Ketchikan salmon and halibut fishing charter: Small-group angling

You catch fish regardless of whether you've held a rod before.

A salmon and halibut fishing charter in Ketchikan puts you on a boat with 3–6 people, a captain who guides you to productive water, and all the tackle and bait you need to fish. The captain handles the navigation and instruction, so the day is about casting and reeling, not learning technique on your own. Pickup and drop-off from a designated meeting point are included. You choose between a 4-hour salmon trip, a 5-hour halibut charter, or a 6-hour combination of both. A fishing license is required in some options and included in others. Confirm which applies to your booking.

Step-by-step itinerary

Fishing and wildlife viewing tour

• Board fishing charter in Ketchikan
• Receive fishing equipment and instructions
• Fish for salmon and halibut
• View local wildlife during tour
• Return to shore after 4-6 hours

The experience

The boat leaves from Ketchikan and heads into the coastal waters where salmon and halibut hold. The captain knows where they are running and positions the boat so you're fishing productive ground, not drifting and hoping. You'll have a rod in your hands within minutes of departure, and the action starts quickly: halibut bite hard, and salmon take with enough force that even someone casting for the first time feels the difference between a strike and a snag. The captain reads the water, adjusts the location if the bite slows, and keeps the boat moving through the day so you're always over fish.

All tackle, rods, reels, bait and soft drinks come with the charter. Bring layers and waterproof gear. The water is cold and the weather changes fast in Southeast Alaska. Meals are not included, so eat before you go or bring snacks. The boat operates in all weather, which means you fish on days when the shore is socked in. That's also why the halibut and salmon bite better than on calm, bright afternoons. A minimum of three people per booking is required, with at least two adults in the group.

The 4-hour salmon trip focuses on the species that school and fight hard. The 5-hour halibut charter targets the bottom-dwellers that can weigh 50 pounds or more. The 6-hour combination gives you both, though the split means less time on each species. Pickup and drop-off happen at a designated meeting point in Ketchikan. Confirm the location when you book.

What’s included

• Pickup and drop-off from a designated Ketchikan meeting point.
• all fishing rods, reels, tackle and bait.
• soft drinks.
• captain's guidance to productive fishing water.

Options for this experience

3 options

4-hour private salmon fishing tripGuide in English · No fixed timeThis charter runs 4 hours and is designed specifically for cruise ship passengers. It is a private tour. Combination fishing charters are offered: halibut fishing is available on the 5- and 6-hour charters because of the distance to the fishing grounds. The catch varies depending on the weather and time. Pickup is included.

5hr-hr Halibut charterGuide in English · No fixed timeFishing trip lasting 6 hours. Pickup is included.

Halibut and salmon charter, 6 hoursGuide in English · No fixed timeDuration: 6 hours. Pickup is included.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesUp to age 85

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effort

Operated by Alaska King Charter

Is this one for you?Salmon delivers constant action in a shorter window; halibut demands patience for trophy-sized catches; combination lets you experience both species in one outing.

Traveler reviews

4.93★★★★★★★★★★

376 verified traveler reviews

5 ★366

4 ★3

3 ★2

2 ★1

1 ★4

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

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 the salmon, halibut and combination charters in Ketchikan?

The 4-hour salmon charter focuses on salmon species that school and fight actively. The 5-hour halibut charter targets bottom fish, which are heavier and require different technique. The 6-hour combination includes both, though the time is split between them. Choose based on which fish interests you most or whether you want to try both in one day.

Do I need a fishing license for the Ketchikan charter?

A fishing license is required for some charter options and included in others. Confirm which applies to the option you're booking before you complete your purchase.

What should I bring for a fishing charter in Ketchikan?

Bring waterproof, layered clothing. The water is cold and weather changes fast. The boat operates in all conditions, so dress for rain and wind. Meals are not included, so eat beforehand or bring snacks. All fishing tackle, rods, reels and bait are provided.

How many people can go on the Ketchikan fishing charter?

The boat holds 3–6 people per trip. A minimum of three people is required per booking, with at least two adults in the group.

How long does the Ketchikan fishing charter take?

The salmon charter runs 4 hours, the halibut charter 5 hours, and the combination charter 6 hours. Pickup and drop-off from a designated meeting point in Ketchikan are included in all options.