Ketchikan Salmon Fishing Charters
Kings, coho, pinks, and chums, trolled the way Captain Jim has fished these waters for twenty years.
Salmon fishing with Jim
Of all the ways Jim fishes Ketchikan, trolling for salmon is the one he loves most. After twenty years on these waters, reading them is second nature to him, and it is where that experience shows most clearly. It also happens to be a welcoming style of fishing for guests: the boat does the moving, the gear stays working, and when a rod goes off, the fight is all yours. Seasoned anglers settle right in, and newcomers get as much instruction as they want along the way.
Well-maintained rods, tackle, and bait are all provided. You just need a current Alaska fishing license, plus a king salmon stamp when king fishing applies. Details on both are in the FAQ.
The salmon of Ketchikan
Several salmon species move through Ketchikan waters over the course of the season:
- King (Chinook) salmon. The big prize. Powerful fish, careful regulations, and the reason for the king stamp on your license.
- Coho (silver) salmon. Aggressive, acrobatic, and a favorite of many guests. Great fish for learning how good trolling can feel.
- Pink salmon. The most numerous salmon in Southeast Alaska in their strong years. Steady action, especially for kids.
- Chum salmon. Underrated fighters that show up in the mix through the season.
Which salmon are running depends on your dates. Exact timing shifts from year to year, so rather than promise a calendar, we’d rather you send us your dates and get a straight answer about what to expect. There’s a broader look at timing on our fishing seasons page, and current regulations always live with the Alaska Department of Fish & Game.
Who this trip suits
Salmon trips are the classic Ketchikan charter and a natural fit for families, first-timers, and anyone who wants steady involvement rather than long waits. Kids tend to do well on them, and Jim shapes the pace of the day around the group’s experience level.
Want salmon and a shot at halibut in the same day? That’s the combo trip, and it’s best done on a full day, which also gives Jim the range to go find the salmon.
At the dock, the processing crew can vacuum pack, freeze, and box your salmon to travel. See fish processing and shipping.
Salmon from our trips
Real guests, real fish, all caught on Alaska Fishing Company charters out of Clover Pass.
Fish salmon with twenty years of experience at the helm
Full-day trips are $575 per person, half days $400. See rates or send a request now.