Updated January 2026 //
Ketchikan’s fishing seasons ebb and flow throughout the summer months, typically running from May through September. Anglers visiting Southeast Alaska have the opportunity to target halibut, salmon, lingcod, rockfish, and Pacific cod—all within a relatively short but action-packed season.
Fishing in Alaska is world-class throughout the summer, but different species peak at different times. This Alaska Fishing Calendar breaks down the season by charter type and month so you can confidently choose the right Ketchikan fishing trip for your goals.
Alaska Fishing Season Calendar – Charter Types at a Glance
Below is a quick overview of the two primary charter experiences in Ketchikan and how each changes throughout the fishing season.
Bottom Fishing Charters (Halibut, Cod, Rockfish, Lingcod)
Bottom fishing is available throughout the Alaska fishing season and provides some of the most consistent action from spring through early fall.
May
Halibut, Pacific cod, and rockfish dominate
Colder water means fishing deeper structure
Lingcod opens mid-May
June
Halibut numbers increase as waters warm
Strong mixed-bag bottom fishing
Pacific cod and rockfish remain active
July – August
Peak bottom fishing season
Faster halibut limits
Shallower structure becomes productive
September
Halibut fishing remains strong
Fewer boats and lighter pressure
Lingcod and rockfish continue producing
Bottom fishing charters are ideal for anglers who want variety, consistent action, and a chance to bring home quality fish regardless of salmon timing.
Salmon Fishing Charters (King, Silver, Pink, Chum, Sockeye)
Salmon fishing follows a defined seasonal rhythm, with different species peaking at different points throughout the summer.
June – King Salmon
Openings expand around mid-June
King salmon are the primary target
Highly regulated but highly rewarding
July – King, Silver & Pink Salmon
King salmon remain available early in the month
First waves of silver salmon arrive
Pink salmon numbers surge
August – Silver & Pink Salmon (Peak)
Silver salmon become the headline species
Large schools and aggressive bites
Occasional king, chum, and sockeye mixed in
September – Silver Salmon
Larger average coho salmon
Tighter schools and intense bite windows
A favorite among experienced anglers
Salmon fishing charters are perfect for anglers chasing fast action, light-tackle excitement, and iconic Alaska species.
Fishing Ketchikan, Alaska in May
Fishing in the month of May delivers classic bottom-fishing opportunities for anglers targeting halibut, rockfish, and Pacific cod. During this early-season window, salmon retention is limited under current Ketchikan salmon regulations, making May a bottom-fishing-focused experience.
Lingcod retention normally opens around May 15, with legal size limits typically ranging from 30–35 inches in Ketchikan waters.
Cold water keeps halibut in deeper depths
Fishing commonly takes place in 200–300+ feet of water
Excellent early-season bottom fishing opportunities
Pacific Cod Fishing Charters – May
Pacific cod thrive in cold water
No size or bag limits
A productive alternative when salmon retention is closed
Lingcod & Rockfish Charters – May
Lingcod opens mid-May
Strong mixed-bag opportunities
Rockfish action remains consistent
Fishing Ketchikan, Alaska in June
June marks a major transition in the Alaska Fishing Calendar as salmon opportunities begin to open and overall activity increases across species.
King Salmon Fishing Charters – June
Limited openings early in the month
Broader access opens normally around June 15
King salmon become the primary target
Warming waters push halibut into prime grounds
Increased numbers and faster limits
Halibut and king salmon are often caught on the same trip
Productive 200–300 foot depths
Pacific cod, halibut, and rockfish remain active
Fishing Ketchikan, Alaska in July – One of the Best Months to Fish
July is widely considered one of the best months on the Alaska Fishing Calendar. Nearly every major species is available, creating fast-paced, action-filled fishing days.
King Salmon Fishing Charters – July
Excellent fishing continues into early July
Strong numbers in local waters
Silver Salmon Fishing Charters – July
Early pulses of silver salmon arrive
Fast action once schools move in
Timing can vary slightly year to year
Consistent limits
Both shallow and deep options available
One-drop hookups are common
Pink Salmon Charters – July
High-volume action
Ideal for families and first-time anglers
Fishing Ketchikan, Alaska in August – Peak Alaska Fishing Calendar Season
August continues much of the same outstanding fishing found in July, with silver salmon becoming the clear headliner.
Silver Salmon Fishing Charters – August
Peak coho salmon season
Large schools and aggressive bites
A favorite among repeat guests
Silver salmon dominate
Strong pink salmon numbers
Occasional king, chum, and sockeye salmon
Halibut Fishing Charters – August
Steady action continues
Favorable weather windows
Fishing Ketchikan, Alaska in August – Peak Alaska Fishing Calendar Season
September brings a noticeable seasonal shift as weather patterns become more variable. Anglers willing to gamble are often rewarded with fewer crowds and exceptional fish quality.
Silver Salmon Fishing Charters – September
Tighter schools
Larger average fish than mid-summer
Short but intense bite windows
Halibut Fishing Charters – September
Strong fishing continues throughout Southeast Alaska
Less pressure on prime fishing grounds
Lingcod & Rockfish Charters – September
Consistent action
Excellent mixed-bag opportunities
September fishing offers less predictability, but the rewards can be significant when conditions align.
Why an Alaska Fishing Calendar Helps Plan the Perfect Trip
An Alaska Fishing Calendar helps anglers align expectations with seasonal patterns. While timing varies year to year, historical trends make it easier to choose the right month and charter style.
Whether you’re targeting trophy halibut, aggressive silver salmon, or a true mixed-species adventure, Ketchikan fishing charters offer world-class opportunities throughout the season.
Ready to Fish Ketchikan? We’ve Got You Covered!
If you’re using this Alaska Fishing Calendar to plan your trip, we’d be happy to help you dial in the details. At Ketchikan’s Finest Fishing Charters, we run private trips tailored to the season, the conditions, and what you want to catch—whether that’s halibut, salmon, or a little of everything. If you have questions about timing, species, or which trip makes the most sense for your group, give us a call or shoot us an email. We’re always glad to talk fishing and help you plan a great day on the water.
Contact Ketchikan’s Finest Fishing Charters
FAQs – Alaska Fishing Calendar (Ketchikan)
What is the best month to fish in Ketchikan?
July and August are widely considered the best months due to peak salmon runs and consistent halibut fishing.
When does halibut season start in Alaska?
Halibut fishing typically begins in May and remains strong through September.
Is salmon fishing open all summer in Ketchikan?
Salmon regulations vary by species, with king salmon opening in June and silver salmon peaking in July and August.
Are Alaska fishing charters family-friendly?
Yes. Pink salmon and bottom fishing trips offer fast action and are well-suited for families and first-time anglers.
