Sport fishing in Ketchikan
Sport fishing is one of the main ways to spend time on the water near Ketchikan. Charter boats leave from the docks near downtown and head into the protected waters of the Inside Passage to troll for salmon or bottom-fish for halibut. Trips run from a few hours to a full day, and most are built for first-timers and families. Boat, tackle and guide are provided by the operator.
Places to go
Tongass National Forest
Tongass National Forest is the large forest that surrounds Ketchikan. Its trails, backcountry roads and waters are open for hiking, cycling, paddling and fishing.
Tours to book
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
Exclusive Skiff Fishing and Fresh Catch Wilderness Dining
What to expect
Most charters leave from the docks near downtown and go out for a 3 to 8 hour trip. Some are short salmon outings in calm, protected water with short runs between spots. Others are longer and combine trolling for salmon with bottom fishing for halibut, cod and rockfish. The operator supplies the boat, tackle and a guide, so you show up ready for the weather and not much else.
Expect a day that is part fishing and part watching the water. Between lines you may see the coast, other boats and the forested islands of the Tongass. Trips suit first-timers and families. The fish you land can often be cleaned and taken with you, and one operator offers a fresh-catch meal after a skiff trip.
Where to go
- Protected waters near town. Short salmon trips in calm water, where you troll for King, Coho, Pink or Sockeye on a 3 or 4 hour outing. By charter boat.
- Halibut grounds on the Inside Passage. Bottom fishing for Pacific halibut, cod, rockfish and sharks, with deep jigging on 4 or 5 hour trips. By charter boat.
- Combined salmon and halibut trips. A 5 to 8 hour outing that trolls for salmon, bottom-fishes for halibut and jigs for rockfish and lingcod. By charter boat. A trip that goes here: Small Group Ketchikan Salmon Cooking Class and Dining Experience, 2 Hours, $219 a person
Getting there
Most charters depart from the docks near downtown. Check the departure point with the operator when you book.
When to go
Charters run from May to September, and the season is the only window for these trips. Salmon and some other species are available only in set time frames, so check current Alaska Department of Fish and Game rules before you go.
Good to know
- Dress in layers. Weather can turn from sunny and warm to windy, rainy and cold within an hour.
- Ketchikan is one of the rainiest cities in North America, so pack a rain jacket even on a clear morning.
- Bring a camera and something warm, since the boat is open to the wind and spray.
Questions
Do I need fishing experience to go sport fishing in Ketchikan?
No. The charter operator supplies the boat, tackle and a guide. Many trips are built for first-timers and families, with the guide handling the gear and showing you how to fish.
What kind of fish can I catch near Ketchikan?
Salmon and halibut are the main catches. Trips can also reach rockfish, lingcod, cod and sharks. Salmon species include King, Coho, Pink and Sockeye, though each is available only in set seasons.
Can I fish in Ketchikan in winter?
The charter season runs from May to September, so most trips are offered only in those months.
