King Salmon Fishing in Ketchikan: Tactics, Timing & Trophy Potential
Target king salmon in Ketchikan's prolific waters with this guide to timing, techniques, and the best spots for trophy c...
Read MoreAlaska · Southeast Alaska
KETCHIKAN
FISHING CHARTERS
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About
Ketchikan Fishing
Ketchikan is the "Salmon Capital of the World" and Alaska's first port of call on the Inside Passage. All five Pacific salmon species return to the waters surrounding this colorful waterfront town, along with massive halibut, lingcod, and rockfish. With the Tongass National Forest as a backdrop and incredible concentrations of bald eagles, bears, and whales, Ketchikan delivers the ultimate Alaska fishing experience.
Fishing Calendar
What's Biting in Ketchikan?
See which species are available each month, color-coded by activity level.
Color Key
Peak
Good
Fair
Off Season
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Nearshore
|
- | - | - | - | G | P | P | - | - | - | - | - |
|
Nearshore
|
- | - | - | - | F | G | P | P | G | - | - | - |
|
Bottom Fishing
|
- | - | - | - | G | P | P | G | G | - | - | - |
|
Bottom Fishing
|
- | - | - | - | G | P | P | P | G | - | - | - |
|
Inshore
|
- | - | - | - | - | F | G | P | G | - | - | - |
|
Inshore
|
- | - | - | - | - | G | P | G | - | - | - | - |
|
Nearshore
|
- | - | - | - | - | - | G | P | P | - | - | - |
Species Glossary
View Full Species Guide
Ketchikan Fish Species
7+ species organized by fishing type. Click any species to learn more.
Inshore Species
Fish the bays, flats, and passes close to shore.
Nearshore Species
Target reefs, wrecks, and structure within a few miles of land.
Bottom Fishing Species
Charter Guide
Fishing Charter Types in Ketchikan
Understanding the different charter types will help you book the perfect trip for your group.
INSHORE
Fish the bays, flats, and passes close to shore. Target redfish, speckled trout, flounder and more in calm, protected waters.
View Inshore ChartersNEARSHORE
Fish the reefs, wrecks, and structure 1-9 miles offshore. Target snapper, grouper, cobia and more over natural and artificial reefs.
View Nearshore ChartersDEEP SEA FISHING
Deep sea fishing 20+ miles out. Chase tuna, marlin, mahi mahi, wahoo and other pelagic gamefish in blue water.
View Deep Sea Fishing ChartersTROLLING
Cover water by dragging lures or bait behind a moving boat to target pelagic species.
View Trolling ChartersBOTTOM FISHING
Drop baits to the ocean floor to target snapper, grouper, and other reef dwellers.
View Bottom Fishing ChartersFLY FISHING
Sight-cast with fly rods on the flats for redfish, trout, and tarpon.
View Fly Fishing ChartersSURF FISHING
Fish from the beach or wade into the surf to target pompano, whiting, and redfish.
View Surf Fishing ChartersKAYAK FISHING
Paddle out for a more intimate fishing experience on bays and nearshore waters.
View Kayak Fishing Charters
Fishing Tips & Guides
View All Articles
Ketchikan Fishing Blog
Local insights, seasonal reports, and expert tips for fishing in Ketchikan.
Guest Reviews
4.7
based on 3 reviews
Ketchikan Fishing Reviews
King Salmon Crushing in Clover Pass
The kings were stacked in Clover Pass and we were mooching herring in 80 feet of water. First fish was a 42-pound king that went on a 200-yard run before we turned it. Ended with four kings from 25 to 42 pounds — Ketchikan in June is the king salmon capital of Southeast Alaska.
C
Captain Jim Thunderbird
June 2025
King Salmon
Halibut Barn Doors at the Mountain Point
Anchored off Mountain Point in 200 feet and the halibut were eating herring like it was their last meal. Landed four halibut from 30 to 85 pounds — the 85-pounder took three anglers to haul over the rail. Ketchikan's protected inside waters produce giant halibut with calm conditions.
C
Captain Yuki Tanaka
July 2025
Pacific Halibut
Coho Silver Madness in August
The coho run exploded in Tongass Narrows and we trolled hoochies behind flashers into a feeding frenzy. Silver salmon were jumping everywhere — we had our limits of 10 to 14 pound coho by 10 AM. These fish are chrome-bright and acrobatic — the most fun species on light tackle.
C
Captain Beth Caldwell
August 2025
Coho Salmon
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