Alaska · Southeast Alaska
ROCKFISH FISHING
IN KETCHIKAN
Ketchikan is an excellent destination for rockfish fishing, with peak season in June, July, August and good catches in May, September. Book a charter and target rockfish with local experts.
About Rockfish Fishing in Ketchikan
The Pacific rockfish complex includes over 70 species, from the prized vermilion and copper rockfish of California to the massive yelloweye of Alaska. Found around rocky reefs, pinnacles, and kelp beds at depths from 50 to 1,000 feet, rockfish are the backbone of West Coast bottom fishing and provide excellent table fare.
Pacific Rockfish encompass over 70 species in the genus Sebastes, making them the most diverse group of sportfish on the West Coast. Popular species include Vermilion Rockfish (red snapper), Copper Rockfish, Black Rockfish, Blue Rockfish, Canary Rockfish, and the massive Yelloweye Rockfish of Alaska. Colors range from bright vermilion-red to jet black to mottled copper-brown, depending on species and depth. Found from shallow kelp beds to depths exceeding 1,000 feet, rockfish are the backbone of Pacific coast bottom fishing. Many species are extremely long-lived — yelloweye rockfish can live over 120 years.
Scientific name: Sebastes spp.
Rockfish Seasonal Calendar — Ketchikan
Month-by-month availability for rockfish in Ketchikan, AK.
How to Catch Rockfish in Ketchikan
Techniques & Bait
Dropping bait (squid strips, anchovy, shrimp) or metal jigs (Diamond Jigs, Crippled Herring, flutter jigs) to rocky structure in 60-300 feet is the standard technique. Shrimp fly rigs — multiple baited hooks on a dropper rig above a heavy sinker — allow multiple fish per drop. Soft plastic swimbaits on heavy jigheads (2-6 oz) bounced along the bottom are effective. For shallow species (Black Rockfish, Blue Rockfish), casting swimbaits and metal jigs into kelp bed edges works well. Sabiki rigs near structure can produce fast limits.
Recommended Tackle
Medium-heavy conventional rod (5'6"-7 ft), level-wind reel, 30-65 lb braided line, 30-40 lb fluorocarbon leader, 4-16 oz weights depending on depth. Long dropper leaders with multiple hooks (shrimp fly rigs) are standard on party boats. Sensitive rod tips help detect bites at depth.
Best Bottom Fishing Fishing Spots in Ketchikan
Top spots where local captains target rockfish and other bottom fishing species.
Tongass Narrows
Tongass Narrows is the waterway running along Ketchikan's downtown waterfront where king salmon, pink salmon, and coho salmon migrate past the city during summer runs. Shore anglers fish from the city docks and creek mouths while boat anglers troll the narrows for accessible salmon fishing within sight of town.
Clover Pass
Clover Pass north of Ketchikan is a protected waterway between Revillagigedo and Betton Islands where king salmon, coho salmon, and halibut hold in the pass's tidal currents and deeper channels. The pass's calm waters and lodge-based access make it a premier inshore fishing destination.
Mountain Point
Mountain Point south of Ketchikan is a rocky headland where king salmon stage during their migration through Tongass Narrows. Shore anglers fish from the point's accessible rocky beach while boat anglers troll the adjacent waters for quality Chinook salmon.
Ketchikan Creek
Ketchikan Creek flows through the heart of downtown Ketchikan and hosts runs of king salmon, coho salmon, and pink salmon throughout the summer. The creek's famous fish ladder at the Deer Mountain Hatchery provides unique urban salmon fishing within walking distance of the cruise ship docks.
Other Species in Ketchikan
More fish you can target while visiting Ketchikan.
Rockfish Fishing in Ketchikan — FAQ
The peak months for Rockfish fishing in Ketchikan are June, July, August. During these months, Rockfish are most active and abundant in the Ketchikan area.
Rockfish fishing charters in Ketchikan are typically bottom fishing trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Dropping bait (squid strips, anchovy, shrimp) or metal jigs (Diamond Jigs, Crippled Herring, flutter jigs) to rocky structure in 60-300 feet is the standard technique. Shrimp fly rigs — multiple baited hooks on a dropper rig above a heavy sinker — allow multiple fish per drop. Soft plastic swimbaits on heavy jigheads (2-6 oz) bounced along the bottom are effective. For shallow species (Black Rockfish, Blue Rockfish), casting swimbaits and metal jigs into kelp bed edges works well. Sabiki rigs near structure can produce fast limits.
No — when you book a charter in Ketchikan, your captain provides all required Alaska fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Rockfish 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 Rockfish in Ketchikan, you may also catch Pacific Halibut, Lingcod, Coho Salmon, Chinook Salmon, Sockeye Salmon. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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