8-Hour Halibut & Salmon Combo Charter
Get ready for one heck of a fishing day in Juneau's legendary waters. This 8-hour combo trip puts you right where the action is - targeting both hefty Pacific halibut and multiple salmon species in some of Alaska's most productive fishing grounds. You'll be fishing with seasoned local captains who know exactly where to find the fish, using top-shelf gear that can handle whatever decides to grab your bait. With just 4 anglers max, you're not fighting for rail space or dealing with crowded conditions that can kill the fishing vibe.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day starts early when we meet at the harbor, but trust me - once you see the sunrise over the Gastineau Channel, you'll understand why we get going when we do. We're fishing prime time when the salmon are moving and the halibut are feeding. The boat is set up specifically for this type of fishing, with downriggers for salmon trolling and heavy tackle stations for halibut. You'll spend the morning working the salmon runs, then shift gears to target halibut on the deeper structure. The scenery is absolutely stunning - snow-capped peaks, pristine wilderness, and waters so clear you can see 30 feet down on calm days. Between the fishing action and the backdrop, your camera's going to get a workout. Weather can change fast up here, so we've got a fully enclosed cabin when you need a break from the elements.
Techniques & Tackle Setup
We're running a mixed bag of techniques depending on what's biting best. For salmon, we're trolling with downriggers at various depths, using flashers and hoochies, spoons, or cut herring - whatever's working that day. The downriggers let us get your bait right in the strike zone where the salmon are traveling. When we switch over to halibut, we're bottom fishing with heavy sinkers and circle hooks, using fresh herring or salmon bellies for bait. The halibut gear is beefed up because these fish can go 50, 100, even 200+ pounds. All tackle is provided, from the rods and reels down to the terminal gear. The reels are loaded with quality line that won't let you down when you hook into something special. If you've got your own lucky rod, feel free to bring it - just make sure it's appropriate for the species we're targeting.
Top Catches This Season
Pacific Halibut are the real prize up here, and Juneau's waters consistently produce some of the best halibut fishing in Southeast Alaska. These flatfish are absolute tanks - they fight hard, pulling drag and testing your arms. Most fish we're seeing range from 20 to 80 pounds, with bigger ones always possible. Best action typically happens during slack tides when they're actively feeding on the bottom. What makes halibut special is their pure strength - they don't jump or run like salmon, but they pull steady and heavy, making you work for every inch of line you gain back.
Pink Salmon show up in huge numbers during even years, creating some of the most fast-paced fishing you'll ever experience. These scrappy fighters average 3-5 pounds but make up for size with attitude and numbers. When a school moves through, you might hook up on every pass. They're perfect for anglers who want consistent action and are great eating when properly handled.
Coho Salmon are the acrobats of the salmon family, known for spectacular jumps and strong runs. These silver rockets typically run 8-12 pounds in our waters and fight way above their weight class. They're aggressive biters and will absolutely scream line off your reel. Coho are also considered the best eating salmon by many anglers - firm, flavorful meat that's perfect for the grill.
Chinook Salmon are the heavyweight champions, with fish over 30 pounds caught regularly in Juneau waters. King season runs from May through September, with the biggest fish typically showing up mid-summer. When you hook a mature king, you know it immediately - they make long, powerful runs and have the strength to really test your tackle and technique.
Chum Salmon might not get the same press as other species, but they're underrated fighters that can surprise you. Also called dog salmon, they develop impressive teeth and attitude when they're getting ready to spawn. Fresh chums from salt water are excellent eating and provide steady action when other species are being finicky.
Time to Book Your Spot
This combo trip delivers exactly what serious anglers want - variety, quality fishing, and the chance at multiple species in one day. With only 4 spots available, you're getting a personalized experience that bigger boats just can't match. The 8-hour timeframe gives us flexibility to move around and find the bite, whether that's chasing salmon schools or sitting on productive halibut structure. You're not just buying a fishing trip - you're getting a full day with experienced local guides who live and breathe these waters. Book now and get ready to experience why Juneau is considered one of Alaska's premier fishing destinations.