Ketchikan Alaska Fishing: 5 Types of Salmon You Can Catch on a Charter & How to Tell Them Apart
Introduction: Not All Salmon Are Created Equal
If you’re heading out on a Ketchikan Alaska fishing trip, chances are you’re dreaming of landing a salmon — and you’re in luck. Ketchikan is known as the Salmon Capital of the World for a reason.
But here’s something most first-time anglers don’t realize: there are five different types of salmon swimming through these waters — each with their own look, flavor, fight, and season.
This quick guide breaks down the five types of salmon you can catch on a charter — and how to tell them apart once they’re on the line (or on your dinner plate).
1. King Salmon (Chinook)
The Biggest & Boldest
King salmon are a top target on any Ketchikan Alaska fishing charter, especially early in the season.
- When to catch them: Late May through July
- Average weight: 15–30 lbs (sometimes 40+)
- Fight level: High — strong and steady
- How to tell them apart:
- Blue-green back with silvery sides
- Black mouth and black gums
- Small round spots on back and tail
- Why people love them:
They’re Alaska’s largest salmon — and one of the most delicious. If you land one, it’s a trophy fish and a freezer-filler.
2. Coho Salmon (Silver)
Fast, Feisty, & Fun to Fight
- When to catch them: July through September
- Average weight: 8–15 lbs
- Fight level: High — aggressive surface action
- How to tell them apart:
- Bright silver sides (especially fresh from the ocean)
- White gums and black mouth
- Spots on back and upper tail only
- Why people love them:
They hit hard, leap out of the water, and are great for new anglers. Plus, the fillets are firm, flavorful, and versatile for cooking.
3. Pink Salmon (Humpy)
The Most Common & Surprisingly Fun
- When to catch them: Mid-July to late August (even years mostly)
- Average weight: 3–5 lbs
- Fight level: Light – best for beginners or families
- How to tell them apart:
- Males develop a distinct hump on their back during spawning
- Small size, silver body with large spots on tail
- Why people love them:
They’re abundant, cooperative biters, and great for first-time salmon fishing in Ketchikan. Also a great intro for kids.
4. Chum Salmon (Dog Salmon)
The Workhorse of Alaskan Salmon
- When to catch them: Mid-July to August
- Average weight: 6–12 lbs
- Fight level: Moderate – steady resistance
- How to tell them apart:
- Vertical bars or stripes on the sides during spawning
- Large, pronounced teeth (hence “dog” salmon)
- Less shiny than other species
- Why people love them:
Chum are often overlooked but can be fun to catch — and are excellent for smoking due to their firm flesh and oil content.
5. Sockeye Salmon (Red)
The Brightest and Most Flavorful
- When to catch them: Rare from boat in Ketchikan (more in rivers)
- Average weight: 5–8 lbs
- Fight level: Moderate
- How to tell them apart:
- Deep red bodies and green heads in spawning phase
- Leaner build, no spots on tail
- Bright silver when ocean-fresh
- Why people love them:
Sockeye is a favorite among chefs — rich in flavor and color. Though less common on charters, they’re a prized catch if you hook one.
How to Remember Them: The Finger Trick
Here’s a popular Alaska guide’s trick for remembering all five salmon types:
Thumb = Chum (rhymes)
Index finger = Sockeye (poke yourself in the eye)
Middle finger = King (the largest finger = largest salmon)
Ring finger = Silver/Coho (rings are silver)
Pinky = Pink salmon
Cheesy? Maybe. But it works!
Which Salmon Can You Keep and Ship Home?
Most salmon caught on Ketchikan Alaska fishing charters can be legally retained during the open season, depending on the daily limits set by Alaska Fish & Game. We’ll help you understand:
What you’re allowed to keep
How to clean and vacuum-seal your fish
How to freeze and ship it home
Learn more about shipping your fish home from Ketchikan here.
Learn more about what’s legal and in season on our Alaska fishing regulations page, or visit our FAQ to get all your common questions answered.
Planning Your Ketchikan Alaska Fishing Trip?
Whether you’re new to salmon fishing in Ketchikan or looking to target a specific species, our captains know exactly where to go, what’s biting, and how to make the most of your time on the water.
Book your Ketchikan fishing charter today!
Contact Ketchikan Fishing Company
Ketchikan Salmon Fishing Charters
FAQs | Ketchikan Alaska Fishing Company
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.