Halibut Fishing Charter in Hoonah: Catch and Release

Fish for halibut in Alaska waters and watch for whales between casts.

A halibut fishing charter in Hoonah puts you on the water for three or five hours with all fishing gear, snacks and rain gear provided. You fish for halibut on a catch-and-release basis while the boat moves through waters where humpback whales, sea otters, eagles and other wildlife often appear. Fishing licenses are available on the boat for $25 cash.

Step-by-step itinerary

Halibut fishing and wildlife viewing

• Begin halibut fishing trip
• Observe whales and sea life
• Practice catch and release fishing

The experience

The charter runs three or five hours depending on which trip you book. You bring nothing but yourself: the boat supplies all fishing gear, light rain gear, and snacks. A fishing license costs $25 cash, paid on the boat when you arrive. Groups of up to six can book the five-hour trip as a single party, or you can join a three-hour departure on your own or with friends.

Halibut is the target, but the waters around Hoonah hold other life. Humpback whales, sea otters, sea lions, eagles and other species move through the same area, and sightings happen often enough that they are part of what makes the day. All fish caught are released. The processing plant that once kept the catch has closed, so the fishery now runs catch-and-release only. That does not change the fishing itself. It changes what you take home.

Pickup is included, and children from age one can come along. The boat accommodates all fitness levels, so the physical demand is low. The main constraint is weather and water conditions, which Alaska can shift quickly.

What’s included

• All fishing gear is provided.
• snacks in the form of chips and cookies.
• light rain gear.
• fishing license available on the boat for $25 cash.
• pickup included.

Information

Lasts 3h–5h, from US$ 440 per person, in groups of up to 6 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesNext departure: 7 Jun 2027

GroupUp to 6

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 4 pickup points.

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (19 to 65 years) · Senior (66 to 80 years) · Youth (12 to 18 years) · Child (1 to 11 years)

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Wooshkeetaan Tours

Is this one for you?Book the three-hour trip if you want a morning or afternoon on the water without a full day commitment, or choose the five-hour charter if your group of up to six wants more time to fish and a better chance at wildlife sightings.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 18 years); Child (1 to 11 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What kind of fish will I be catching on this charter?

Halibut is the target species for this charter. The waters around Hoonah hold them year-round, and the boat is rigged and timed to fish for them specifically.

Can I keep the fish I catch, or is this catch-and-release only?

All fishing on this charter is catch-and-release. The fish processing plant that once operated in Hoonah has closed, so the fishery now operates under catch-and-release rules only.

What wildlife might I see besides fish?

Humpback whales, sea otters, sea lions, eagles and other marine and coastal wildlife move through the same waters. Sightings are common enough during the trip that they are part of the experience.

Do I need to bring my own fishing gear or license?

The charter provides all fishing gear, rain gear and snacks. A fishing license is required and costs $25 cash, paid on the boat when you arrive.

How long does the fishing trip last?

You can book either a three-hour trip or a five-hour trip. The five-hour option can accommodate a group of up to six people as a single booking.