Ketchikan: Salmon & Halibut Fishing Charter Small Group

Summary

Small group fishing for salmon or halibut in Ketchikan Alaska

You’ll join a small group on a real Alaskan fishing boat from Ketchikan, learning to catch salmon or halibut with help from your local captain. Expect hands-on guidance (even if you’re new), wildlife sightings, all gear included, plus pickup from town. It’s noisy sometimes, peaceful others—and you might leave with cold fingers but a good story.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely stepped onto the boat in Ketchikan when the captain handed me a rod and grinned like he already knew I’d fumble it. I could smell salt and something colder, sharper—maybe just that northern air. There were only five of us, plus the captain, and somehow that made it feel less like a tour and more like we’d been invited along for someone’s regular Saturday. The water was glassy at first but then started to chop as we moved out, so I gripped the rail tighter than I wanted to admit.

I’d never tried salmon fishing before (halibut either), so when our guide showed me how to set up the line, I probably looked clueless. He didn’t mind—just laughed and told a story about his uncle catching a boot once instead of a fish. We drifted near these pine-covered islands while bald eagles circled overhead, silent except for their wings cutting through the air. At some point, my hands got cold but I didn’t care because suddenly there was this hard pull on my line and everyone started shouting advice at once—some helpful, some just noise. The fish was heavier than I thought; my arms shook by the end.

We took turns at the rods, swapping stories between bites of jerky (bring snacks—they don’t feed you) and sips of soda from a cooler tucked under a bench. The captain pointed out seals bobbing near the rocks and even slowed down so we could watch them for a minute—not part of any schedule, just because he liked them too. Sometimes it rained sideways for five minutes then stopped like nothing happened. I still think about that view back toward town with everything misty and green—it’s stuck with me somehow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Fishing and wildlife viewing tour

• Board fishing charter boat
• Receive fishing equipment and guidance
• Fish for salmon and halibut
• View local wildlife
• Return to shore

Top questions

How many people are on the Ketchikan fishing charter?

The tour runs with 3-6 people per group.

Is fishing equipment provided on this tour?

Yes, all rods, reels, tackle, and bait are included.

Are meals included during the charter?

No meals are provided; only soft drinks are included.

Does the tour include pickup in Ketchikan?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points are included.

Can beginners join this salmon & halibut fishing trip?

Yes, all skill levels are welcome—the captain guides you through everything.

What should I wear for fishing in Ketchikan?

Dress appropriately for weather; conditions can change quickly in Alaska.

Is there wildlife viewing on this charter?

Yes, you may see seals and other wildlife during your trip.

How long is the Ketchikan salmon & halibut charter?

You can choose between 4-hour or 6-hour tours.

Do children need to be accompanied by adults?

A minimum of 3 people per booking is required with at least 2 adults.

What’s included

Your day covers pickup and drop-off from set meeting points in Ketchikan, all fishing rods and tackle you’ll need—including bait—and soft drinks on board while you fish for salmon or halibut alongside your small group and local captain before heading back to town together.