8-Hour Deluxe Salmon Charter in Icy Strait
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
8-hour deluxe salmon and halibut fishing charter experienceSmall group capacity with maximum 4 guests aboardIcy Strait waters featuring trophy-sized fish opportunities
When it comes to world-class salmon fishing in Alaska, Icy Strait delivers the goods like nowhere else. This top-rated 8-hour charter puts you right in the heart of some of the most productive salmon waters in Southeast Alaska, where all five Pacific salmon species make their runs throughout the season. You'll fish from our comfortable home shore setup - no cramped boat quarters here - giving you plenty of room to move around, handle fish properly, and enjoy the day with up to three other anglers. The pristine waters around Juneau offer consistent action, and our local knowledge means we're always positioning you where the fish are biting.
This isn't your typical crowded charter boat experience. Our deluxe setup gives you the space and comfort you need for a full day of serious fishing. We launch early to maximize your time on the prime fishing grounds, and with 8 hours out there, you've got plenty of opportunity to dial in different techniques and locations. The Icy Strait area is renowned for its deep channels and current breaks where salmon stack up during their migrations. Expect to see plenty of wildlife too - humpback whales, sea lions, and eagles are regular companions out here. The scenery is just a bonus though; we're here to put fish in the boat. Our captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, reading the tides, current, and fish finder to keep you on productive water all day long.
We run a variety of setups depending on what's working best for the conditions and target species. Trolling is our bread and butter - we'll have multiple lines out with different lures and bait to cover the water column effectively. Downriggers let us get our gear down to where the salmon are cruising, whether that's 40 feet or 120 feet down. When we mark fish on the sounder, we'll often switch to mooching with herring or work spoons and hoochies at specific depths. All tackle and gear is provided, from the rods and reels to a full selection of proven lures. We carry everything from flashers and spoons to cut-plug herring rigs. The key is matching your presentation to what the fish want that day, and we'll teach you how to read the signs and adjust accordingly. When fish are aggressive, we might run faster with flashy gear. When they're finicky, we'll slow down and finesse them with more natural presentations.
Pink Salmon show up in massive numbers during even-numbered years, typically from mid-July through August. These scrappy fighters might be the smallest of the Pacific salmon, but they make up for it with sheer numbers and aggressive strikes. Pinks average 3-5 pounds and are perfect for beginners or anyone who loves consistent action. They'll hit just about anything that moves, from small spoons to hoochies, and they fight hard for their size.
Coho Salmon are the acrobats of the salmon world, and Icy Strait produces some beautiful silvers from July through September. These fish average 8-12 pounds but can push 20 pounds, and they're famous for their aerial displays once hooked. Coho are aggressive feeders and will smash surface lures, making them a customer favorite. They're also excellent table fare with firm, flavorful meat that's perfect for grilling.
Chinook Salmon are the kings for a reason - these are the trophy fish that bring anglers back year after year. In these waters, kings can range from 15 pounds up to massive 40-50 pound fish that will test your endurance. Peak season runs from May through July, and landing a big Chinook is something you'll remember forever. They're deep fighters that make long, powerful runs, and the meat is rich and buttery.
Chum Salmon arrive in good numbers from July through August, and while they don't get the attention of other species, they're incredibly strong fighters. These fish average 8-15 pounds and are known for their bulldog fighting style - they won't jump much, but they'll pull hard and steady. Chums are underrated as table fare when caught fresh from salt water.
Sockeye Salmon are the prized eating fish of Alaska, with deep red meat that's perfect for smoking or grilling. They're typically found from June through July in this area, and while they can be more selective feeders than other salmon, hitting a school of sockeye is pure gold. These fish average 6-10 pounds and are incredibly valuable both for sport and the dinner table.
An 8-hour deluxe charter in some of Alaska's best salmon waters doesn't come around every day. With space for just 4 anglers, you'll get the personalized attention and room you need to make the most of your time on the water. Whether you're after your first Alaska salmon or chasing that trophy king, this trip delivers the complete Southeast Alaska fishing experience. The combination of productive waters, comfortable fishing conditions, and expert local knowledge makes this a best trip choice for serious anglers. Don't wait - prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak salmon runs.
Captain Mike's 30-foot Boulton is your ticket to serious salmon action in Icy Strait's legendary fishing grounds. This well-equipped vessel handles Alaska's challenging waters with confidence while keeping you comfortable during those long days chasing kings and silvers. The spacious deck gives everyone room to work their lines without tangling, while the enclosed cabin offers a warm retreat when the weather turns. Modern fish finder technology helps locate schools, and GPS navigation ensures we hit the hottest spots. Keep your catch fresh in the onboard icebox and grab cold drinks from the refrigerator between bites. With radar for those foggy Alaskan mornings and a proper head onboard, you're set for a full day of fishing without compromise. The boat accommodates up to 4 anglers, making it perfect for small groups looking to experience world-class salmon fishing in one of Alaska's most productive waters.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKings are the trophy fish everyone dreams about - these bruisers can hit 30+ pounds and fight like freight trains. They're the largest Pacific salmon, with that distinctive black mouth and gums that make them easy to identify. In Icy Strait, we target them in deeper water, usually 40-80 feet, since they're light-sensitive and stay down during the day. Peak season runs May through August, with early morning and evening being prime times. The rich, orange meat is restaurant quality, and landing one is a real accomplishment. Kings are smart and strong - they'll use every trick to get off your hook. Here's what works: use heavy gear, keep steady pressure, and don't rush the fight. They'll tire themselves out if you stay patient.
Oncorhynchus KetaChum salmon are the marathon runners of the salmon world - they travel further than any other Pacific salmon to reach their spawning grounds. These medium-sized fish average 10-15 pounds and put up a solid fight once hooked. In saltwater, they're silvery blue-green, but spawning fish develop those distinctive tiger stripes. We find them in 15-40 feet around Icy Strait from late summer into fall. What's cool about chums is they're sight-casting fish - you can actually see them and target individuals. They spook easily though, so you need to be sneaky. The meat is decent eating, especially ocean-fresh fish. Key tip: don't cast right into the school. Stay on the edges and use chartreuse or pink flies to get their attention.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, or silvers as we call them, are pure adrenaline on a line. These 8-12 pound acrobats will jump clear out of the water - sometimes 6 feet high - when hooked. They're gorgeous fish with bright silver sides and that classic salmon build. Around Icy Strait, we find them in 20-50 feet of water near structure and drop-offs from late July into September. What guests love most is their aggressive nature and spectacular aerial shows. The orange-red meat is top-notch eating too. Cohos are perfect for fly fishing - they'll hit bright streamers and wooly buggers hard. My go-to trick: when they're being picky, try switching to chartreuse or fuchsia patterns and fish them with quick, erratic strips.
Oncorhynchus GorbuschaPink salmon are the smallest of the Pacific salmon, averaging around 5 pounds, but they make up for size with sheer numbers during their runs. Also called humpbacks for the distinctive hump males develop, these silver fish turn up in Icy Strait from July through September. They love cold water and stay fairly shallow, making them perfect for beginners - they're scrappy fighters without being overwhelming. The meat has that beautiful pink color from all the crustaceans they eat. What makes them special is their predictable two-year life cycle, so every odd year brings massive runs. Pro tip: use bright pink jigs or hoochies and add some herring scent - they can't resist it.
Oncorhynchus NerkaSockeye are hands-down the best eating salmon you'll ever taste - that deep red meat and rich flavor is pure gold. These 4-8 pound fish might be smaller than kings, but they're prized by restaurants and home cooks alike. Unlike other salmon, sockeye have no black spots and that beautiful metallic blue-green back. In Icy Strait, we target them May through August when they're running to spawn. They swim deep and close to bottom, so you need to get your gear down there. Sockeye can be picky eaters - they're focused on their spawning mission. The trick is matching your fly size to water conditions: bigger flies for high water, smaller for low. A #6 wet fly is usually my starting point.
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