Ketchikan Salmon and Halibut Fishing: 5-Hour Private Charter

Target two species in one trip: halibut for the fight, salmon for the speed.

A 5-hour private fishing charter from Ketchikan's port for groups of 2–6 anglers targets both halibut and salmon in the same outing. You fish the grounds a captain with 10+ years of local knowledge has worked, using provided gear and bait, with bottled water and snacks aboard. The captain stays in touch after you book to brief you on weather and fishing reports before you depart.

Step-by-step itinerary

5-hour halibut and salmon fishing trip

• Meet professional captain
• Board fishing boat
• Travel to prime fishing spots
• Fish for halibut and salmon
• Enjoy views of coastline and wildlife
• Return to port

The experience

The boat leaves Ketchikan's port for the fishing grounds where halibut and salmon run thick. Halibut (bottom-dwellers that can weigh heavy and fight hard) sit in deeper water. Salmon hold shallower and strike fast. A captain with a minimum of ten years fishing these waters knows which grounds hold which species on any given day and adjusts the route to match the conditions and what's biting. You fish with rods the boat provides, along with bait, and the captain handles the navigation and the expertise while you work the line.

Five hours on the water means time to work both species without the rush. The boat carries bottled water and snacks, and all safety gear is on board. If your catch is worth keeping, ask the captain about shipping it home before you leave the dock. Children from age 1 are welcome aboard, though infants must sit on an adult's lap. A live English-speaking guide is with you the whole time.

After you book, you communicate directly with your captain, no middleman, so you can ask about weather, get fishing reports, and confirm port times. Pricing per angler drops as your group grows, so a party of six pays less per person than a pair. Fishing licenses are not included and must be arranged separately.

What’s included

• Fishing gear and bait.
• bottled water and snacks.
• all safety equipment.
• a captain with 10+ years of Ketchikan fishing experience.
• a live English-speaking guide for the full 5 hours.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 25 May 2027

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (20 to 65 years) · Senior (66 and older) · Youth (11 to 19 years) · Child (1 to 10 years)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Ketchikan Fishing Expeditions

Is this one for you?Book this charter if you want to fish two different species and two different depths in a single outing, rather than committing a whole day to one or the other. The 5-hour window fits both halibut and salmon without requiring you to choose between them.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 19 years); Child (1 to 10 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's the difference between halibut and salmon fishing, and do I catch both on the same trip?

Halibut are bottom-feeders that live in deeper water and pull hard when hooked. Salmon hold in shallower zones and strike fast. This charter targets both species in the same 5 hours, so you fish different depths and techniques in one outing rather than choosing one or the other.

Do I need my own fishing gear, or is everything provided?

All fishing gear, bait, bottled water and snacks are included. You bring nothing except your fishing license, which you must arrange before the trip.

How does the captain know where the fish are on the day I book?

Your captain has fished Ketchikan's waters for at least a decade and stays current on daily reports. After you book, you communicate directly with them to get updates on where the halibut and salmon are running and what the weather looks like before you head out.

What happens if I catch fish I want to keep?

Ask your captain about shipping options before you leave the dock. The captain can advise on how to get your catch home.

Does the price change if I book with a larger group?

Pricing per angler decreases as your group grows, so the cost per person is lower for a group of six than for a pair. The rate is the same for children and adults.