Ketchikan Salmon & Rockfish Fishing: 5-Hour Adaptable Adventure

Chase whatever fish are biting: salmon trolling, rockfish jigging, or bottom fishing for lingcod and cod.

A 5-hour combination fishing trip from Ketchikan where you and a licensed guide pursue whatever species offers the best action that day—salmon trolling with downriggers, jigging for rockfish in kelp forests, or dropping for bottom fish. The guide's choice of location and technique shifts with seasonal runs and conditions, so you're fishing multiple ways inside one trip. All tackle, rain gear, boots and snacks are provided; children from age 3 are welcome, and an Alaska fishing license is your choice at checkout.

The Experience

The trip starts with your guide reading the day's conditions and recent reports, then picking the first target. If salmon are running, you'll troll through schools of pink, silver, and king salmon using downriggers to control depth. If the bite is better on light tackle, you'll switch to jigging suspended rockfish in the water column or hunting lingcod in kelp forests. On a calm day, the boat runs farther for Pacific cod and bottom fish. The guide carries multiple rigged rods so the pivot between styles happens fast—you're not sitting idle while tackle gets swapped.

Five hours on the water means real time fishing, not a ferry ride with a few casts at the end. You'll see primeval forests and mountains rising straight from the sea, and marine mammals—whales, porpoises, seals—are common sightings along the way. Halibut sometimes hook themselves while you're chasing other species on the bottom; they get released unharmed. The same goes for any fish you don't want to keep. Rain jacket, bibs, boots, hat and gloves are all provided, so you show up in regular clothes and the boat handles the rest.

Your guide is a Merchant Mariner licensed to run these waters and speaks English. Pickup is included from your Ketchikan location. An Alaska fishing license is optional—you add it at checkout if you want one, or fish license-free if you prefer to catch and release everything.

What’s included

• All fishing tackle and rods rigged for multiple techniques.
• rain jacket, rain bibs, boots, hat and gloves.
• snacks.
• a Merchant Mariner licensed guide who speaks English.
• pickup from your Ketchikan location.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Baranof Fishing Excursions

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English throughout, so anyone comfortable following instructions and conversation on the water can fish here—no special language skills needed. The five-hour window and flexible technique mean you're not locked into one style of fishing or one location, so if the first approach isn't producing, the day pivots without wasted time.

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Top questions

What fish am I likely to catch on a Ketchikan combination fishing trip?

Salmon (pink, silver, and king), rockfish, lingcod, and Pacific cod are all possible depending on what's running and where your guide decides to fish that day. You may also hook halibut while fishing the bottom for other species, though they're released back to sea.

How does the guide decide which fishing technique to use?

The guide checks recent reports and conditions on the morning of your trip, then chooses between salmon trolling, rockfish jigging, and bottom fishing based on where the bite is strongest that day. Multiple rigged rods stay on board so switching between techniques happens quickly without downtime.

Do I need to bring my own fishing license?

An Alaska fishing license is optional and added at checkout if you want one. You can fish without a license on this trip and catch-and-release, or purchase one before you go.

What gear and clothing do I need to bring?

Bring nothing—rain jacket, bibs, boots, hat, gloves, and all fishing tackle are provided. Wear regular clothes and comfortable shoes to the dock; everything else is on the boat.

Are there other animals to see besides fish?

Whales, porpoises, and seals are common sightings in Southeast Alaska waters. You'll also see primeval forests and mountains rising from the sea throughout the five-hour trip.

Can children go on this fishing trip?

Children from age 3 are welcome. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller if needed, and the boat's crew will help keep them safe and engaged during the five hours on the water.