Charter Fishing in Ketchikan: Your Guide to Their Fishing Season

Did you know that the commercial fishing industry in Alaska brings in a whopping 29 million fish annually? If you want in on a piece of the action–whether salmon, halibut, lingcod, yelloweye, or rockfish–then you need to give charter fishing in Ketchikan a try. There’s no better way to experience America’s last frontier, a true angler’s paradise.

When you opt to go on a charter fishing in Ketchikan expedition, not only do you get an eyeful of Ketchikan’s gorgeous wilderness scenery. You get a “fish whisperer” at your side and their full bag of tricks from the catching trade.

Read on to learn more about what to fish for, when, and how.

Wild Alaska

Attempting to grasp the sheer immensity of Alaska can prove a real challenge for those who have never visited us before.

The state covers 365 million acres and contains more than three million lakes and 3,000 rivers. It boasts 47,300 miles of coastline, more coastline than the combined contiguous United States has to offer. And it boasts 17 of the nation’s 20 highest peaks.

A land of fire and ice, Alaska contains 80 percent of America’s active volcanos. It’s also home to more than 100,000 glaciers. In fact, it has more active glaciers than anywhere else in the world.

Ketchikan represents the beginning of wild Alaska, the last true American frontier. Located at the southernmost tip to the state’s celebrated Inside Passage, waterways flow like intricate mazes through this idyllic land. Because of its feisty salmon and 100-year old fishing industry, the area has earned a reputation as the “Salmon Capital of the World.”

Located in the 17 million-acre rainforest known as the Tongass National Forest, Ketchikan is surrounded by vibrant wildlife, waterfalls, Sitka spruce, and cedars. In fact, some of the trees in the Tongass are estimated to be 800 years old! The nearby Misty Fjords National Monument, with its mysterious, mist-covered landscapes, pristine blue lakes, and snowy mountain peaks will entrance you.

Yet, Ketchikan’s conveniently located 90 minutes by airplane from Seattle and 50 minutes by airplane from Juneau. Easy to reach and pulsing with raw beauty, you’ll leave a piece of your heart here.

Now let’s dive into how to hook some monster fish in exchange. Some of these would make Jeremy Wade think twice! Without further ado, here’s everything you need to know about fishing Alaska.

An Angler’s Paradise

The mind-boggling abundance of high-quality salmon, lingcod, rockfish, and halibut, make Ketchikan a true sport-fishing heaven. But what’s the best time to charter fishing in Ketchikan, Alaska?

If you want to get technical, you can fish year round. But that means getting creative with the species you target and the locations you choose. You may even need to embrace ice fishing depending on where you’re at and when.

But what if you have a specific species in mind? Then, you’ll need to plan your trip around that fish. You should also consider hiring an experienced fishing charter to ensure the most efficient use of your time and optimal success.

In general, though, the fishing season runs from May through the end of September. Fortunately, this also coincides with the best time of year to visit Ketchikan.

Successfully hooking some species, like halibut, can happen any time during this fishing season. But other species, including certain types of salmon, have a more limited season. So, do some research on fish catch totals by season, consult with an experienced charter fishing company, and start planning for success in Alaska.

Let’s start by taking a look at the different types of fish you can hook in Alaskan waterways. Then, we’ll dive more deeply into the best time of year to do it.

Halibut, Lingcod, and Yelloweye! Oh My!

From halibut to lingcod to rockfish, reeling in “the big one” takes on a whole new meaning in the 49th state. Not only do the fish prove larger here, but they put up a powerful fight. Fortunately, when you opt for a fishing charter, you’ll have an expert at your side ready to guide you through the process of bringing in whatever you hook.

Ready to learn more about charter fishing in Ketchikan, Alaska and some of the amazing catch that you can expect to hook near Ketchikan? Let’s start by talking about the true monsters of the deep blue, halibut.

Did you know that Southeast Alaskan halibut can easily weigh upwards of 100 pounds? What’s more, the biggest and baddest of them come in at a hefty 300 points or more!

If you decide to go for this fish, get ready for a contest of endurance and willpower. When you reel in one of these babies, prepare for the fight of your life. You better hope the boat’s empty, too, as these guys can be the equivalent of pulling a barn door into the boat.

Lingcod like to hang out near the shoreline and along rocky reefs. They can measure more than five feet in length. What’s more, the biggest weigh upwards of 80 pounds.

You may hear yelloweye referred to as “Alaska red snapper.” Either term works for us. But despite the two names, they have a wholly singular appearance.

A type of rockfish, they look vibrant yellow-orange out of the water making for a visually stunning catch. They average 10 to 12 pounds and measure two feet in length. That said, record catches have weighed in at more than twice the average, so don’t be surprised if your line feels heavy.

More Alaskan Rockfish

More than 20 other species of rockfish swim Alaskan waterways. Like lingcod, some prefer rocky areas near the shore, hence the name. These species are referred to as pelagic. But other rockfish, like yelloweye, go for deeper waters and get categorized as nonpelagic.

Unlike their yelloweye cousins, you’ll find pelagic rockfish along coastal areas and at midwater depths. These types of rockfish include:

black
dusky
widow
blue
yellowtail

Of course, no discussion of Alaskan fish would prove complete without talking salmon. Local waterways yield an abundance of first-rate species including king (chinook), pink (humpback), and silver (coho).

The Pacific Salmon of Alaska

The largest of Pacific salmon, king salmon come in on average at 14 to 17 pounds although 80-pound monsters have made newspapers. King prove feisty, resulting in adrenaline-producing, drawn-out fights that’ll add a few notches to your fishing belt.

Pink salmon measure 15 to 20 inches long and weigh in at 3.5 to five pounds. The smallest of the Pacific salmon species, they also prove the most plentiful. Their short lifespans center around reproduction with fish swimming–and dodging grizzlies–upstream to their spawning grounds each August.

Finally, silver salmon split the difference between king and pink salmon. They come in at eight to 12 pounds and measure on average 2.5 feet in length.

Don’t get complacent once you’ve hooked one of these guys, though. They’re known for wild acrobatics, launching themselves out of the water once hooked.

Alaska Salmon Season

Alaska’s no joke when it comes to salmon fishing. In fact, 80 percent of sockeye, king, and silver salmon come straight out of Alaskan waters.

Want to know more about salmon seasons Alaska style? Peak salmon fishing runs from May through the end of September. If you’re happy with salmon, no matter which type, then you’ve got the longest travel window.

But if you have a specific type of fish you’re gunning for, then you should narrow down your calendar by species. For example, if you’re looking for king salmon season, then plan on visiting between late May and early July.

But if chum, red, or pink salmon float your boat, then plan for mid-July to mid-August. For sockeye, think June to late July. You can consult with a good charter company to get more specifics on the absolute best time of year for your dream salmon catch.

Know Before You Go

While on a charter fishing in Ketchikan trip, you need a valid license issued by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game in your possession any time you sport fish state waters. This rule applies to residents and non-residents alike. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game and the International Pacific Halibut Commission set all sport fishing limits.

To keep a king salmon, you’ll also need a king salmon stamp. You can purchase a license online through the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

Again, hiring a fishing charter boat comes with some serious advantages. Not only does it get you on the water with all of the gear you’ll need and the local expertise of your guide. But if you go with a reputable company, you can even purchase your fishing license onboard.