Salmon Fishing in Ketchikan: Five Species in Five Hours

Chase fierce fights on cutting-edge boats where guides find every strike

Salmon fishing in Ketchikan is a five-hour trolling activity on the Inside Passage where you cast and reel for kings, silvers, chums, pinks and coho depending on the season. A guide with multi-beam sonar and electric downriggers positions the boat to find schooled fish near the hatchery or out on Dixon Entrance. Rain gear, boots, gloves and snacks are provided. Children from age five are welcome.

The experience

Five hours trolling means you're casting and reeling for five different salmon species, each one fighting differently depending on the season. Kings hit hardest. Silvers are feisty. Chums are muscular. Pinks and coho fill the gaps when the bigger fish aren't biting. Your guide reads the sonar, works the electric downriggers and knows where the fish school up, whether that's in front of the Ketchikan hatchery on a calm day or out on the open water of Dixon Entrance when they're swarming. The boat is a modern aluminum Raider, built to handle Southeast Alaska's weather and rigged with the gear that gives your guide the best shot at putting you on fish.

The action comes fast when it comes. A slow troll can turn into all hands on deck the instant a salmon hits. You're fighting the fish, your guide is coaching the fight, and the boat is moving to keep the line tight. This is the sportfishing that made Ketchikan famous, not a scenic cruise, not a lesson in fish biology, but the moment when the rod bends and you're working to land it. Rubber rain gear, boots and gloves keep you dry. Snacks keep you fueled through the five hours.

What’s included

• Rubber rain gear, rubber boots and rubber gloves.
• snacks.
• a live English-speaking guide.
• pickup included.

Before you book

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 5

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 7 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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Baranof Fishing Excursions

Is this one for you?Book this trip if you want to fish actively for five hours with a small group on a modern boat equipped to find fish, rather than spend the day cruising and hoping. The sonar and electric downriggers mean your guide is working the water, not burning fuel to search.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

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 salmon species can I catch in Ketchikan?

Five species are possible depending on the season: kings, silvers, chums, pinks and coho. Kings and silvers are the hardest fighters. Pinks and chums are abundant at different times of year.

How does the guide find the fish?

The boat is equipped with multi-beam sonar and electric downriggers, so your guide reads the water and positions the boat where salmon are schooled. The guide has the freedom to fish in front of the hatchery in Ketchikan or out on Dixon Entrance, wherever the fish are active that day.

What do I need to bring for a five-hour fishing trip?

Rubber rain gear, boots and gloves are provided, along with snacks. Bring sunscreen, a camera and a valid fishing license if required. Your guide will confirm the licensing rules when you book.