Ketchikan Fishing Charters

Ketchikan is widely known as Alaska’s gateway for salmon fishing, offering anglers a diverse fishery that blends accessible inshore runs, deep sea excursions, and remote backcountry fishing adventures. Charters typically run half-day and full-day trips, focusing heavily on salmon during peak runs, along with productive bottom fishing opportunities offshore. The area’s fishery is structured around deep channels, fjords, countless islands, and secluded bays, providing shelter and rich feeding grounds for gamefish.

Local ramps like Knudson Cove and Bar Harbor provide easy launches with short run times—often less than 30 minutes—to prime fishing spots. Inshore and backcountry fishing focus primarily on salmon, halibut, and rockfish. Trolling with downriggers using cut-plug herring or artificial hoochies is the go-to method, especially for salmon. Bottom fishing charters, running further offshore, often anchor or drift-fish near deep underwater pinnacles and reefs, dropping baited rigs or metal jigs for large halibut, lingcod, and various rockfish species.

Seasonally, Ketchikan sees its most intense fishing action from May through September, with peak salmon runs dictating much of the charter activity. King salmon fishing peaks in late spring to early summer, followed by coho in late summer through early fall. Halibut and bottom fish remain steady throughout the warmer months but offer excellent catches from late spring into early fall. During shoulder months, local captains often shift techniques, targeting deeper structures and sheltered bays for rockfish and lingering salmon. Whether you’re looking to troll the productive channels, jig offshore reefs, or drift in quiet backcountry waters, Ketchikan has a charter experience tailored to every angler’s preference.