Premium Multi Species Fishing Charters in Ketchikan Alaska
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target salmon, halibut, cod, and rockfish on offshore watersSmall group charter accommodates up to four guests maximumFullday fishing adventure spans five to eight hours
When you're looking for the real deal in Alaskan fishing, this combo charter delivers everything that makes Ketchikan legendary. We're talking about targeting the Big Five salmon species plus some serious bottom dwellers - all in one trip. Captain and crew at Ketchikan's Finest know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish that'll have you talking for years. With up to 8 hours on the water and only 4 anglers max, you get the personal attention that makes all the difference between a good day and an epic one.
This isn't your typical single-species charter - we mix it up to keep the action hot all day long. You'll start with some serious bottom fishing, dropping down for those plate-sized halibut that Southeast Alaska is famous for. The captain knows the productive banks and ledges where these flatfish stack up, especially during the summer months when they move into shallower water to feed. Between halibut drops, we switch gears and start trolling the productive salmon runs. The beauty of this combo approach is that when one bite slows down, we're already moving to the next opportunity. Expect to see downriggers working, herring in the bait wells, and that satisfying bend in your rod that means business. The smaller group size means everyone gets plenty of rod time and personalized instruction from the crew.
We run a mix of techniques that'll keep you busy from start to finish. For the halibut and bottom fish, we're talking heavy tackle with circle hooks and plenty of lead to get down to where the big ones live. Bait presentation is everything - fresh herring, salmon bellies, or whatever the fish are keying on that day. The trolling setup is where it gets really interesting - downriggers set at different depths, flashers and dodgers to attract attention, and a variety of spoons, plugs, and hoochies depending on what's working. Jigging adds another dimension, especially when we're working rockpiles for lingcod or when the salmon are holding deep. The crew handles all the rigging and net work, but they'll teach you the finer points if you want to learn. All rods, reels, tackle, and bait are included, plus we provide rain gear because this is Southeast Alaska - you never know what the weather will throw at you.
Pacific Halibut are the true heavyweights of this fishery, and Ketchikan sits right in prime halibut country. These flatfish can live over 50 years and grow massive - we're talking fish that can stretch over 6 feet and weigh hundreds of pounds. Peak season runs from May through September, with the biggest fish typically caught in deeper water during mid-summer. What makes halibut so special is that fight - they're pure deadweight until they see the boat, then all hell breaks loose. That barn door thrashing at the surface gets everyone's adrenaline pumping. Plus, there's nothing better than fresh halibut steaks on the grill.
Chinook Salmon, the kings of the Pacific, are what serious salmon anglers dream about. These bruisers can top 30 pounds in Ketchikan waters, with their peak runs typically hitting from May through July. Kings are smart, strong, and stubborn - they'll test your drag system and make long, powerful runs that'll have your arms burning. The trophy potential here is real, with 20+ pound fish being caught regularly. What sets kings apart is their fighting style - they're not jumpers like silvers, but they use that bulk and strength to dig deep and shake their heads like bulldogs.
Coho Salmon bring the acrobatics that make salmon fishing so addictive. These silver rockets typically run from July through September, and when you hook one, you better hold on. Cohos are notorious for their aerial displays - they'll jump, twist, and tail-walk across the surface in ways that'll leave you speechless. They're aggressive feeders and will hit a variety of lures, making them a favorite target for both beginners and experienced anglers. A 15-pound silver in prime condition is one of the best eating fish in the ocean.
Pink Salmon might be the smallest of the Pacific salmon, but they make up for size with sheer numbers and attitude. During odd-numbered years, the pink runs in Southeast Alaska are absolutely phenomenal. These scrappy fish average 3-5 pounds but fight way above their weight class. They're perfect for anglers who want constant action and are great for getting kids or first-timers hooked on salmon fishing. The runs typically peak in July and August, and when they're in, you can catch them all day long.
Lingcod are the wolves of the rockpiles - aggressive predators with attitudes to match their impressive teeth. These bottom dwellers can grow over 40 pounds and are ambush predators that hit hard and fast. They're typically found around rocky structure from 60-300 feet deep, and jigging is the preferred method. What makes lingcod special is their aggressive nature - they'll often grab a hooked rockfish and refuse to let go, giving you a bonus fish. Their white, flaky meat is considered some of the best eating in the ocean, and that prehistoric look makes for great photos.
This combo charter represents the best of what Ketchikan fishing has to offer - variety, action, and the chance at multiple species that'll fill your cooler and your camera. The 5-8 hour format gives us time to really work different areas and techniques without feeling rushed. With only 4 spots available per trip, these charters book up fast, especially during peak season from June through August. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for your next trophy or someone who wants to experience authentic Alaskan fishing, this trip delivers
Our 2023 Raider is built for serious salmon and halibut fishing in Ketchikan's waters. This 28-foot sportfishing boat runs smooth with a 250HP Honda engine, hitting speeds up to 40 knots to get you to the productive fishing grounds fast. The radar and GPS keep you on target even when Southeast Alaska weather rolls in, while the fish finder helps locate schools of salmon and bottom structure where halibut hang out. There's an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long 5-8 hour fishing days. The onboard toilet means more time with lines in the water. Perfect for up to 4 anglers targeting everything from monster halibut to all five species of wild Alaskan salmon, plus rockfish and lingcod. Whether you're trolling the channels or bottom fishing the deeper waters, this boat handles Alaska's offshore conditions with confidence.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon are the kings of Alaska waters for good reason - they're the largest Pacific salmon, commonly running 15-30 pounds with some monsters pushing 50-plus. These silver-sided beauties with black-spotted fins are light-sensitive, so they stay deep during the day, making trolling with downriggers most effective. Best fishing is early morning, evening, or overcast days when they move up in the water column. What draws anglers from around the world is the powerful fight and that rich, orange-red meat that's perfect for the grill or smoker. Kings are smart fish that require patience and the right presentation. My local tip: use a large herring on a slow troll near the bottom. These fish are opportunistic feeders, and a properly presented herring looks like an easy meal they can't resist.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, or silvers as we call them locally, are the acrobats of the salmon world. These fish average 8-12 pounds but can jump six feet out of the water when hooked, making for some spectacular fights. They prefer the cooler months from late summer through fall when they're moving toward spawning areas. You'll typically find them in 20-80 feet of water around structure and current breaks. What makes cohos special is their aggressive nature and willingness to chase lures - they'll hit spoons, plugs, and flies with authority. The bright orange-red meat is some of the best eating salmon you'll find. My go-to tip for cohos is using bright chartreuse or pink lures on overcast days. These colors really stand out in the darker water and trigger their predatory instincts.
Ophiodon ElongatusLingcod are the underwater bullies of Alaska - they're not actually cod but aggressive predators with massive heads full of razor-sharp teeth. These bottom dwellers typically run 10-20 pounds, with females getting much larger than males. You'll find them hanging around rocky structure in 30-300 feet, often lying motionless until something edible swims by. They're available year-round, making them perfect for filling the cooler when salmon fishing slows down. What guests love is their aggressive strike and the fact they rarely let go once hooked - they'd rather fight than flee. The white, flaky meat is outstanding table fare too. Here's the key to landing lingcod: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and get them up quickly. They like to wrap around rocks and kelp, so don't give them time to find cover.
Hippoglossus StenolepisPacific halibut are the barn doors of the deep - these massive flatfish can reach over 100 pounds, though most run 20-60 pounds. They're bottom dwellers living in 150-500 feet of water over sandy or muddy bottoms where they ambush prey. Summer months offer the best action when they move into shallower feeding areas. What makes halibut fishing addictive is the potential for that fish of a lifetime, plus the incredible white, flaky meat that's hard to beat at the dinner table. These fish are patient hunters, so expect a waiting game. The bite can be subtle - they often just pick up the bait and sit still. My tried-and-true method is bouncing a 2-pound weight with salmon belly or large herring. Keep tension on the line and watch for that telltale tap-tap before they swim off with your bait.
Oncorhynchus GorbuschaPink salmon are the smallest Pacific salmon but also the most abundant, averaging around 5 pounds. Also called humpies for the distinctive hump males develop during spawning, they're perfect for beginners since they're aggressive feeders and put up a decent fight. You'll find them in cooler waters during summer runs, typically from July through September. What guests love most is the fast action - these fish aren't picky eaters and will hit bright pink jigs, spoons, and even small herring. The meat has that classic pink color from all the crustaceans they eat, making great table fare. Here's a local trick: when the bite slows down, add some herring scent to your lure. Pinks hunt by smell in deeper water, and that extra scent often triggers strikes when they're being finicky.
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