Planning your dream trip to Alaska? Whether you’re flying in or stepping off a cruise ship for a once-in-a-lifetime shore excursion, no visit is complete without experiencing salmon fishing in the Salmon Capital of the World — Ketchikan, Alaska.
Each summer, thousands of visitors arrive in this vibrant coastal town looking to reel in wild Alaskan salmon. From powerful king salmon to fast-hitting silvers, Ketchikan offers some of the most accessible and action-packed fishing in the state. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to catch salmon in Alaska, with proven techniques, gear tips, and local strategies from our experienced Ketchikan fishing charter team.
Why Ketchikan is the Best Place to Catch Salmon in Alaska
Ketchikan isn’t just a scenic port — it’s one of the most productive salmon fisheries in the world. Located along the Inside Passage in Southeast Alaska, it gives anglers quick and easy access to rich migration routes for all five Pacific salmon species.
With calm, protected waters, short travel times to the fishing grounds, and reliable salmon runs from late spring through early fall, Ketchikan is uniquely suited for both first-time anglers and seasoned sportsmen.
If you’re visiting Ketchikan on a cruise, you can be on the water and fishing within minutes of stepping off the ship. That’s part of what makes this area such a magnet for visitors looking to make the most of their time in port.
When to Catch Salmon in Alaska
Alaska’s salmon run timing varies by species, and Ketchikan offers an extended window of opportunity from May through September.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Salmon Species | Best Time to Catch | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| King (Chinook) | May – July | The largest and most sought-after species |
| Silver (Coho) | July – September | High-energy fighters, great for action-packed trips |
| Pink (Humpy) | July – August (even years) | Abundant and fun, especially for beginners and kids |
| Sockeye | June – July | Typically caught in rivers; less targeted by charters |
| Chum | July – August | Known for aggressive hits and large size |
Want help identifying what’s on the line during your trip? Check out our guide to the five types of Alaska salmon and how to spot them.
What About 2025 Alaska Fishing Regulations?
Before you hit the water, it’s important to know what’s in season, how many fish you can keep, and what your license needs are. Alaska’s fishing rules change frequently based on run strength and conservation efforts.
We stay updated so you don’t have to, but for peace of mind, check out our full breakdown of the 2025 Southeast Alaska fishing regulations for non-residents.
How to Catch Salmon in Alaska: Proven Methods from Ketchikan Guides
Our experienced charter team uses a variety of tactics depending on the season, water conditions, and target species. Here are the four main techniques that consistently produce results.
1. Trolling with Flashers and Hoochies
This is the go-to technique for both king and silver salmon.
Why it works: Flashers create vibration and visual flash that attract salmon from a distance. Hoochies mimic squid or baitfish and trigger strikes.
Setup:
UV green or chartreuse flasher
36″–42″ leader to a two-hook hoochie rig
Trolled at variable depths using a downrigger
Pro tip: Adjust trolling speed and depth regularly — salmon often follow before striking.
2. Cut Plug Herring
Cut plug herring is a classic bait technique for targeting kings and silvers, especially when they’re holding deeper.
Why it works: Fresh or brined herring gives off natural scent and flash, mimicking injured baitfish.
Setup:
Double hook rig
Herring cut to spin tightly
Fished behind a flasher or on its own
3. Mooching
Mooching is a hands-on technique that offers a slower, more tactile experience. It’s perfect for calmer days or when fish are suspended mid-column.
How it works:
Slowly drift or power mooch a weighted herring rig
Raise and lower the rod in a slow, rhythmic motion
Feel the bite, then set the hook
This method can be especially fun for kids and first-timers looking for more engagement.
4. Vertical Jigging
When salmon are stacked deep or feeding aggressively, jigs can outperform everything else.
Recommended jigs:
P-Line Laser Minnow
Gibbs Minnows
Zzingers
Let the jig fall near bottom or into suspended schools, then jerk and flutter. Most strikes occur on the drop.
What Gear Do You Need to Catch Salmon in Alaska?
When you book a trip with us, we provide all gear & tackle. But for those bringing their own or just curious, here’s what works best in our waters:
Rods: Medium-heavy trolling or mooching rods
Reels: Saltwater-rated, smooth drag systems
Line: 30–50 lb monofilament or braid with fluorocarbon leaders
Lures & Bait: Flashers, hoochies, cut plug herring, and metal jigs
Other Tools: Downriggers, scent attractants, and fish finders
Our guides handle the rigging, depth control, and bait prep — so you can focus on the fun.
How Downriggers Help You Catch More Salmon
If you’re serious about catching salmon in Alaska — especially king or silver salmon — using a downrigger is essential. These tools allow anglers to precisely control the depth of their bait or lure, which is critical since salmon often suspend in deeper, colder water layers.
How a downrigger works:
A heavy cannonball weight is lowered to a specific depth using a cable
Your fishing line is clipped to the cable with a release clip
When a salmon hits, the line pops free and you fight the fish directly
Why it matters in Ketchikan:
Salmon often hold between 60 and 120 feet down
Water temperature and tidal layers shift constantly
Downriggers let us adjust quickly and stay on the bite
On our charters, we use electric downriggers with dual rod setups, allowing us to cover multiple strike zones at once. For visitors new to this technique, our guides will walk you through every step — from rigging to reeling.
Planning a Fishing Charter in one of your Alaska Cruise Ship stops?
If you’re docking in Ketchikan for just a few hours, don’t worry — we specialize in cruise-friendly salmon charters. Our trips are tailored to align with cruise schedules, include direct dock pick-up, and get you fishing within minutes of arriving.
Whether you have four hours or a full day, we’ll help you make the most of your time in the Salmon Capital of the World.
We’re located right next to the Ketchikan Cruise Ship docks (see map).
Book Your Salmon Fishing Charter in Ketchikan Alaska
Learning how to catch salmon in Alaska is just the start. Booking a guided charter gives you the tools, tactics, and local knowledge to fish like a pro — even if it’s your first time holding a rod.
We offer:
Cruise ship-friendly pick-up and departure times
All-inclusive pricing
Experienced guides with over 25,000+ guests who fish these waters daily
Reserve your trip now and experience what makes Ketchikan the top destination for Alaska salmon fishing.
BOOK A KETCHIKAN SALMON FISHING CHARTER TODAY
