Ketchikan’s Finest Fishing Charters
– Frequently Asked Questions

Our boats are conveniently located in downtown Ketchikan, just steps away from the cruise ship berths. If you’re arriving by cruise ship, your captain will meet you right at your exit ramp holding a sign with your name. For guests staying in town, we’ll arrange an easy-to-find meeting point near the downtown harbor. No long shuttles or extra travel time — you’ll be on the water and fishing quickly!

The Alaska fishing season in Ketchikan runs May through September. The peak salmon runs occur June through September, with different species (King, Coho, Pink, and Chum) arriving in waves throughout the summer. Halibut, cod, and rockfish are also abundant during these months, making summer the best time to book. For the most variety, mid-June through mid-September offers prime salmon and halibut fishing, while May is great for early salmon before the main runs hit.

Every trip includes a professional USCG-licensed captain, premium rods, reels, tackle, and bait. We also provide water, soda, light snacks, Coast Guard–approved safety equipment, and rain ponchos (if requested). Each boat has an enclosed cabin with a toilet with a privacy curtain for comfort, and after your trip, we’ll arrange delivery of your catch to a trusted local fish processor.

Ketchikan is located in the Tongass National Rainforest, so plan for rain — the area averages over 13 feet of rainfall each year! Dress in layers, including a waterproof or water-resistant outer shell, so you can adjust to the weather. Comfortable shoes with good grip are recommended, and don’t forget sunglasses for glare and a hat for warmth or sun. 

We recommend bringing:

• Camera or smartphone for photos

• Sunglasses & sunscreen

• Extra snacks if you’d like something specific

• Your Alaska fishing license (print it out or have a digital copy on your phone)

• King salmon stamp if fishing for king salmon

• Comfortable layered clothing appropriate for rain and wind

We provide everything else you need, including rods, reels, bait, and tackle.

Ketchikan is known as the Salmon Capital of the World, and depending on the season, you can catch all five species of wild Pacific salmon: King (Chinook), Silver (Coho), Pink (Humpy), Chum, and Sockeye. In addition to salmon, our Alaska fishing charters often reel in halibut, Pacific cod, lingcod, and several varieties of rockfish.

Catch limits are set by Alaska state fishing regulations and change seasonally:

• Halibut: 1 per person per day, size restrictions apply.

• King Salmon: 1 per person per day (over 28”), with a limit of 3 per season for non-residents.

• Coho, Pink & Chum Salmon: Up to 6 per person per day, no annual limit.

• Lingcod: 1 per person per day (size limits apply, seasonal restrictions).

• Rockfish: 5 per person per day, no annual limit.

Your captain will always keep you updated with the latest regulations.

While no charter can guarantee fish, our captains are highly experienced and know how to find the best spots. Guests consistently say their day with us was the best fishing trip in Ketchikan, and most groups go home with plenty of fish and memories to last a lifetime.

After your trip, we’ll arrange to have your catch processed by a trusted local fish processor. Your fish can be filleted, vacuum-sealed, flash-frozen, and shipped overnight to your home, or packed for you to take as checked luggage. You can even have a portion smoked for a true Alaskan delicacy. Learn more about shipping your fish home from Ketchikan here.

Yes — and sometimes it’s just as exciting as the fishing! Guests frequently spot humpback whales, orcas, bald eagles, sea lions, harbor seals, and porpoises. On rare occasions, you might even see a black bear along the shoreline. The scenery of the Tongass National Forest and misty fjords makes every trip unforgettable.

Absolutely — we welcome families! Children under 16 are required by law to wear life jackets at all times, and we provide properly fitted jackets. If you have an infant, please bring a life jacket for them. Adults aren’t required to wear them, but Coast Guard–approved life vests are always onboard. Many families tell us this was their kids’ favorite excursion of their Alaska cruise.

Yes. All captains are USCG-licensed and our boats are equipped with Coast Guard–approved safety gear. Each vessel has an enclosed cabin, and we monitor weather conditions closely. Your safety and comfort are always our top priority.

We provide bottled water, soda, and light snacks on every trip. You’re also welcome to bring any additional food or snacks.

Yes — guests 21+ are welcome to bring their own beer, wine, or alcohol. We do not provide it, but you’re free to enjoy responsibly onboard.

Ketchikan gets about 13 feet of rain each year! Even in summer, dress in layers with a waterproof jacket or shell. Some days are sunny and warm, others cool and rainy. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat — Alaska weather changes quickly.

Prices depend on trip length and species targeted. Salmon trips are shorter and less expensive since salmon are nearby. Halibut and combo charters cost more due to longer travel times. Full pricing is listed on our booking page.

• A private boat and USCG-licensed captain

• Premium rods, reels, bait, and tackle

• Soda, bottled water, and snacks

• Rain ponchos (when requested)

• Coast Guard safety gear

• Enclosed cabin

• Toilet with privacy curtain

• Alaska fishing license (required for ages 16+)

• King salmon stamp (if targeting Kings)

• Fish processing and shipping fees

• Gratuities (15–20% standard)

• Local sales tax

Tips are never required but are very much appreciated. Most guests tip 18–25% of the trip cost.

Yes — up to 6 passengers per boat (Coast Guard max). If you are adding someone to your charter after booking, just shoot us an email and we can update. Larger groups can book multiple boats to fish side by side. If you have a larger group, please reach out to us so we can help coordinate! 

Yes — all of our trips are 100% private. That means no strangers onboard, more flexibility, and a custom trip designed around your preferences.

We require a 100% deposit to finalize and lock in your date. Without payment and confirmation you do not have a completed booking. We guarantee a 100% refund for any cancellations 10 days prior to the trip as well as if your guide needs to cancel for weather conditions.

Cruise ship excursions are crowded and not private so you’ll be fishing with strangers. With us, your charter is 100% private — just your group and captain. Guests say this makes our trips the best excursion of their Alaska cruise. We are also locally owned and operated verse excursions that the cruise ships owns. When you can, support local! 

Yes — Ketchikan’s Finest Fishing Charters is proudly locally owned and operated. Unlike big cruise operators, we’re a small team of Alaskans and experienced guides. One of our founders is still out guiding today.

Yes! All of our captains are U.S. Coast Guard–licensed and each has 20+ years of professional Alaska fishing experience. Many have also fished around the world in a wide range of conditions, giving them unmatched knowledge of both local waters and global techniques. Beyond their skill, our captains are fun, friendly, and passionate about helping every guest reel in fish, learn new techniques, and enjoy an unforgettable day on the water. Learn more about our Ketchikan fishing guides here. 

Yes — our boats are located at berth 3 in downtown just a few minute walk from the cruise ships. You’ll be fishing within 15-20 minutes of leaving the dock. 

Fishing in Ketchikan isn’t just a tour… it’s a true taste of the Alaskan way of life. Southeast Alaska is built around the sea, and locals have always caught and cooked their own seafood as part of daily living. When you step aboard one of our charters, you’re not just catching salmon or halibut — you’re experiencing Alaska the way Alaskans do.

From reeling in your own dinner to spotting whales, eagles, and seals, our trips deliver more than sightseeing — they connect you to the heart of Ketchikan’s culture. It’s why hundreds of guests have said in Google and TripAdvisor reviews that our charters were the highlight of their entire Alaska trip. Don’t just see Alaska… live it, the way locals do.