Salmon/Halibut Combo Fishing Trips in Ketchikan
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target salmon, halibut, and rockfish on inshore watersSmall group fishing with maximum two guests per tripAll equipment and gear provided by experienced guides
If you're looking for a fishing trip that delivers both variety and action, this combo charter out of Ketchikan is exactly what you need. Alaska's First City sits right in the heart of some of the richest fishing waters in Southeast Alaska, where salmon runs meet prime halibut grounds. This isn't your typical tourist fishing trip – we're talking about serious angling in waters that consistently produce trophy-class fish. With just 2 spots available per trip, you'll get personalized attention and prime positioning at every productive spot we hit.
Your day starts early at the harbor, where you'll meet your captain and get the rundown on what's been biting lately. The beauty of this combo trip is the diversity – we'll work both the deeper channels where halibut patrol the bottom and the productive salmon zones where kings and cohos are feeding. The boat comes fully rigged with everything you need: quality rods and reels, tackle boxes stocked with proven lures, downriggers for precision depth control, and all the net and gaff equipment to land your catch safely. Don't worry about bringing anything except your fishing license and camera – we've got the rest covered. The intimate 2-person capacity means no crowding at the rail and plenty of one-on-one coaching if you need it.
We'll be running a mix of techniques depending on conditions and what's showing on the fish finder. For halibut, we're talking bottom fishing with heavy sinkers and circle hooks baited with herring or salmon bellies – these flatfish love to hug structure, so we'll work the underwater ledges and drop-offs where they ambush prey. When we switch to salmon mode, expect to troll with downriggers, pulling flashers and spoons through the strike zone. The key is covering water and finding the temperature breaks where baitfish concentrate. We'll also have jigging setups ready for when we mark schools of rockfish or lingcod. Your captain reads these waters daily and knows exactly which spots are firing based on tides, weather, and recent reports from other boats.
Pacific Halibut are the crown jewel of Alaska bottom fishing, and Ketchikan's waters hold some serious barn doors. These flatfish can live over 50 years and reach massive proportions – anything over 100 pounds is considered trophy class. They're ambush predators that bury themselves in sand and gravel, waiting to inhale passing baitfish. Summer months bring the best action as halibut move into shallower feeding areas. The fight is pure power – they use their broad, flat body like a parachute, making runs that'll test your back and forearms.
Chinook Salmon, the kings of the Pacific, are what every angler dreams about. These chrome-bright torpedoes can exceed 30 pounds in these waters, with their broad shoulders and deep bellies marking them as the apex salmon species. Kings feed heavily in the salt, building fat reserves for their eventual spawning run. They hit hard and fight harder, often launching themselves clear of the water in spectacular displays. Late spring through summer offers the most consistent action as mature fish stage near river mouths.
Lingcod might look prehistoric, but they're fantastic eating and put up a surprisingly good scrap. These toothy predators lurk around rocky structure and kelp beds, reaching lengths of 4 feet or more. They're curious fish that often follow hooked rockfish to the surface, making them perfect targets for opportunistic anglers. Their firm, white meat is prized by chefs, and their aggressive nature makes them a blast to catch on lighter tackle.
Pacific Cod are the workhorses of these waters – reliable biters that school up in good numbers during certain times of year. They prefer deeper water and rocky bottom, often mixing with rockfish in productive areas. While they might not have the glamour of salmon or halibut, cod are excellent table fare and willing biters when you find a school. They average 5-15 pounds and provide steady action when the bigger fish are being finicky.
Black Rockfish round out the mixed bag, schooling in impressive numbers around underwater structure. These spiny-finned fighters are perfect for keeping the action steady between shots at larger species. They're curious and aggressive, often hitting jigs and bait with surprising enthusiasm. While smaller than the other target species, rockfish are excellent eating and help fill the cooler when salmon and halibut are playing hard to get.
This combo trip gives you the best of both worlds – the chance at a trophy halibut and the speed and fight of Alaska salmon, all in one day on the water. With only 2 spots available, these trips book up fast, especially during peak summer months when both species are most active. Your captain's local knowledge and fully equipped boat put you in the best position to make the most of Ketchikan's world-class fishing. Whether you're after a freezer full of fillets or that once-in-a-lifetime trophy photo, this is your chance to experience what makes Alaska fishing legendary. Don't wait – these premium spots fill up quickly once word gets out about recent catches.
Get ready to fish Alaska's rich waters aboard our well-equipped motorboat, designed for serious anglers targeting salmon and halibut in Ketchikan's productive inshore grounds. This fishing machine comes loaded with everything you need for a successful day on the water - a quality fish finder to locate schools and bottom structure, GPS navigation to hit the best spots, and an onboard ice box to keep your catch fresh. The boat comfortably handles up to 2 guests, making it perfect for couples or fishing buddies who want personalized attention from the captain. You'll appreciate the onboard toilet during those long days chasing kings and barn-door halibut. Whether you're casting for coho near creek mouths or dropping lines for monster halibut on the deeper reefs, this boat gets you to the fish quickly and safely. The waters around Ketchikan are legendary for their salmon runs and hefty halibut, plus rockfish that'll bend your rod. All your gear, bait, and tackle are provided - just bring your appetite for great fishing and Alaska's stunning coastal scenery.
Sebastes MelanopsBlack rockfish are scrappy fighters that love our rocky reefs and kelp forests. These dark, bass-shaped fish average 2-4 pounds and hang out in 50-200 feet around structure. They're available all season but really turn on during summer when baitfish are thick. Guests enjoy them because they bite aggressively, fight hard for their size, and school up for consistent action. The firm white meat has great flavor too. Just watch those sharp, mildly venomous spines when handling them. They're not picky eaters - small jigs, cut bait, or even strips of salmon belly work well. One thing I always mention: once you find one rockfish, work that area thoroughly. Where there's one, there's usually a bunch more hiding in the same rock pile or kelp bed.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the giants of the salmon world, and Alaska's waters produce some true monsters. These silver-sided beauties with black-spotted fins average 15-20 pounds but can hit 40+ pounds in our area. You'll find them in deeper waters during summer runs, often 60-150 feet down near structure and current breaks. Early morning and evening tend to be most productive when they're actively feeding. What makes them special is that incredible fight - they're powerful, make long runs, and that rich orange-red meat is unmatched on the dinner table. The key here is getting your gear down to where they're traveling. I always tell guests to watch for bait schools on the finder and fish just below them - that's where the kings are hunting.
Ophiodon ElongatusThese gnarly-looking fish with their massive teeth and speckled green-brown coloring are one of Alaska's most aggressive bottom dwellers. Despite the name, they're actually greenlings, not cod. Around Ketchikan, we find them lurking in rocky areas 30-300 feet down, where they ambush anything that fits in their huge mouths. Females can reach 30+ pounds while males stay smaller. They're available year-round but fish best during strong current periods. What guests love is their fierce attitude - they'd rather fight than flee, making for a memorable battle. Plus, the meat is excellent eating. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and get them away from the rocks quickly, or they'll wrap you up in their rocky lair.
Gadus MacrocephalusPacific cod are the workhorses of Alaska fishing - reliable, tasty, and found throughout our waters. These gray-brown fish with the distinctive chin whisker typically run 5-15 pounds and stay near bottom in 60-300 feet. They're available year-round but fish especially well during winter months when they're actively feeding. Guests appreciate them because they're eager biters and provide steady action when salmon or halibut fishing slows down. The flaky white meat is perfect for fish and chips. They're not the strongest fighters, but they make up for it in numbers and reliability. Here's what works: cod are opportunistic feeders, so don't overthink your bait choice. Drop something down to the bottom and give it some action - they'll usually find it.
Hippoglossus StenolepisHalibut are the barn doors of the fish world - these massive flatfish can weigh anywhere from 20 pounds to well over 100. We target them on sandy and muddy bottoms in 150-400 feet of water around Ketchikan. Summer months are prime time when they move into shallower feeding areas. What guests love is the surprise factor - you never know if you're fighting a "chicken" halibut or a true giant until you see it. The fight is more of a bulldogging battle than speed, but landing a big one is a real accomplishment. The white, flaky meat is some of the best you'll ever taste. My go-to tip: once you feel that heavy weight, keep steady pressure and pump-and-wind technique. Don't rush it - big halibut have earned their age by being smart.
Ketchikan, AK