Ketchikan Fishing Company Blog:
Expert Tips, Seasons & Travel Insights

May Fishing Report in Ketchikan: Excellent Start To The 2026 Fishing Season As we wrap up our May fishing report in Ketchikan, one thing is clear — the early fishing season in Southeast Alaska started off strong. Consistent halibut action, aggressive Pacific cod fishing, calm weather windows, and nonstop wildlife sightings made for an excellent start to the 2026 fishing season. Guests fishing with Ketchikan Fishing Company experienced steady action throughout the month, with productive

How We Clean Our Ketchikan Fishing Charters For Every Guest A successful Alaska fishing charter starts long before the first line hits the water. At Ketchikan Fishing Company, keeping our boats clean, organized, and guest-ready is part of the daily routine throughout the fishing season. From sanitizing fishing equipment and maintaining clean deck spaces to preparing boats before every departure, our crew works hard to create a professional and comfortable experience for every group that

2026 Alaska Fishing Regulations: Ketchikan Charter Guest Guide Planning a fishing trip to Ketchikan? Understanding the 2026 Alaska fishing regulations will help you maximize your time on the water while staying compliant. At Ketchikan Fishing Company, we simplify the details so you can focus on fishing. Below is a complete breakdown of limits, seasons, and key rules for the 2026 season. Halibut Fishing Regulations (2026 Alaska) The Pacific Halibut is the ultimate Alaska heavyweight. These

How to Choose the Best Ketchikan Fishing Tour If you’re planning a trip to Alaska, finding the best Ketchikan fishing tour can make or break your experience. Ketchikan is known as the salmon capital of the world, offering access to some of the most productive fishing waters in Alaska. But with so many options available, knowing how to choose the right charter is key. This guide will help you avoid common mistakes and confidently book

2026 Halibut Fishing Regulations in Ketchikan, Alaska If you’re planning a halibut fishing trip in Southeast Alaska, it’s important to understand the 2026 Ketchikan halibut fishing regulations before heading out on the water. Every year federal fisheries managers update regulations for guided sport fishing charters in Southeast Alaska. These rules determine how many halibut anglers can keep, legal size limits, and when retention closures occur throughout the season. Whether you’re visiting Alaska on vacation, arriving

Why Guests Say Our Ketchikan Fishing Charter Was the Best Alaska Cruise Excursion When it comes to choosing the best Alaska cruise excursion, travelers are turning to the waters of Ketchikan—and the reviews say it all. At Ketchikan Fishing Company, now proudly operating under our partner company Ketchikan’s Finest Fishing Charters, we’re honored to be called the highlight of guests’ entire cruise experience. Whether it’s families, friend groups, or first-time anglers, our guests consistently tell us the same thing:

What to Do in Ketchikan Alaska in One Day: Perfect Cruise Itinerary Visiting Ketchikan for the First Time? Here’s the Perfect 8-Hour Plan for Summer 2025 Wondering what to do in Ketchikan Alaska in one day? Whether you’re stepping off a cruise ship or on a short visit, you can still enjoy the best of Ketchikan in just 8 hours — no stress, no guesswork. This local-approved itinerary blends Alaska’s legendary fishing with downtown’s history, food,

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

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

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

What to Pack for a Ketchikan Fishing Trip: Captain’s Ultimate Checklist Author: Captain Lukas Head Captain for Ketchikan Fishing Company & Ketchikan’s Finest Fishing Charters Hey there—I’m Captain Lukas. I’ve spent over 20 years guiding anglers in places like Alaska, Hawaii, and even the Bahamas. But there’s no place quite like Ketchikan. Every summer, I’m out on the water daily helping guests reel in halibut, kings, rockfish—you name it. Over the years, I’ve seen it

Fishing Charter in Ketchikan: What First-Timers Should Know By: Captain Lukas, Ketchikan Fishing Guide As a charter captain in Ketchikan, I’ve guided thousands of guests—many for their very first fishing trip. If you’re new to Alaska or new to saltwater fishing altogether, here’s what I wish every first-time guest knew before they stepped on board. 1. No Experience? No Problem. We welcome complete beginners all the time. On your first fishing charter in Ketchikan, you

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Fishing in Ketchikan, Alaska Fishing in Ketchikan, Alaska is a bucket-list experience for anglers and adventure seekers alike—but there’s more to it than most people realize. Whether you’re booking your first Ketchikan fishing charter or just curious what makes this place so unique, these 10 surprising facts will give you a better sense of why this destination is one of the top places to fish in Alaska. 1. Ketchikan

Fishing in Ketchikan Alaska isn’t just another stop on your cruise itinerary — it’s a chance to experience the soul of Southeast Alaska in just a few unforgettable hours. Known as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” this coastal town delivers world-class sport fishing, stunning wildlife, and rich local culture just minutes from your cruise ship.

If you’re looking for the best Alaska cruise excursion, look no further.

The Best Halibut Fishing Rigs How Cruise Guests Catch Huge Halibut in Ketchikan, Alaska If you’re planning an Alaska cruise and stopping in Ketchikan, you’ve got a rare opportunity: a chance to hook into one of the most exciting fish in the Pacific — the mighty halibut. Ketchikan is world-famous for halibut fishing, and even with limited time in port, cruise ship guests can experience an authentic Alaskan fishing adventure. The key to success? A

Halibut Fishing in Ketchikan: Reel in Alaska’s Heavyweight Champion If you’re looking for an unforgettable Alaskan fishing adventure, halibut fishing in Ketchikan belongs at the top of your list. With quick access to rich fishing grounds, experienced local guides, and the potential for a “barn door” trophy fish, it’s no wonder anglers from around the world come here to battle these legendary flatfish. From the first deep tug on your line to that final lift

If you’ve been dreaming of an Alaskan fishing trip, there’s no better place than Ketchikan. Each summer, millions of salmon return to the waters of Southeast Alaska, creating one of nature’s most incredible migrations — and offering some of the best salmon fishing in Ketchikan (and anywhere on Earth).

Ketchikan Weather by Season What Alaska Cruisers Should Know Before Booking a Fishing Excursion VIEW ALL TOURS CONTACT US Planning a fishing trip to Ketchikan, Alaska? Smart move — but don’t forget to check the forecast. Ketchikan weather is unpredictable.  It’s famously known as the “Rain Capital of Alaska”, and while that might sound daunting, seasoned anglers know it’s just part of the experience — and part of what makes the region so rich in fish,