Halibut vs. Salmon Fishing in Ketchikan Alaska: What You Need to Know
Not Sure Which to Target? Let’s Break It Down.
When guests book their fishing trip with us, the first question is usually:
“Should I go after halibut or salmon?”
The good news? You can’t go wrong. But depending on what kind of experience you want—fast action, trophy potential, or culinary payoff—there’s a clear winner for you.
Here’s your full breakdown of halibut vs salmon fishing in Ketchikan so you can book the trip that fits your goals.
What to Expect from Salmon Fishing in Ketchikan Alaska
Salmon are fast, aggressive, and acrobatic. Hook one, and your reel will scream. It’s high-action fishing, great for first-timers and seasoned anglers alike.
Best Months:
King Salmon (Chinook): June–early July
Coho (Silver): July–September
Pink (Humpy): July–August (odd years are stronger)
Why Choose Salmon Fishing?
High-action, high-volume fishing
Great for families, beginners, and cruise guests
Often closer to shore and short runs from the dock
Excellent photo ops — salmon put on a show
“We had three rods go off at once. Nonstop King action!”
– Ketchikan Fishing Company Charter Guest, June 2025
What to Expect from Halibut Fishing in Ketchikan Alaska
Halibut fishing is a slow, deep-water battle. These flatfish don’t race across the surface—they dive and dig. It’s pure muscle fishing, and the payoff is often huge—literally.
Best Months:
Peak Season: Late May–September
Best combo trips (halibut + salmon) are June–August
Why Choose Halibut Fishing?
Potential to catch large, heavy fish (up to 100+ lbs)
Steady, deep-water action
Fillets are prized for flavor and yield
Feels like a real Alaskan experience
“It felt like reeling up a barn door from the bottom of the ocean.”
– Ketchikan Fishing Company Charter Guest, May 2025
Halibut vs Salmon Fishing in Ketchikan: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Salmon Fishing | Halibut Fishing |
|---|---|---|
| Fight Style | Fast, surface runs | Deep, slow, powerful pulls |
| Trip Length | Half-day or full-day | Half-day or full-day |
| Gear Intensity | Light to moderate | Heavy-duty rods & reels |
| Meat Yield | Moderate | High (great fillets) |
| Season Timing | June–Sept (species vary) | Late May–Sept |
| Best For | Any experience level | Any experience level |
| Combo Trip Available? | Yes (with halibut) | Yes (with salmon) |
Not Sure Which to Choose? Do Both.
Many of our guests opt for a combo charter—targeting salmon in the morning and halibut after. It gives you the full Alaska fishing experience and increases your chances of bringing home a cooler full of fish.
Learn more about our Ketchikan salmon & halibut combo charter here.
Bonus: Which Tastes Better?
This one’s personal, but here’s a quick breakdown:
Halibut: Mild, buttery, flaky — incredible grilled, fried, or in tacos
Salmon: Rich, flavorful, full of healthy fats — perfect for grilling, smoking, or sushi
You really can’t go wrong—and shipping your fish home from Alaska gives you a full seafood spread.
Check out how to cook your catch from our parent company, Ketchikan’s Finest Fishing Charters.
Final Word from the Captain
If you’re stuck between halibut and salmon fishing in Ketchikan, don’t stress—either option gives you world-class action. I recommend choosing based on the style of fishing you enjoy, or just booking a combo trip to experience both.
We’d be honored to take you out.
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.