Private Fishing Charter in Ketchikan: Salmon and Halibut

Your guide meets you at the cruise ship ramp; the boats are a five-minute walk away.

A private fishing charter in Ketchikan puts you on calm, protected waters with a local guide targeting salmon, halibut or both, depending on the option you choose. The guide meets you at your cruise ship and provides all fishing tackle; the waters around Ketchikan are sheltered by islands, making them suitable for families and all skill levels. You pick the duration and species focus at checkout, and some options include a fishing license and king salmon stamp.

The Experience

Ketchikan's protected waters mean you're fishing in calm conditions from the start. The boat launches within five minutes of the cruise ship ramp, so there's no transport hassle and no time wasted getting to the fishing grounds. A local guide handles the setup and knows where the salmon and halibut are running; you're fishing, not figuring out where to cast. The tackle is all provided — rods, reels, line, everything — so you show up ready to fish, not ready to shop.

The charter runs five hours for most options, though you can book a shorter four-hour salmon trip or an eight-hour combo if you want more time on the water. Bottled water and sodas are complimentary, and snacks are included, so you're not managing hunger between bites. The guide adjusts the day to what you want to catch and how you want to fish it; there's no set itinerary or other clients splitting the guide's attention. Families with small children can bring a stroller, and the boat is wheelchair accessible if that matters for your group.

You choose your option at checkout: a four-hour salmon focus, a five-hour halibut trip, or one of two combo options that run longer and target both species. Some options include a fishing license and king salmon stamp; others require you to add them. Either way, the guide walks you through what you need before you cast.

What’s included

• All fishing tackle and equipment.
• bottled water and sodas.
• snacks.
• a local guide in English.
• pickup at your cruise ship ramp.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by The Alaska Catch

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a private boat where the itinerary and target species shift based on what you want to catch that day, rather than following a set schedule with other anglers.

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Top questions

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

The charter targets salmon, halibut, or both depending on which option you book. A four-hour salmon trip focuses on salmon alone; the halibut and combo options let you pursue both species or focus on halibut for five hours.

Do I need to bring my own fishing gear?

No. The charter provides all fishing tackle — rods, reels, line and everything else you need to fish. You just show up and cast.

How does the pickup work if I'm on a cruise ship?

The guide meets you at your cruise ship's ramp, and the boats are less than a five-minute walk away. No separate transportation is required.

Are the waters rough, or is this suitable for families?

Ketchikan's waters are calm and protected by various islands, which makes them suitable for families of all skill and comfort levels, including children and infants.

What's included in the charter price?

All fishing tackle, bottled water, sodas, and snacks are included. A fishing license and king salmon stamp are included in some options and available to add on others.

How long does the charter last?

Most options run five hours on the water. You can also book a four-hour salmon-focused trip or an eight-hour combo if you want more or less time.