Juneau Salmon Fishing: 4-Hour Charter Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
4hour salmon fishing charter in Juneau watersExperienced captains guide guests to prime fishing locationsSmall group experience with maximum 4 guests aboard
Looking for world-class salmon fishing in Alaska? Hi Time Charters runs one of Juneau's top-rated salmon fishing charters, and I've watched countless anglers walk off the boat with huge grins and coolers full of fish. This 4-hour trip puts you right in the heart of Southeast Alaska's legendary salmon runs, where five different species of Pacific salmon feed in the nutrient-rich waters around Juneau. Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand – they'll put you on fish while you soak up some of the most beautiful scenery Alaska has to offer.
Your day starts at Juneau's harbor, where you'll meet your experienced captain who's been working these waters for years. The boat holds up to 4 guests, so you're getting a personalized experience – no cattle boat fishing here. Within minutes of leaving the dock, you'll be surrounded by towering mountains, glacial valleys, and pristine coastline that makes Juneau famous. The captain will head to the current hot spots based on recent fish movement, tide charts, and seasonal patterns. Some days that means fishing near the Mendenhall Wetlands, other times you'll work the deeper channels or kelp beds where salmon stage before heading to spawn. Don't be surprised if you spot eagles, seals, or even whales while you're working your lines – the wildlife here is as impressive as the fishing.
This charter runs primarily on trolling techniques, which is hands-down the most effective way to target multiple salmon species in Juneau's waters. Your captain will set up downriggers with multiple lines at different depths – typically running anywhere from 15 to 80 feet down depending on where the fish are holding. You'll be using proven lures like spoons, hoochies, and cut-plug herring that have been putting salmon in the boat for decades. The beauty of trolling is that it covers water efficiently and lets you target different species simultaneously. When a fish hits, you'll know it – the rod tip will start dancing and the line will start screaming off the reel. The boat comes equipped with quality rods and reels, plus all the terminal tackle you need. Just bring yourself and maybe a camera – everything else is handled.
Pink Salmon show up in massive numbers during odd-numbered years, typically from mid-July through August. These scrappy fighters average 3-5 pounds and are perfect for anglers who want consistent action. They're aggressive biters and put up a surprisingly good fight for their size. Kids especially love pinks because they're active and relatively easy to land. The meat is excellent when handled properly, and you'll often hook multiple pinks in a single outing during peak runs.
Coho Salmon, or silvers, are the acrobats of the salmon world. These fish average 8-12 pounds in Juneau waters and are famous for their aerial displays when hooked. They show up from late June through September, with peak fishing usually in August. Cohos are curious and will often follow lures before striking, making them exciting to target. They're also considered by many to be the best eating of all the salmon species – firm, rich flesh that's perfect for grilling or smoking.
Chinook Salmon are the kings of the Pacific, and Juneau produces some real trophies. These fish can push 30+ pounds, with the occasional monster over 40. King season runs from May through July, with early June often producing the biggest fish. Landing a big king is a workout – they'll take long runs and use their weight to try to throw the hooks. The meat from a fresh king salmon is unmatched, with high oil content that makes it perfect for any cooking method.
Chum Salmon arrive in good numbers from mid-July through August. These fish average 10-15 pounds and are incredibly strong fighters. Chums don't get the respect they deserve – they're powerful, aggressive, and excellent eating when caught fresh from salt water. They're also called dog salmon, but don't let that fool you. A fresh chum will give you a battle you won't forget.
Sockeye Salmon are the premium eating fish, though they're less common on Juneau charters since they typically don't bite lures as readily as other species. When you do hook one, usually in late June through July, you've got something special. These deep-bodied fish average 6-8 pounds and have the richest, most flavorful meat of any Pacific salmon. Commercial fishermen target these specifically for high-end markets.
This 4-hour salmon charter with Hi Time Charters gives you the perfect taste of Alaska fishing without eating up your whole day. You'll have time to explore Juneau, visit the glacier, or just relax after your trip. The small boat size means you get personalized attention and aren't competing with a dozen other anglers for the captain's time. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, this trip delivers the authentic Alaska fishing experience you came here for. The salmon runs won't wait, and neither should you – book your spot and get ready to see why Juneau fishing keeps people coming back year after year.
Captain Mike's 30-foot Boulton fishing boat is your ticket to Juneau's best salmon runs. This locally famous vessel gives you plenty of deck room to fight those feisty kings and silvers, plus a cozy enclosed cabin when Alaska's weather kicks up. The boat comes loaded with everything serious anglers need - fish finder to locate schools, GPS and radar for safe navigation, plus an icebox and refrigerator to keep your catch fresh and your beverages cold. Air conditioning keeps you comfortable during those rare warm days, and the onboard toilet means more time with lines in the water. With space for just 4 guests, you'll get personalized attention as Captain Mike guides you to his secret spots where the salmon are biting. This well-equipped charter boat has been putting anglers onto trophy fish in these productive Alaskan waters for years.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon are the kings of Alaska waters for good reason - they're massive, powerful, and absolutely delicious. These bruisers average 15-20 pounds but can easily hit 30+ pounds in our rich Southeast waters. They're light-sensitive, so they stick to deeper water during the day, typically 40-80 feet down near structure and current breaks. Early morning and evening produce the best action when they move up to feed. The fight is pure power - no jumping like coho, just deep, bulldogging runs that'll test your gear. Their rich, red meat is restaurant-quality and worth every minute of the battle. Season peaks from May through August. My go-to tip: when trolling deep, use bright colors on overcast days and darker patterns when it's sunny - these fish are picky about presentation.
Oncorhynchus KetaChum salmon are the marathon runners of the salmon world, making epic migrations that can stretch over 2,000 miles. These medium-sized fish average 10-15 pounds and put up a solid scrap once hooked. They prefer depths around 15-40 feet during the day but move shallow at night to feed. Summer runs from July through September offer the best action when they're still bright and full of energy. What guests love about chums is their reliability - when you find a school, the action stays consistent. Their meat is excellent smoked or grilled, with a firm texture that holds up well. They can be spooky though, so avoid casting right into the school. Instead, work the edges with chartreuse or pink flies. Pro tip: use sight-casting when possible and stay quiet on deck.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, or "silvers" as we call them locally, are hands-down the most acrobatic fish you'll hook in these waters. Running 8-12 pounds on average, they'll jump clean out of the water multiple times during a fight - pure excitement. They prefer the mid-water column, usually 15-40 feet deep, and love structure like kelp beds and rocky drop-offs. Peak season runs July through September when they're bright chrome and full of fight. Their orange-red meat is top-shelf eating, and that aerial show they put on keeps everyone talking long after the trip. They can live up to 5 years, making them smart and challenging targets. Here's the trick: when trolling, vary your speed and watch for that telltale rod tip bounce - coho hit hard and fast.
Oncorhynchus GorbuschaPink salmon are the smallest Pacific salmon but also the most abundant around Juneau waters. These scrappy fish average 4-5 pounds and are perfect for beginners wanting to learn the ropes. They love cold water and typically hang in the upper 30 feet during summer runs. What makes them special is that distinctive hump on their back when spawning - hence the nickname "humpies." The fight might not be as intense as other salmon, but they make up for it with their pink, flaky meat that's loaded with omega-3s. Best fishing happens July through September when they're running thick. Pro tip: use bright pink jigs or hoochies to mimic the crustaceans they feed on - the brighter the better in our murky Alaskan waters.
Oncorhynchus NerkaSockeye salmon are the prize of Alaska's waters - their deep red meat commands top dollar at restaurants for good reason. These 6-10 pound fish are smaller than kings but make up for it with incredible table quality and a respectable fight. They swim close to the bottom in 20-50 feet of water, following specific migration routes from May through September. Unlike other salmon, sockeye are plankton feeders, making them trickier to catch but incredibly rewarding when you connect. Their rich, oily flesh is perfect for grilling or smoking, packed with omega-3s and that distinctive salmon flavor. The key is getting your lure right at mouth level since they swim with mouths opening and closing. Use smaller flies in low water, larger in high water, and focus on #6 wet flies as your starting point.
Fairbanks