Ketchikan: Private Fishing Charter for Salmon & Halibut Groups

Summary

Private Ketchikan fishing trips with local guides and flexible timing

You’ll meet your guide right at the Ketchikan cruise dock and set off for a private fishing charter focused on your group’s pace—no strangers added. Try your hand at salmon or halibut fishing with all gear provided, enjoy snacks on board, and soak up those calm Alaskan waters with someone who knows these islands inside out.

What’s the experience like?

The morning didn’t start quite as planned — I somehow managed to spill coffee on my only warm hat before we even met our guide at the cruise dock in Ketchikan. But honestly, that small mess kind of set the tone: nothing too formal, just real life rolling into an Alaskan day. Our guide, Mark, waved us over with this big grin and a thermos under his arm (I was jealous), and within five minutes we were walking down to the boat, rain jackets rustling and seagulls yelling overhead.

I’d never been on a private fishing charter before, so I was half-expecting some kind of awkward small talk or maybe pressure to catch something impressive. But it wasn’t like that at all. Mark asked what we wanted — salmon or halibut — and didn’t blink when my partner said she just wanted to “see what bites.” The water was calmer than I expected, almost glassy between the islands, and there was this salty tang in the air that made me hungry even though it was barely 9am. He handed us rods and showed us how to use the tackle (I fumbled mine immediately; he pretended not to notice).

We drifted for a while in this quiet pocket where you could hear nothing but the boat creaking and one distant eagle screeching from somewhere behind the trees. At one point Mark pulled out snacks — chips, sodas, those little packets of cookies — which felt weirdly comforting out there surrounded by all that water. When my line finally jerked, I almost dropped it straight in; Mark just laughed and said, “That’s how you know it’s real.” We ended up catching two salmon between us (not huge ones), but honestly I still think about that view more than the fish.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private fishing charter in Ketchikan

• Meet at cruise ship ramp
• Walk to fishing boat
• Fish for salmon and halibut
• Enjoy calm, protected waters
• Experience authentic Alaskan adventure

Top questions

Is pickup included for this Ketchikan fishing charter?

No pickup is needed—the guide meets you right at your cruise ship’s ramp in Ketchikan.

What fish can we catch on this private charter?

You can target salmon or halibut during your trip.

Are snacks and drinks provided?

Yes, bottled water, sodas, and a variety of snacks are included onboard.

Is this fishing charter suitable for families?

Yes, it’s suitable for all skill levels and comfort—kids are welcome too.

Do we share the boat with other groups?

No—this is a private fishing charter just for your group.

Is wheelchair access available?

Yes—the boat and transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

How far is the boat from where we meet?

The boats are less than a five-minute walk from your cruise ship ramp.

Are service animals allowed on board?

Yes—service animals are allowed during your trip.

What’s included

Your private day starts right at the Ketchikan cruise dock—no transfers needed—and includes all fishing tackle for salmon or halibut, complimentary bottled water and sodas, plus plenty of snacks while you’re out on those calm island waters with your local guide before heading back whenever you’re ready.