Salmon Fishing Trips in Ketchikan, Alaska
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target Chinook, Coho, Pink and Chum salmon speciesAll fishing equipment and tackle provided onboardSmall group experience with maximum two guests
Get ready to experience some of the best salmon fishing Alaska has to offer right here in Ketchikan. This intimate fishing adventure takes just two anglers at a time, giving you the personalized attention and prime fishing spots that make for trophy catches. Whether you're targeting monster Chinook salmon in peak summer or battling feisty Coho throughout the season, these waters deliver the kind of action that keeps anglers coming back year after year. The Alaska Catch provides all your fishing gear and tackle, so you can focus on what matters most – landing that fish of a lifetime.
Your salmon fishing adventure starts in the productive inshore waters around Ketchikan, where four different salmon species make their runs throughout the season. With only two guests per trip, you'll get maximum rod time and one-on-one coaching from your captain. The small group size means you can fish at your own pace, whether you're a seasoned angler perfecting your technique or a first-timer learning the ropes. These waters are known for consistent action, and the intimate setting lets your guide put you on fish without the crowd and chaos of larger charter boats. You'll spend your day working the tide changes, structure, and salmon highways that make this region a world-class fishing destination.
Your captain comes equipped with top-rated rods, reels, and terminal tackle specifically rigged for Ketchikan salmon fishing. Depending on the season and target species, you'll be using everything from heavy tackle for big Chinook to lighter setups perfect for pink salmon runs. The boat is set up for both trolling and mooching techniques – trolling lets you cover water and locate active fish, while mooching puts you right in the strike zone when salmon are holding tight to structure. Your guide handles all the rigging, from choosing the right flashers and spoons to setting downrigger depths. All you need to bring is your fishing license and enthusiasm for hooking into some of Alaska's most prized gamefish.
Chinook salmon, the legendary "King" of Pacific salmon, are the crown jewel of Ketchikan fishing during June and July. These powerful fish can exceed 30 pounds and put up fights that test both your tackle and stamina. Kings feed aggressively in these nutrient-rich waters before heading to their spawning grounds, making them prime targets for anglers seeking trophy catches. The sheer size and strength of a Chinook creates those unforgettable battles where fish make screaming runs and test your drag system to the limit.
Coho salmon, known locally as "Silver" salmon, provide consistent action throughout much of the fishing season with their acrobatic fights and aggressive strikes. These chrome-bright fish typically range from 8-15 pounds and are famous for their aerial displays once hooked. Coho are active feeders that respond well to both trolled lures and bait, making them perfect for anglers who want steady action and fish that fight with impressive athleticism.
Pink salmon arrive in massive numbers during their peak runs, offering fast-paced fishing that's perfect for anglers wanting to put multiple fish in the boat. Though smaller than Kings and Coho, pinks make up for size with sheer numbers and willingness to bite. These fish are excellent for building confidence and keeping kids engaged, as the action can be non-stop when schools are moving through the area.
Chum salmon round out the target species list with their distinctive hooked jaws and powerful builds. Often overlooked by anglers focused on other species, Chum provide excellent sport fishing opportunities and are surprisingly strong fighters. These fish respond well to specific presentations and offer a different challenge for anglers looking to complete their Alaska salmon slam.
This customer favorite salmon fishing experience combines the best of Ketchikan's renowned fishery with the personalized attention that only comes from small group charters. With just two anglers per trip, you're guaranteed maximum fishing time and the flexibility to target the species that excite you most. The Alaska Catch handles all the technical details – from gear selection to finding fish – so you can focus on the pure joy of salmon fishing in some of Alaska's most productive waters. Don't miss your chance to hook into trophy salmon while enjoying the kind of personalized service that makes this a top-rated fishing adventure.
Your salmon fishing adventure starts aboard a well-equipped motorboat designed for serious angling in Ketchikan's productive waters. This nimble vessel handles the coastal currents with ease while you target trophy Chinook, Coho, Pink, and Chum salmon throughout the season. The onboard fish finder helps locate schools and structure where salmon concentrate, while GPS navigation ensures we hit the hottest spots along the Inside Passage. Keep your catch fresh in the insulated ice box as you work the prime feeding areas. The boat's compact size means just two anglers, so you'll have plenty of room to fight fish without tangling lines. A marine toilet keeps you comfortable during longer fishing sessions when the bite is hot. All tackle and gear comes ready to go - just bring your fishing spirit and get ready to battle some of Alaska's legendary salmon runs in the waters around Ketchikan.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon are the kings for a reason - they're the largest Pacific salmon, often hitting 20-30 pounds in these waters. These powerful fish stay deep during the day, typically 40-80 feet down, since they're sensitive to light. Early morning and evening are prime times when they move up to feed. Kings are built for long fights with their broad shoulders and stamina. The meat is rich and buttery, perfect for the grill. What guests love most is the sheer power - when a big king takes your line, you know it instantly. Here in Ketchikan, I run weighted herring or large spoons deep during our June and July trips. The secret is patience and heavy tackle - these fish will test every knot you've tied.
Oncorhynchus KetaChum salmon are the marathon runners of the salmon world, making the longest migrations of any Pacific salmon. They average 10-20 pounds and fight with surprising strength once hooked. In the ocean, they cruise between 15-40 feet deep, coming shallower at night to feed. Chums are perfect for sight fishing when you can see schools moving through. They spook easily, so the trick is casting a few feet away from the group, not right into it. What makes them fun is their aggressive take on flies and their solid fight. The meat is excellent when fresh from saltwater. My local tip: use chartreuse flies and don't overcrowd them - these fish have good eyes and will bolt if you're too aggressive with your approach.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called silvers, are pure athletes in the water. These acrobatic fighters average 8-12 pounds and can jump up to 6 feet when hooked - that's what gets people hooked on salmon fishing. You'll find them in deeper water during the day, around 20-50 feet, but they come up to feed in the evenings. Cohos prefer cooler water and hang around structure like drop-offs and kelp beds. Their bright orange meat is top-shelf eating, and they put up the kind of fight that makes your arms burn. My go-to tip for cohos is running bright chartreuse or pink spoons just above the thermocline. When they hit, hold on tight - these silvers will test your drag and give you a show you won't forget.
Oncorhynchus GorbuschaPink salmon, or "humpies," are the smallest Pacific salmon but also the most abundant. They average around 4-5 pounds and get their nickname from the pronounced hump males develop during spawning. You'll find them in shallow waters near creek mouths and bays, especially during their odd-year runs. These fish love cold water and feed heavily on small crustaceans, which gives their meat that signature pink color. What makes them great for beginners is their aggressive nature - they'll hit bright pink jigs and hoochies readily. The key trick I share is using a pink hoochie with a bit of herring oil. They fight harder than their size suggests and make excellent table fare with their tender, flaky meat.
Ketchikan, AK