8-Hour Salmon Fishing Deluxe in Icy Strait
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
8hour deluxe salmon and halibut fishing charterPremium shorebased setup in pristine Icy Strait watersSmall group experience with maximum 4 guests
Looking for a serious salmon fishing adventure in Juneau? This 8-hour deluxe charter with Hi Time Charters puts you right in the heart of Icy Strait's most productive salmon waters. We're talking about some of Alaska's most renowned fishing grounds, where five different salmon species run thick during peak season. You'll be fishing from our comfortable home shore setup – no cramped boat quarters here – with plenty of room for up to 4 anglers to work the lines without bumping elbows. The Icy Strait location gives us access to both protected waters and open fishing zones, so we can adapt to conditions and chase wherever the salmon are biting hottest.
Your day starts early with a meet-up at our Juneau dock, where we'll get you rigged and ready before heading out to our deluxe shore-based operation in Icy Strait. This isn't your typical charter boat experience – we've set up a world-class fishing platform that gives you the stability of shore fishing with access to deep-water salmon runs. The setup includes comfortable seating, rod holders, and all the space you need to handle multiple lines. We're positioned right where the salmon highways funnel through Icy Strait, making this a customer favorite spot for consistent action. Weather can change fast out here, but our shore setup keeps you protected while still putting you right in the salmon zone. Expect to see plenty of wildlife too – seals, eagles, and sometimes whales cruise through these waters, especially when the salmon runs are thick.
We run a mix of trolling setups and casting techniques depending on what the salmon are doing. Our go-to method is slow trolling with downriggers, using flashers and hoochies or cut herring at various depths until we locate the schools. The gear is all top-rated stuff – medium to heavy action rods paired with quality reels that can handle the long runs these salmon are famous for. When we mark fish on the sonar, we'll switch to jigging or casting spoons and spinners for more active fishing. The beauty of our shore setup is we can quickly adapt tactics without the limitations of being stuck on a moving boat. We'll teach you how to read the water, watch for feeding birds, and recognize the subtle signs that salmon are moving through. Don't worry if you're new to Alaska salmon fishing – we'll walk you through everything from setting the drag to properly playing these powerful fish.
Pink Salmon are the bread and butter of summer fishing here, running from July through September in massive numbers. These scrappy 3-5 pound fighters might be the smallest Pacific salmon, but they make up for size with pure attitude and acrobatic jumps. Pinks hit hard on small spoons and flies, and when a school moves through, you can expect non-stop action that'll have your arms burning by the end of the day.
Coho Salmon, or silvers as we call them locally, are the crown jewel for many anglers. These 8-15 pound athletes show up from July through October and fight like they're twice their size. Cohos are famous for their spectacular aerial displays – expect multiple jumps and long runs that'll test your drag settings. They're also excellent table fare, making them a top target for anglers who want both sport and dinner.
Chinook Salmon represent the ultimate prize in these waters. King salmon can push 30-40 pounds or more, and landing one is a bucket-list experience for any serious angler. These monsters prefer deeper water and bigger baits, and when you hook into one, you'll know immediately. Chinooks run strongest from May through July, though we see them sporadically through September. The fight can last 20-30 minutes with a big king, and they're notorious for making powerful runs toward structure.
Chum Salmon, known locally as dog salmon, arrive in strong numbers from July through September. These 10-15 pound fish might not jump like cohos, but they're incredibly strong and stubborn fighters that will test your endurance. Chums develop distinctive hooked jaws and colorful spawning colors as they mature, making them visually striking catches. They're often underestimated but provide some of the most consistent fishing action.
Sockeye Salmon are the most challenging to target but incredibly rewarding when you connect. These 5-8 pound fish are notoriously finicky eaters, primarily feeding on plankton rather than baitfish. When we do find feeding sockeyes, usually from June through August, they provide exceptional fights with strong runs and dogged determination. Their deep red flesh makes them highly prized for the dinner table.
This deluxe 8-hour fishing experience gives you the best shot at multiple salmon species while enjoying the comfort and space our shore-based setup provides. The Icy Strait location consistently produces fish, and our extended time on the water means we can adapt to changing conditions and follow the salmon action wherever it leads. Whether you're after your first Alaska salmon or chasing a personal best, this trip delivers the goods. Spots fill up fast during peak season, especially for our deluxe setup that only accommodates 4 anglers. Book now to secure your dates and get ready for some serious salmon fishing action.
Captain Mike's 30-foot Boulton is your ticket to prime salmon waters in Icy Strait. This locally famous fishing vessel gives you plenty of room to work the rails while staying comfortable during your 8-hour adventure. Duck into the enclosed cabin when you need a break from the Alaska elements – complete with AC, fridge, and even a head for those long days on the water. The boat's fish finder will help locate schools of salmon lurking beneath the surface, while GPS and radar keep you safely positioned in productive fishing zones. With an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold, this setup handles everything from gear storage to meal breaks. Perfect for small groups of serious anglers ready to battle trophy salmon in some of Alaska's most productive waters.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon are the kings of Alaska waters - the largest and most prized salmon species. These monsters average 15-30 pounds but can reach 40+ pounds in our waters. They prefer deeper areas, staying 30-60 feet down during daylight hours. Best fishing happens May through July, with early morning and evening producing top results. Kings are light-sensitive, so they hug the bottom structure. Their rich, fatty meat is restaurant quality. Use heavy tackle with downriggers or weighted lines. Pro tip: when trolling for kings, slow down your speed - they prefer a leisurely presentation compared to other salmon species.
Oncorhynchus KetaChum salmon are the marathon runners of the salmon family, making the longest migrations of any Pacific salmon. These 10-15 pound fish are underrated fighters that really test your gear. In saltwater, they stay 15-40 feet deep and prefer cooler water. Best fishing happens during fall runs, especially September and October. Chums have firm, light-colored meat that's great smoked or grilled. They can be spooky, so cast to the edges of schools rather than right into them. Chartreuse flies and small spoons work well. My local trick: use a slow, erratic retrieve - chums often follow before striking, so patience pays off.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, known as "silvers," are the acrobats of the salmon world. These 8-12 pound fighters can jump six feet out of the water when hooked. In Icy Strait, we target them near structure and drop-offs, usually 20-40 feet down. Peak season runs June through September, with August being prime time. Cohos have bright orange-red meat that's fantastic eating. They're aggressive feeders, hitting spoons, plugs, and herring. My go-to tip: when a coho jumps, bow your rod toward the fish to keep tension without breaking your line. Their aerial show makes them a favorite among guests looking for excitement.
Oncorhynchus GorbuschaPink salmon, or "humpies," are Alaska's most abundant salmon and perfect for beginners. These 3-5 pound fish develop a distinctive hump during spawning runs. In Icy Strait, you'll find them in the upper water column during summer months, especially July and August. They're scrappy fighters despite their size and make excellent table fare with their light pink meat. Pinks love bright lures - hot pink jigs and small spoons work great. The key is keeping your gear light since they have soft mouths. Once you hook up, they'll jump and run, giving you a real taste of Alaska salmon fishing without requiring heavy tackle.
Oncorhynchus NerkaSockeye salmon, or "reds," are prized for having the richest, most flavorful meat of any salmon. These 6-10 pound fish are challenging to catch since they primarily eat plankton and rarely chase lures. Peak season is June through August when they're heading to spawning areas. Sockeyes travel in schools near the surface during their runs. They have bright red flesh that commands top dollar at markets. The trick with sockeyes is "flossing" - using small, bright flies on light tackle as they swim upriver with mouths agape. Focus on river mouths and current breaks where they stage before spawning runs.
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