Ketchikan Fishing: Alaska’s Best Kept Secret
When people picture fishing in Alaska, names like Homer, Seward, or Kodiak usually come up first. However, ask Southeast Alaska locals, and you’ll hear about Ketchikan. Quietly famous for its rich waters, this destination is where experienced anglers head when they want incredible fishing without the crowds.
Here’s why Ketchikan fishing stands out as one of Alaska’s best kept secrets.
1. The Salmon Capital of the World
Ketchikan earned its nickname for a reason. Five species of Pacific salmon migrate through its waters every season, making it one of the most reliable places in Alaska to hook into serious action:
King (Chinook) Salmon
Coho (Silver) Salmon
Sockeye Salmon
Chum Salmon
Pink (Humpy) Salmon
Many Ketchikan fishing charters, including ours, offer combination trips that let you target multiple salmon species in a single outing.
2. Easier to Reach Than You Might Expect
Unlike some Alaskan towns that require additional flights or floatplanes, Ketchikan is remarkably accessible.
Cruise guests can join charters tailored to port schedules.
Fly-in visitors can arrive directly from Seattle via Alaska Airlines or Delta.
As a result, you can experience world-class fishing without the hassle of difficult travel logistics.
3. Fishing in a National Forest
The Tongass National Forest, the largest temperate rainforest in the world, surrounds Ketchikan. This means you are not just fishing—you are immersed in scenery straight out of a nature documentary.
Expect sights such as:
Misty fjords
Towering Sitka spruce
Waterfalls and granite cliffs
Bald eagles, whales, and even bears along the shore
4. Quick Access to Fishing Hotspots
In Ketchikan, top fishing locations are often just 30 to 45 minutes from the dock. That means less time motoring and more time fishing.
“We had a great time on this charter. Grayson is a great captain, and their equipment was second to none. We caught our limit of halibut and were able to stock our freezer with cod.
We were even able to get an up close view of a humpback whale on our way back in. Grayson took care of getting our fish to the processor and setting up shipping to our house after he dropped us off in town to sightsee.”
— David S., 5-Star Google Review
Whether you are after salmon, halibut, or both, these fertile fishing grounds are closer than you might think.
5. Options for All Experience Levels
Ketchikan fishing offers something for everyone, from beginners to seasoned anglers:
Half-day charters ideal for cruise passengers
Full-day trips
Custom experiences based off what your goals are
We have helped everyone from six-year-olds to eighty-year-olds land the fish of their lives.
6. A More Personal, Less Crowded Experience
While towns like Homer get most of the spotlight, Ketchikan provides a quieter, more intimate fishing experience. Fewer crowds and smaller group sizes allow for greater flexibility and personal attention.
“No cruise crowds, just fish and fun. Best day of our trip.”
— Lisa K., 5-Star TripAdvisor Review
8. It’s About More Than Fish
Many guests leave with more than a full cooler.
“A+ experience. Highly recommend Captain Lukas and First Mate Rudy. Caught salmon and rockfish, saw whales, bald eagles and incredible scenery. Looking forward to cooking our catch!”
— David D., 5-Star Google Review
Ketchikan surprises visitors. What begins as a fishing trip often turns into a deep connection with Alaska’s wild beauty and a strong desire to return.
Ready to Experience Ketchikan Fishing for Yourself?
Whether it is your first visit or you are coming back for another round, we would love to show you why Ketchikan fishing is Alaska’s best kept secret.
Book your Ketchikan fishing charter today!
Contact Ketchikan Fishing Company
Ketchikan Salmon Fishing Charters
Ketchikan Fishing Company Charter FAQS
We provide water, soda and various snacks on all of our Ketchikan fishing charters. Please bring any additional snacks you wish to have while fishing.
- Expert USCG licensed captain/ Alaska Sportfishing guide
- All fishing gear, tackle, and bait (included in combination Wildlife + Fishing Tour)
- Water, soda and snacks
- Rain ponchos and rain gear
- Coast Guard approved safety equipment
- Enclosed cabin with porta-potty and privacy curtain
- Delivery of catch to fish processor (included in combination Wildlife + Fishing Tour)
- Alaska sport fishing license for anyone age 16 years and up. This is needed for the combination Wildlife + Fishing Tour. Purchase at https://store.adfg.alaska.gov/
- City sales tax and processing fee
- Gratuity for a job well done – Industry standard is 10-20%. Not required but always appreciated.
- Fish processing and shipping for combination Wildlife + Fishing Tour. Prices based on fileted weight and range from $7-15/lb.
Time and experience! Wildlife Tours from downtown Ketchikan brings the best of both worlds. Your guide meets you right at your cruise ship berth or downtown harbor and your off to the fishing and wildlife grounds immediately. This in comparison saves you 30 minutes to one hour compared to fishing outside of town where you have to attempt to arrange your own transport to take a bus or taxi ride 30 minutes north or south. Why waste time in a cab when you can be whisked away to the most productive fishing grounds instantly.
Rain or shine it’s best to plan for the rain. Ketchikan’s located in the Tongass National Forest which averages thirteen feet of rain a year. With that being said we do have magically sunny days or light overcast days without rain. Dressing for the rain allows you to shed layers as needed and be prepared for any weather.
There is a marine portapotty onboard with privacy curtains.
Yes! This tour is specifically built for families visiting Ketchikan. Experience wildlife viewing and fishing in calm waters with expert guides. Our guides are well versed to teach your family step by step instructions in a safe and fun environment. In addition to the wildlife safari, whale watching and eagle feeding.
Kids under the age of 16 must wear a life jacket at all times on the boat. We supply and outfit each child before departing the dock with the necessary floatation device. Adults are not required to wear a life jacket while onboard but they are always readily available life jackets for all persons.
We do not add anyone to your charter group. We only run privately guided charters so we can consistently exceed your groups expectations. Our private guided charter experience allows us to plan the entire trip with you in mind and this allows us to allocate the correct time per species at your request. Based on years of experience this is the only way to provide an authentic Alaska charter fishing experience. We have 4 boats that can hold 6 guests each. Feel free to contact us if you need help with booking for larger parties.
While there’s always a chance one can get seasick when at sea, this tour provides crabbing and fishing in calm waters. Specifically we avoid rough waters to ensure your family is safe and comfortable on this Ketchikan tour.
Yes, this tour is perfect for cruise ship guests visiting Ketchikan. Built with families in mind who visit Ketchikan by cruise ship. This tour offers it all in a safe and fun environment. Cruise ship guests have the option of multiple departure times that best suit your group’s arrival and departure times.