8 Hour Shared Salmon Halibut Fishing Charter
Shared Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target salmon and halibut in single 8hour charter tripCaptain adjusts locations based on seasonal fish activity patternsAll experience levels welcome including families with children
When you're looking at Alaska fishing charters, there's nothing quite like targeting two of the state's top-rated gamefish on the same trip. This 8-hour shared charter out of Juneau gives you serious shots at both salmon and halibut in waters that consistently produce trophy catches. From May through September, you'll fish Southeast Alaska's most productive grounds with a captain who knows exactly where to find the fish based on the season and conditions. Whether you're a seasoned angler or this is your first time dropping a line in Alaska waters, this trip delivers the kind of fishing that keeps people coming back year after year.
Your day starts early, heading out into the protected waters around Juneau where salmon runs and halibut grounds overlap perfectly. The beauty of this shared charter setup is you're splitting costs while still getting the full Alaska fishing experience - and with just you on board, you'll have plenty of room to work and the captain's undivided attention. The boat carries all the heavy tackle you'll need for both species, from downriggers for salmon to the serious gear required to bring up a barn door halibut from 200+ feet. Your captain adjusts the game plan throughout the day based on what's biting - maybe you start the morning working salmon in 80 feet of water, then move to deeper halibut structure when the bite picks up after lunch. Kids and families fit right in on these trips, though keep in mind even infants count toward boat capacity.
Salmon fishing here means trolling with downriggers, typically running flashers and spoons or herring at depths between 40-120 feet depending on where the fish are holding. The captain will watch the fish finder and adjust your spread to stay in the zone. When a rod goes off, you'll know it - salmon here fight hard and make serious runs. For halibut, you're bottom fishing with heavy sinkers (often 2-3 pounds) and circle hooks baited with salmon heads or large chunks of bait. The technique is straightforward but the execution takes patience - you'll drop to the bottom, reel up a few cranks, and wait for that telltale thump. When a big halibut picks up your bait, there's no mistaking it. The boat carries quality rods and reels sized for the job, plus all terminal tackle, bait, and nets. Your captain handles the technical stuff like finding productive depths and reading the sonar, while you focus on fighting the fish.
Chinook salmon are the kings of Alaska fishing, and Juneau's waters produce some true giants. These fish range from 15-30 pounds on average, with 40+ pound monsters always possible. Peak season runs June through August when mature fish stage near river mouths before spawning. What makes catching kings so special is their power - they'll peel drag on long runs and fight all the way to the boat. The meat quality is world-class, with rich, fatty flesh that's perfect for the grill or smoker.
Coho salmon bring a different kind of excitement to the table. Running smaller than kings at 8-15 pounds, these silver bullets make up for size with pure athleticism. They're notorious for aerial displays, jumping clear out of the water multiple times during a fight. Cohos show up strong from July through September, often feeding aggressively near the surface. They're also fantastic eating, with firm red meat that's more delicate than king salmon. When the coho bite is on, you can expect fast action with multiple hookups.
Pacific halibut are the real prize for many anglers visiting Alaska waters. These flatfish grow huge in the cold, nutrient-rich waters around Juneau - fish over 100 pounds are caught regularly, and 200+ pound barn doors are always in the realm of possibility. Halibut season peaks from June through August when they move into shallower feeding areas. The fight is pure power, especially on lighter tackle. A big halibut will pin itself to the bottom and bulldoze toward structure, testing every piece of equipment. The payoff is incredible eating - dense, white, flaky meat that's considered among the best seafood in the world.
This combo charter gives you the best of Alaska fishing without having to choose between salmon and halibut - you get serious shots at both. With 8 hours on the water and a captain who knows these grounds inside and out, you're set up for the kind of fishing that creates lifetime memories. The shared format keeps costs reasonable while still delivering a top-notch experience, and the May through September season means you can plan around your schedule. Don't wait too long though - the best fishing months book up fast, especially for weekend dates. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer or just want to experience world-class Alaska fishing, this charter delivers exactly what you came to Alaska to find.
Set sail on a 30-foot Blackfeather Catamaran designed for serious Alaska fishing. This twin-engine vessel cuts through Juneau's waters with twin 250HP Yamahas, giving you the power and stability needed to reach prime salmon and halibut grounds. The spacious deck provides plenty of room to fight fish, while the onboard fish finder helps locate schools of salmon and bottom-dwelling halibut. When the action heats up, keep your catch fresh in the large icebox. GPS and radar ensure safe navigation through Southeast Alaska's coastal waters, even when fog rolls in. The enclosed cabin offers shelter between fishing spots, and the onboard facilities keep you comfortable during long days targeting Alaska's prized gamefish.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweights of the salmon world, running 15-30 pounds with some monsters pushing 50+. These silver-sided bruisers with black-spotted backs live deep in the water column, usually 60-200 feet down in our Southeast waters. May through August gives you the best shot at them as they move through on their spawning runs. What makes kings special is that incredible fight - they'll peel line and test your drag like no other salmon. The meat is rich and buttery with that deep red color everyone loves. Here's a local trick: when you're trolling for kings, slow down more than you think. They like a lazy presentation, around 2-3 knots, and don't be afraid to fish those deeper downrigger lines where the big ones cruise.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon are the acrobats of the salmon family, typically running 8-12 pounds of pure energy. These bright chrome fighters love the top 40 feet of water and will absolutely launch themselves out when hooked - sometimes 6 feet in the air. July through September is peak season when they're feeding heavily before their spawning run. Cohos are every angler's favorite because they fight dirty - jumping, spinning, and making long runs that'll get your heart pumping. The meat is firm and flavorful with that beautiful orange-red color. Here's what works best: when you hook a silver, keep steady pressure but don't horse them. Let them tire themselves out with those spectacular jumps, and always keep your rod tip up. They'll throw the hook if you give them any slack during those aerial shows.
Hippoglossus StenolepisPacific halibut are the barn doors of Alaska fishing - these massive flatfish can weigh anywhere from 20 to over 200 pounds. They live on sandy and muddy bottoms between 80-400 feet deep, where they ambush prey like a giant underwater pancake. Summer months are prime time when they move up to shallower feeding areas. What guests love about halibut is the raw power - when a big one hits, it's like hooking into a submarine. The white, flaky meat is restaurant-quality and perfect for the grill. My go-to tip for landing more halibut: after you feel that initial bite, let them run with it for a few seconds before setting the hook. They like to grab bait and swim off, so give them time to really commit before you put the steel to them.
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