When your cruise ship docks in Ketchikan, Alaska, you have a limited amount of time to experience everything this incredible town has to offer. Most passengers pack onto crowded buses for rushed city tours or overpriced sightseeing excursions. But if you’re looking for a true Alaskan adventure, there’s no better way to spend your time than on a fishing charter for wild salmon & halibut.
Instead of being just another tourist, you’ll get to fish like a local, soak in Alaska’s stunning scenery, and even bring home your own freshly caught salmon or halibut. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a first-timer, a fishing charter is the best way to experience the real Alaska before heading back to your cruise.
Why Fishing is the Best Excursion for Cruise Passengers in Ketchikan:
1. Escape the Tourist Crowds and See the Real Alaska
Ketchikan is one of Alaska’s busiest cruise ports, welcoming over one million visitors each summer. While many tourists stick to crowded shore excursions, a private or small-group fishing charter gives you an exclusive, up-close experience of Alaska’s incredible waters.
Instead of following a large group on a scripted tour, you’ll be out on the open water with a knowledgeable local captain, learning firsthand about the area’s rich fishing history and thriving wildlife. It’s the perfect escape from the cruise crowds!
2. Catch Your Own Wild Alaskan Salmon & Halibut
If you’ve ever tasted wild-caught Alaskan salmon or halibut, you know there’s nothing like it. Instead of watching someone else fish at a tourist stop, you’ll be the one reeling in a trophy salmon or fighting a massive halibut.
Here’s what you can expect to catch:
- King Salmon (Chinook): The biggest and most prized salmon species.
- Silver Salmon (Coho): Aggressive fighters, fun to catch, and delicious to eat.
- Halibut: These bottom-dwelling giants can weigh over 100 pounds!
- Rockfish & Lingcod: Bonus catches that make for incredible fish tacos.
No matter what you reel in, you’ll leave with an incredible story to tell—and maybe even some fresh fish to enjoy after your trip.
3. Experience Alaska’s Stunning Wildlife Up Close
A fishing charter isn’t just about catching fish—it’s about experiencing Alaska’s wild beauty from the best seat in the house: on the water.
While you’re fishing, you might spot:
- Bald eagles soaring overhead
- Humpback whales breaching in the distance
- Seals and sea lions basking on rocky outcrops
- Bears foraging along the shoreline (depending on the season)
Unlike crowded tourist excursions, you’ll have an uninterrupted, front-row seat to nature from the deck of a fishing boat.
4. Make the Most of Your Short Time in Port
Most cruise ships stop in Ketchikan for just 4 to 8 hours—which means you need an excursion that’s both exciting and time-efficient. Our fishing charters are designed to fit within your cruise schedule, so you can enjoy an unforgettable experience without worrying about missing your departure.
Our charters offer:
✅ 4-hour salmon or halibut fishing trips for shorter port stops
✅ 5-8 hour salmon & halibut combo trips for extended stays
✅ Flexible departure times to align with your ship’s schedule
By the time you step back onto your cruise ship, you’ll have a once-in-a-lifetime story to tell—and maybe even some fresh fish waiting to be shipped home.
What to Expect on Your Ketchikan Fishing Charter
Convenient Pickup Right at the Cruise Dock
Our fishing charters offer easy pickup from the cruise ship dock, so you won’t waste time getting to the boat. Within minutes of stepping off your ship, you’ll be on the water, fishing in some of the best spots in Alaska.
High-Quality Gear & Expert Local Guides
Your fishing trip includes top-of-the-line rods, reels, bait, and tackle—everything you need to land a trophy fish. Your guide will also share local tips and tricks to help you catch the biggest and best fish possible.
Fish Processing & Shipping Available
After you catch your fish, you don’t have to leave it behind!
You’ll have multiple options:
- Vacuum-sealed, flash-frozen, and shipped home to enjoy later
- Cook your fresh catch at a local restaurant before reboarding your ship
Many visitors love bringing home wild Alaskan salmon or halibut—it’s the ultimate souvenir from an unforgettable trip!
Ready for the Ultimate Alaskan Fishing Adventure?
Book Your Ketchikan Charter Today!
A salmon and halibut fishing charter is the best way to experience Alaska while on your cruise. Instead of fighting crowds on tourist-packed buses, you’ll be out on the open water, reeling in wild Alaskan fish, spotting incredible wildlife, and creating memories that last a lifetime.
Book your Ketchikan fishing charter now! Spots fill up fast during cruise season, so reserve yours today.
Click here or call us at (907) 617-4717.
