Ketchikan Salmon Fishing Charters
Ketchikan Alaska is known for being one of the hottest Salmon Fishing destinations Worldwide!
Ketchikan Salmon Fishing Seasons | Best Time to Catch Each Species
Salmon fishing in Ketchikan is an experience unlike any other. Known as the Salmon Capital of the World, Ketchikan sits along the nutrient-rich waters of the Inside Passage and supports strong seasonal runs of all five Pacific salmon species. Anglers have consistent opportunities throughout the season, making it one of the most reliable salmon fisheries in Southeast Alaska.
King Salmon (Chinook) Fishing in Ketchikan
The Ketchikan King salmon run typically peaks in June and July, though fishing opportunities extend beyond those months. Ketchikan is one of the few areas in Alaska with a terminal harvest area, often allowing anglers to retain up to three King salmon per day with no annual limit, depending on Alaska Department of Fish and Game regulations.
King salmon are prized for their large size, powerful sustained fights, and exceptional table quality. They are a top target for anglers seeking trophy Alaska salmon.
Silver Salmon (Coho) Season
The Silver salmon run begins in July and continues through September. As the season progresses, these fish gain weight and become increasingly aggressive. Coho are famous for acrobatic jumps, hard runs, and fast-paced action, making them one of the most exciting species to target in Southeast Alaska.
Pink Salmon Fishing
Pink salmon return in massive numbers from July through August, creating high catch rates and consistent action. When pinks are running, anglers often experience steady bites throughout the two-month peak window, making this an excellent time for families and beginner anglers.
Chum Salmon (Keta) Season
Chum salmon run from June through August in the waters surrounding Ketchikan. As the second-largest Pacific salmon species, chum are powerful fighters and surprisingly good table fare. They provide exciting action on light to medium tackle.
Sockeye Salmon (Red Salmon)
Sockeye salmon are available from June through August. Unlike other salmon species, sockeye primarily feed on krill and small jellyfish, which can make them more selective and challenging to target. During peak movement periods, however, anglers successfully land sockeye in the productive waters near Ketchikan.
Sockeye are highly prized for their deep red flesh, rich flavor, and premium quality fillets.
Halibut Fishing in Ketchikan
Halibut fishing in Ketchikan is outstanding throughout the season. These powerful flatfish follow migrating salmon and baitfish into the Inside Passage, providing excellent opportunities for anglers looking to battle large Pacific halibut.
Why Ketchikan Is One of Alaska's Best Salmon Fisheries
Ketchikan offers access to all five Pacific salmon species, strong seasonal returns, protected Inside Passage waters, and extended fishing opportunities. Combined with its terminal harvest area designation, Ketchikan remains one of the most productive and consistent salmon fishing destinations in Alaska.
Ketchikan is well known for being the Salmon capitol of the world. Whether you’re coming to ketchikan on a cruise ship or coming to fish for multiple days we have the perfect Ketchikan Salmon fishing trip for you. Salmon are a fast action hard fighting fish. Depending on what time of year you are coming to Ketchikan Alaska will determine which species or multiple species you are targeting. May-June is prime time for big king Salmon. July-August is when the biomass of all other salmon come in. Pink runs are generally very good, chum Salmon are the second largest Salmon species and Ketchikan gets a phenomenal run of them. Summer silver Salmon are plentiful and an absolute blast on the end of the rod. It’s not uncommon to get multiple species in the same day during this time. September is the most under rated month in my opinion. We get one of the best runs of fall silvers in the state and they are huge! It’s not uncommon to break 15 pounds on Silver Salmon in September. These are hard fighting acrobatic fish. If you are coming to ketchikan in September it is highly recommend to try your hand at catching fall coho Salmon. Don’t forget we also run ketchikan halibut fishing charters and full day fishing charters that include Salmon and Halibut Fishing on the same day. Give fish finder charters a call if you want to go fishing in Ketchikan Alaska!
Fish Finder Charters runs the fastest boat in the Ketchikan fishing fleet and after many years of fishing theses water has gained knowledge on where the fish will be biting on the day of your fishing trip. Captain Colby Slanaker has expert knowledge & years of experience when it comes to navigating the waters of Ketchikan and catching all five species of Alaska Salmon. I keep top of the line fishing gear in tip top shape. I build a lot of my own gear, custom paint flashers, spoons, and I tie my own salmon flies to remain competitive and to stay ahead of the Ketchikan fleet. Most of my techniques are kept top secret and are only shared amongst a couple other professional guides that are in my circle. We have Ketchikan charter fishing excursions for expert anglers & beginners.
Don't forget about lingcod! Ketchikan Alaska lingcod fishing is as good as it gets! These giant Alaska lingcod are found feeding around rock piles on rockfish and other cod. Lingcod are extremely aggressive and hard fighting fish making them a favorite to target.
My Ketchikan Fishing Boat
I operate my Ketchikan charter fishing trips from a spacious 30 foot Baha Cruiser named "Double Header". My Ketchikan Fishing boat is powered with Twin 225HP Yamaha Outboards. This delivers a combined 450HP motor package that makes us one of the fastest fishing boats in the Ketchikan fishing fleet. Getting to the fishing grounds faster gives us more time on the water for actual fishing time instead of a long run time. In addition to more fishing time, if we need to beat the weather back to town or relocate to find fish, we can do swiftly. I have an electric flush marine head on board and a very up to date electronics package. My fishing boat features a LCD Furuno Fish Finder and a standard horizon GPS chart plotter system. All safety equipment is up to date and exceeds US coast guard safety guidelines.
Welcome aboard the...Double Header
phone_in_talk(907) 254-4868
location_on54 Light Island Lane
Ketchikan, Alaska 99901
Fishing License