depths, and netting your fish when they come to the boat. Your job is simple: hang on and enjoy the fight when that rod tip starts bouncing.
Salmon fishing in Juneau waters is all about trolling, and these captains have it down to a science. You'll run multiple lines at different depths using downriggers and planers to cover the water column where salmon feed. The boat carries a full spread of proven lures - everything from flasher and hoochie combinations to cut-plug herring and spoons in colors that work best for local conditions. Electronics play a huge role too - the fish finder helps locate bait balls and salmon schools, while GPS marks productive spots to return to throughout the day. Don't worry if you've never used downriggers before; the crew will show you how everything works and handle the technical aspects so you can focus on fighting fish.
Pink salmon are the most abundant species you'll encounter, especially during even-numbered years when huge runs flood these waters from July through September. These scrappy fighters average 3-5 pounds and hit lures aggressively, making them perfect for anglers of all skill levels. They're also fantastic eating when caught fresh from the ocean, with firm pink flesh that's excellent grilled or smoked.
Coho salmon, or silvers, are the acrobats of the salmon world and a true customer favorite. Running strong from July through October, these 8-15 pound fish are famous for their aerial displays and powerful runs. When a coho hits your line, get ready for a show - they'll jump, tail-walk, and fight right to the net. Their bright silver sides and aggressive feeding behavior make them a top target for charter captains throughout Southeast Alaska.
Chinook salmon represent the holy grail of Alaskan fishing. These kings can reach 30-50 pounds or more, with the best fishing typically happening from May through July. When you hook into a big king, everything changes - the drag screams, the rod bends double, and the fight can last 20 minutes or more. Their deep, powerful runs test your endurance and the gear's limits. The meat quality is unmatched, with rich, fatty flesh that's perfect for the freezer back home.
Chum salmon might not get the same press as other species, but they're legitimate fighters that show up in good numbers from July through September. These 8-12 pound fish develop impressive teeth and hooked jaws as they mature, earning them the nickname "dog salmon." They fight hard and provide steady action when other species are being finicky. Many anglers are surprised by how well chums fight and taste when caught fresh in salt water.
Sockeye salmon are the prized table fare of the Pacific, though they can be the trickiest to target consistently. These 6-10 pound fish have deep red flesh and a rich flavor that's perfect for grilling, smoking, or canning. Sockeyes typically run from June through August, and while they can be selective feeders, hitting them during a good run makes for legendary fishing days. Their bright silver color in the ocean transforms to brilliant red as they prepare to spawn.
An 8-hour charter gives you serious time on the water to target multiple species and fish different areas as conditions change throughout the day. The small group size means personalized service and better fishing for everyone aboard. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for trophy fish or a family wanting to experience Alaska's renowned salmon fishing, this trip delivers the authentic Juneau fishing experience. The combination of productive waters, experienced guides, and world-class salmon runs makes this one of the top-rated charters in Southeast Alaska. Don't wait - peak salmon season books up fast, and the best fishing days fill first.
Captain Mike's 30-foot Boulton is built for serious salmon fishing in Juneau's productive waters. This locally trusted vessel gives your group of four plenty of room to work the lines while staying comfortable during those long Alaskan fishing days. The enclosed cabin keeps you warm between fishing spots, complete with air conditioning, fridge, and onboard toilet. When the salmon are running deep, the fish finder pinpoints exactly where to drop your gear, while GPS and radar keep you on course even when coastal fog rolls in. The spacious deck gives everyone room to land their catch, and the icebox ensures your salmon stay fresh for the trip home. Mike knows these waters like the back of his hand, putting you right where the kings and silvers are biting.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon are the kings of Alaska waters - literally. These bruisers can hit 30+ pounds and provide the fight of a lifetime. They're light-sensitive, so they stay deep during the day, usually 60-100 feet down near structure and drop-offs. Peak season here runs May through August, with early morning and evening being prime time. Kings have that rich, buttery red meat that's pure gold on the dinner table. They're smart fish that require patience, but landing one is worth every minute. The thrill comes from that deep, powerful fight - no jumping, just pure bulldogging strength. My go-to tip: troll with downriggers using large spoons or plugs, and don't be afraid to fish the bottom - that's where the big ones live.
Oncorhynchus KetaChum salmon are the marathon runners of the salmon family, making epic migrations up to 2,000 miles. These underrated fighters average 10-15 pounds with silver sides and blue-green backs in saltwater. They cruise at 15-40 feet deep during the day, coming shallower at night. Peak fishing runs July through September when they stage near river mouths before spawning. Chums put up a solid scrap and have firm, mild flesh that's great eating when fresh from saltwater. They're sight-fishing favorites - you can often see schools moving through clear water. The trick with chums is staying patient and not spooking them. Cast well ahead of moving fish with chartreuse or pink flies, and let the lure sink to their level before starting your retrieve.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, or "silvers," are the acrobats of the salmon world. These chrome-bright fighters average 8-12 pounds and are famous for their aerial shows - they can jump 6 feet straight up when hooked. You'll find them in deeper water during the day, around 30-60 feet, but they move shallow at dawn and dusk. Peak season runs July through September in Juneau waters. What guests love most is the fight - cohos are pure energy and will test your drag system. The orange-red meat is top-shelf eating too. They're aggressive feeders, hitting everything from spoons to flies. Here's a local trick: when trolling, use a flasher with a hoochie behind it, and vary your speed - cohos love that erratic action.
Oncorhynchus GorbuschaPink salmon, or "humpies," are the smallest Pacific salmon but make up for size with numbers. These silver beauties average 4-5 pounds and develop that distinctive hump on males during spawning. They love cold water around 50°F and stick close to the surface, making them perfect for beginners. Pinks run heavy in odd-numbered years here in Juneau waters from July through September. What makes them special is their scrappy fight and that sweet, delicate flavor - plus they're loaded with omega-3s. The pink meat comes from all the crustaceans they munch on. Pro tip: use bright pink jigs or hoochies to mimic their natural prey, and don't be afraid to add some herring scent to seal the deal.
Oncorhynchus NerkaSockeye salmon are pure Alaska gold - both in value and flavor. These red-fleshed beauties average 6-10 pounds with metallic blue-green backs and no black spots. They swim deep, usually 40-80 feet, following plankton blooms and staying near the thermocline. Peak season runs June through August, with the famous Copper River run being world-renowned. Sockeyes are prized for their rich, oily meat that commands top dollar at market - it's the best-tasting salmon in Alaska. They're technical fish that require finesse since they primarily eat plankton, not baitfish. The secret is using small, flashy lures or flies in bright colors like chartreuse or pink. Fish them slow and steady - sockeyes won't chase like other salmon, so put your lure right in their face.
Fairbanks