Sitka AK Private Salmon Charter | Full Day
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private salmon charter targeting chinook and coho speciesCaptain Parker provides local expertise on Sitka watersStateoftheart Polaris boat accommodates single guests
When you're looking for serious salmon action in Southeast Alaska, there's nothing quite like having the entire boat to yourself. Captain Parker and the crew at Sitka Expeditions run private 6-8 hour charters aboard their brand new Polaris, and let me tell you – this setup is built for anglers who want to fish hard and fish smart. Parker's been working these waters his whole life, which means you're getting inside knowledge on where the fish are holding and what they're hitting. Whether you're after that trophy king or filling the cooler with silvers, this charter gives you the flexibility to chase whatever's biting best that day.
The Polaris is a state-of-the-art fishing machine that's designed to get you on fish fast and keep you comfortable all day. Captain Parker knows every productive spot from the protected inside waters to the more adventurous outside runs, depending on conditions and what species are most active. You'll start early to maximize your time on the prime bite windows, and with a private charter, there's no waiting around for other anglers or compromising on fishing spots. The boat's equipped with top-shelf electronics, downriggers, and all the tackle you need. Parker reads the water like a book – he knows where the bait schools are holding, which structure the lingcod prefer, and exactly how to position the boat for the best presentation. The beauty of a full-day trip is you can adjust on the fly. If the salmon bite slows down, you might switch over to bottom fishing for lingcod, or if Parker spots birds working over a bait ball, you can get there fast and capitalize on the action.
Most of your salmon fishing will be trolling with downriggers, which is hands-down the most effective way to target chinook and coho in Sitka's waters. The crew runs a spread of flashers and spoons or hoochies at different depths to cover the water column where salmon are feeding. Parker's got the local hot setups dialed in – he knows which color combinations work best in different light conditions and water clarity. The downriggers let you get your gear down to where the big kings are cruising, sometimes 60-80 feet deep or more. When a salmon hits, the release pops and you're fighting fish on a free line, which is when things get exciting. For the lingcod fishing, you'll switch to heavier jigs and work the rocky bottom structure where these ambush predators hang out. The boat carries a full selection of jigs in different weights and colors, plus Parker knows exactly which rocks and ledges hold the biggest lings. All rods, reels, tackle, and bait are provided, but if you've got a lucky lure or favorite setup, feel free to bring it along.
Chinook salmon are the kings of the Pacific, and Sitka's waters produce some absolute monsters. These fish can push 40+ pounds and are built like torpedoes – when a big king hits your downrigger, you'll know it immediately. They fight deep and strong, making long runs and testing your drag system. Peak season runs from late spring through summer, with the biggest fish often coming early in the season. Kings feed heavily on herring and other baitfish in the deeper waters around Sitka, and Parker knows exactly where to find them based on tides, bait movements, and seasonal patterns. What makes catching chinook so special here is the combination of their incredible size and the pristine waters they call home.
Coho salmon, or silvers, are pure dynamite when they're hooked. These fish are famous for their aerial acrobatics – they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on a show that'll get your adrenaline pumping. Cohos typically run 8-15 pounds in Sitka waters and are most active from mid-summer into fall. They're aggressive feeders and will often hit lures with authority, making them perfect for anglers who want fast action. Silvers tend to feed closer to the surface than kings, especially when they're chasing bait schools. Parker targets them around structure, kelp beds, and areas where currents bring in feed. The fight-to-weight ratio on these fish is off the charts – a 12-pound coho will give you a battle you won't forget.
Chum salmon might not get the same press as kings and silvers, but they're underrated fighters that show up in good numbers during their runs. These fish are strong and determined, making powerful runs once hooked. They typically range 8-15 pounds and are most abundant from mid-summer through early fall. Chums have a unique look with their distinctive tiger-stripe markings, and they're excellent eating when caught fresh in the salt water. They often school up in large numbers, so when you find them, the action can be fast and furious.
Lingcod are the bottom-dwelling bruisers that provide a completely different fishing experience from the salmon. These prehistoric-looking predators can exceed 40 pounds and have mouths full of needle-sharp teeth. They're ambush hunters that lurk around rocky structure, waiting to engulf anything that swims by. Lingcod fishing is about precision – you need to get your jig right down into their territory and work it aggressively. When a big ling hits, it feels like you've hooked into a submarine. They're available year-round but are most active during certain tidal phases. Parker knows which rocks and underwater structure hold the biggest fish, and he's got the GPS marks to put you right on top of them.
Private charters book up fast, especially during peak salmon season, so don't wait too long to secure your dates. This is the kind of fishing trip that spoils you – having the entire boat to yourself, working with a captain who lives and breathes these waters, and fishing from a top-notch vessel that's
Meet the Polaris, our brand new 34-foot North River Offshore that's built to handle Sitka's challenging waters while keeping you comfortable during those long salmon runs. Twin 300hp Yamaha engines get you to the hotspots fast, whether we're chasing kings in deeper water or working the nearshore structure for silvers. Captain Parker knows these waters like the back of his hand - he'll put you on fish while you stay warm and dry in the heated cabin. The fish finder helps us locate schools, while the spacious deck gives you plenty of room to fight that big chinook. Between the onboard kitchen, bathroom, and climate control, you can focus on what matters most - landing salmon. Perfect for solo anglers who want the full attention of an experienced local captain.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKings are the giants of the salmon world, with fish regularly hitting 20-30 pounds in our waters. These silver-sided powerhouses with black gums prefer deeper water and are light-sensitive, so early morning and evening fishing produces best results. Summer months bring the biggest fish as they feed heavily before their spawning run. What sets kings apart is their raw power and that rich, fatty meat that's perfect for the grill. They're not as acrobatic as coho but they'll test your drag with long, powerful runs. We troll deep with downriggers using spoons and plugs, or drift herring near bottom. Key tip: keep your bait moving slowly - kings are picky eaters and want a natural presentation.
Oncorhynchus KetaChum salmon, or "dogs," are the marathon runners of the salmon family, making epic migrations up to 2,000 miles. These medium-sized fish average 10-15 pounds and turn from ocean silver to distinctive green with purple stripes during spawning. They prefer depths around 40 feet during the day but move shallow at night. Late summer through fall is peak season when they're staging before their river runs. While often overlooked, chum are solid fighters and good eating when caught fresh from saltwater. They respond well to bright flies and small lures in pink or chartreuse. Local secret: don't cast right into a school - they spook easily. Instead, work the edges and let your lure drift naturally into their feeding zone.
Oncorhynchus KisutchAlso called silvers, coho are some of the most acrobatic fighters you'll encounter - they can jump six feet straight up and put on quite a show. These beauties run 8-12 pounds with bright silver sides and can be found in calm areas near structure and around river mouths. Summer through early fall is prime time when they're feeding aggressively before spawning. What makes them special is that incredible fight combined with their bright orange meat that tastes amazing. They'll hit spinners, spoons, and flies in chartreuse or pink. Here's a local trick: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but give them room to jump - try to horse them in and they'll throw the hook every time.
Ophiodon ElongatusDespite the name, lingcod aren't actually cod but greenlings with massive heads, wicked teeth, and an attitude to match. These aggressive bottom dwellers hang around rocky structure in 30-300 feet, using their mottled coloring to ambush prey. Females can reach 30+ pounds while males stay smaller. They're available year-round but really fire up during spawning season when males get territorial. What guests love is their pure aggression - they'll grab anything that moves and fight hard once hooked. The meat is excellent, firm and white. Pro tip: once you find fish on structure, work it thoroughly with heavy jigs. Drop straight down and bounce bottom - lingcod won't chase far but they'll hammer anything right in their face.
Fairbanks