Wilderness Picnics Ketchikan: Catch & Cook Your Meal

Catch your dinner, cook it over a fire in the rain forest

You fish a remote Ketchikan inlet in a stable open-air skiff, catch salmon or rockfish with professional gear, then cook your catch over a campfire in the rainforest. All gear, a gourmet meal with your fish, and a guide who moves you to where the fish are running: no waiting, no filler. Plan for a half-day of active fishing and eating outdoors.

Step-by-step itinerary

Fishing and dining in Alaskan wilderness

• Get outfitted with waterproof gear
• Board stable open-air 24-foot skiff
• Fish for rockfish, cod, and salmon
• Spot wildlife like seals and eagles
• Head to remote wilderness campsite
• Enjoy gourmet meal with fresh catch
• Savor sourdough rolls and rhubarb crisp
• Drink coffee or hot chocolate by fire

The experience

The skiff cuts through cold water at speed: no slow trolling, no waiting around. You drop a line in a spot the guide knows, and either the fish hit within a couple minutes or you're moving to the next location. That's the rhythm of this Ketchikan fishing trip: fast-paced, responsive, built around where the salmon actually are that day. The boat holds six people max, so there's room to move without feeling crowded, and the guide reads the water and adjusts on the fly. You're outfitted in waterproof bibs, jacket, boots, hat and gloves before you leave. Everything stays dry, or at least drier than you'd expect in Southeast Alaska.

What you catch becomes dinner. Rockfish, cod, or Pacific salmon depending on the season, whatever's running, gets cleaned at the campsite and cooked over a fire in the rainforest. The meal isn't simple camp food. It's your fish served in a saffron-infused bouillabaisse-style stew, with sourdough rolls spread with garlic aioli, a rhubarb and blueberry crisp, and hot coffee or chocolate. The fire crackles in front of you, ancient cedars and spruce trees close in around the clearing, and the only sound is the rain on the canopy and the guide talking about what you're eating. You might see seals, eagles, whales, or bears along the way. They're there, they're not guaranteed, but the water and the wildlife are part of why you're on the boat in the first place.

The whole thing moves fast because that's the point. You're not there to relax into a long day. You're there to fish hard, catch something real, and eat it while it's still the best fish you've had in Alaska. The spray hits your face, the wind is constant, and getting a little wet is baked into the appeal. A Merchant Mariner licensed guide runs the boat and knows how to read both the fish and the people on board, so the pace stays sharp without feeling rushed.

What’s included

Professional Merchant Mariner licensed guide, 24-foot stable open-air skiff, all fishing gear, waterproof clothing (boots, bib overalls, hooded jacket, hat, gloves), your freshly caught fish prepared in a saffron-infused bouillabaisse-inspired stew, sourdough rolls with garlic-aioli spread, rhubarb and blueberry crisp, coffee, and water.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 25 Apr 2027

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 6 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Baranof Fishing Excursions

Is this one for you?Right for anglers and food lovers who want to fish hard and eat what they catch, not spend a day waiting for bites. The fast pace and small group size mean you're always moving toward active fish, which is what makes a half-day feel complete.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

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 fish can I catch in Ketchikan on this trip?

Rockfish, cod, and Pacific salmon when in season. The guide moves to locations where fish are actively biting that day.

Is all the fishing gear included?

Yes. Quality fishing gear, waterproof boots, bib overalls, hooded jacket, hat, and gloves are all provided.

How many people go on the skiff?

Maximum six guests per boat, plus the guide.

Is the meal included in the price?

Yes. Your freshly caught fish is prepared in a saffron-infused bouillabaisse-style stew, served with sourdough rolls, rhubarb and blueberry crisp, coffee, and water.

What if the weather is bad?

The trip operates in Southeast Alaska weather. You'll be outfitted in full waterproof gear. Check with the operator about cancellation or rescheduling policies.