Alaska · Southeast Alaska
CHINOOK SALMON FISHING
IN KETCHIKAN
Ketchikan is an excellent destination for chinook salmon fishing, with peak season in June, July and good catches in May. Book a charter and target chinook salmon with local experts.
About Chinook Salmon Fishing in Ketchikan
The king of salmon and the most prized sportfish on the Pacific coast. Chinook — also called king salmon — are the largest Pacific salmon species, with trophy fish exceeding 50 pounds in Alaska and Northern California rivers. Their powerful runs and acrobatic fights make them the ultimate West Coast gamefish from spring through fall.
Chinook Salmon — universally called King Salmon — are the largest and most prized Pacific salmon species. These magnificent fish can exceed 50 pounds in Alaskan rivers and 30+ pounds in California and Oregon waters. Kings are anadromous, born in freshwater rivers, migrating to the Pacific Ocean to feed and grow for 2-7 years, then returning to their natal streams to spawn and die. Their chrome-bright ocean phase features a dark blue-green back speckled with black spots, bright silver sides, and a white belly. Spawning fish turn dark olive to maroon. Males develop a pronounced hooked jaw ("kype") and humped back during the spawn.
Scientific name: Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
Chinook Salmon Seasonal Calendar — Ketchikan
Month-by-month availability for chinook salmon in Ketchikan, AK.
How to Catch Chinook Salmon in Ketchikan
Techniques & Bait
Ocean trolling with downriggers is the primary technique, running herring or anchovy cut-plugs at 30-120 feet behind flashers or dodgers. Mooching (drifting with weighted herring or anchovy) is a classic Pacific Northwest method. In rivers, back-trolling with Kwikfish, Mag Lips, or bait-wrapped plugs is deadly. Bank anglers do well drifting cured salmon roe under a float through holding water. In Alaska, backbouncing eggs or casting spinners (Blue Fox, Rooster Tails) in river systems produces trophy kings.
Recommended Tackle
Ocean trolling: 8-9 ft medium-heavy downrigger rod, level-wind reel, 25-40 lb mono or 50 lb braid. River fishing: 8'6"-10'6" medium-heavy rod, spinning or level-wind reel, 15-30 lb main line, 12-20 lb fluorocarbon leader. In Alaska, heavier gear (30-50 lb) is common for 40+ lb fish.
Best Nearshore Fishing Spots in Ketchikan
Top spots where local captains target chinook salmon and other nearshore species.
Guard Islands
The Guard Islands at the entrance to Tongass Narrows feature rocky nearshore reefs where lingcod, rockfish, and halibut hold in current-swept habitat. The islands' position creates tidal rips that concentrate baitfish and attract king salmon and coho salmon during seasonal migrations.
Herring Cove
Herring Cove south of Ketchikan is a protected bay where king salmon, pink salmon, and coho salmon stage before entering the creek system. The cove's shallow waters and bear-viewing platform make it one of Alaska's most accessible wildlife and fishing experiences.
Smith Cove
Smith Cove near Ketchikan provides sheltered nearshore fishing where salmon, rockfish, and halibut hold in the cove's deeper sections. The cove's protected waters offer calm fishing conditions even when outer waters are rough.
Betton Island
Betton Island north of Ketchikan features rocky nearshore structure where lingcod, rockfish, and halibut hold along the island's current-swept shoreline. The island's position in Behm Canal provides productive bottom-fishing accessible from Clover Pass.
Other Species in Ketchikan
More fish you can target while visiting Ketchikan.
Chinook Salmon Fishing in Ketchikan — FAQ
The peak months for Chinook Salmon fishing in Ketchikan are June, July. During these months, Chinook Salmon are most active and abundant in the Ketchikan area.
Chinook Salmon fishing charters in Ketchikan are typically nearshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Ocean trolling with downriggers is the primary technique, running herring or anchovy cut-plugs at 30-120 feet behind flashers or dodgers. Mooching (drifting with weighted herring or anchovy) is a classic Pacific Northwest method. In rivers, back-trolling with Kwikfish, Mag Lips, or bait-wrapped plugs is deadly. Bank anglers do well drifting cured salmon roe under a float through holding water. In Alaska, backbouncing eggs or casting spinners (Blue Fox, Rooster Tails) in river systems produces trophy kings.
No — when you book a charter in Ketchikan, your captain provides all required Alaska fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Chinook Salmon regulations in Alaska include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Chinook Salmon in Ketchikan, you may also catch Rockfish, Pacific Halibut, Lingcod, Coho Salmon, Sockeye Salmon. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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