Ketchikan Salmon Fishing
- Location:
- Baranof Marina
Ketchikan, Alaska - Duration:
- 5-6 hr
- Lunch:
- Box lunch
- Price:
- $SS-A-price per person
General Information
This comprehensive fishing experience is intended for the avid fisherman who wants to learn the art of salmon fishing. Our private marina is located in downtown Ketchikan, so you'll have a full day to learn the best techniques for catching the Pacific salmon of Southeast Alaska. With this custom experience—limited to four guests at a time—every fisherman has the benefit of fishing their own rod. After a day of trolling, jigging, and mooching, you'll know the difference between a spoon and a hoochie, as well as the best way to catch whatever species is in season; typically king, coho, and/or pink salmon. Best of all, whatever you catch is yours to keep. In fact, our local processor will flash freeze it and send it straight to your door!
The challenge with salmon fishing in Alaska is that it is completely reliant on the annual return of the salmon from the Gulf of Alaska to the inside waters. Accordingly, each of Alaska's five species of salmon has a limited number of days in which they are best available for exceptional fishing.
Our Salmon Fishing excursion is based around the approach of local Alaskans. We leave the dock well informed as to what was working the day before to catch salmon: Where are they? How deep are they? What bait or flashers are working? Not only do we come fully prepared, we also have the time to pursue halibut and bottom fish if the bite is not on for salmon, or a particular group has limited-out.
During the peak of the salmon run, from June 15th to August 15th, you will have the best chance at catching multiple species of salmon. After spending most of their lives unraveling the mysteries of salmon fishing, our fishing guides have the skills, knowledge, and equipment you will need to catch Alaska's salmon. Whether this is your first catch or one of many, your captain will make recommendations for your group as to what species and techniques are likely to prove successful on a given day.
Box Lunch Provided
Made daily by the Fish House
A six-hour fishing trip is a long time to go without anything to eat, so every day our restaurant prepares a taste of Ketchikan for each guest on any fishing excursion over six-hours. Over the years we've tried several lunches, and have found the following is a great tie-over snack until you can eat your catch at our wilderness camp or restaurant:
If you have special dietary concerns, please let us know. Also, if you don't prefer salmon, are on a diet this meal doesn't work with, or like to pack it in at lunch, you're welcome to bring other food and snacks on board. We have a cooler that can keep sandwiches and such cold, but as a rule of thumb, anything that you might pack for a day hiking works well.
Fishing Itineraries
If you are visiting Ketchikan by Cruise Ship
We suggest beginning the excursion thirty minutes after your ship is scheduled to arrive in Ketchikan. The following time line is for a six hour Ketchikan fishing adventure.
Arrival
Your guide, or one of our crew, will greet you at the pier and escort you to our downtown marina and outfitting room. Look for a sign with your name.
Outfitting and Licensing
Upon arrival at our marina your guide will collect the state fee for your fishing license. While we fill out your licensing information, you'll start to look like a local as we outfit you with waterproof boots, bib overalls, hooded jackets, hats, and gloves. Fully prepared, you'll head for the boat.
Running to the Fishing Grounds
Our location in the heart of Downtown Ketchikan allows for a short boat ride to the rich salmon fishing grounds south of Ketchikan. Depending on the area your guide chooses to fish the ride to your fishing area is 10 to 20 minutes from the marina. Our guides customize your journey depending upon the season, tides, and weather conditions. During this ride guests frequently spy eagles, seals, whales, spawning salmon, and even black bears. You may take as many photographs as you wish, or simply sit back and soak it all in.
Fishing
On board our vessels designed and outfitted specifically for salmon fishing you will spend the next few hours trolling or mooching, or trolling for King, Coho, Pink Salmon, and halibut. Your seasoned guide will teach you the secrets of using a flasher, a hoochie, or a jig to lure in your salmon. You will enjoy the thrill of fighting your fish, netting it and bringing it home to enjoy.
Return to marina
Make your way back to the marina enjoying another breathtaking ride. Upon arrival you will remove your fishing gear and your guide will ensure that you make it back to your ship in a timely fashion. If you choose to ship your fish home, or have it smoked, a simple form needs filled out, and we will process your fish for shipping to arrive on the date of your choice.
If you are overnighting in Ketchikan
For those travelers who arrive in Ketchikan by the State ferry or Alaska Airlines, and are staying longer than one day, we can arrange for multiple days on the water. We suggest beginning your fishing trip before 10:00 a.m. the ardent fisherman normally leaves between 5:00 and 6:00 a.m. However, fishing is often better at tide change, so we will suggest the most opportune time for you to arrive at the fishing grounds so you can "catch the tide". The itinerary that we have provided is a one day six hour trip. Most trips will differ only in the allotted time of fishing to fit your needs, and all trips can be duplicated for multiple day trips.
Arrival
Guests normally meet their guides at the Alaska Fish House for a hot cup of coffee and a discussion of the day of fishing. The Alaska Fish House is located in the center of the marina where we outfit and depart for the fishing grounds.
Outfitting and Licensing
Upon arrival at our marina your guide will collect the state fee your for fishing license. While we fill out your licensing information, you'll start to look like a local as we outfit you with waterproof boots, bib overalls, hooded jackets, hats, and gloves. Fully prepared, you'll head for the boat.
Running to the Fishing Grounds
Our location in the heart of Downtown Ketchikan allows for a short boat ride to the rich salmon fishing grounds south of Ketchikan. Depending on the area your guide chooses to fish the ride to your fishing area is 10 to 20 minutes from the marina. Our guides customize your journey depending upon the season, tides, and weather conditions. During this ride guests frequently spy eagles, seals, whales, spawning salmon, and even black bears. You may take as many photographs as you wish, or simply sit back and soak it all in.
Fishing
On board our vessels designed and outfitted specifically for salmon fishing you will spend the next few hours mooching, or trolling for King, Coho, Pink Salmon. Your seasoned guide will teach you the secrets of using a flasher, hoochie, or a jig to lure in your salmon. You will enjoy the thrill of fighting your fish, netting it and bringing it home to enjoy.
Return to marina
Make your way back to the marina enjoying another breathtaking ride. Upon arrival you will remove your fishing gear and your guide can escort you to the Alaska Fish House where our chefs will gladly prepare a portion of your fresh catch if you wish. To ship your fish home, or have it smoked, a simple form needs filled out, and we will process your fish for shipping on the date of your choice. We can also package your fish to return home with you on Alaska Airlines if you are leaving by jet.
What People are Saying about Ketchikan Salmon Fishing
Great time with Luke 2018-09-26
Originally we planned for a Halibut fishing excursion but after some direction from our guide Luke, he recommended we go Silver Salmon fishing as they had been biting much more. We obliged and we are glad we did! We ended up catching 3 silver salmon fish that we ended up having fileted and frozen and sent home to us in Colorado to share with our family and friends. It was a beautiful day on the water, not a cloud in site. The water was pretty smooth and the company was great. The catch was exciting as they all bit at once. From start to finish, it was a great day. They were right there to pick us up from our cruise ship and got us back with an hour to spare before we had to get back on board. Baranof was easy to communicate with, I would definitely fish with them again! Also, fun fact is our guide and I went to the same college- University of North Florida---SWOOP!!
Best Excursion on our cruise to Alaska! 2018-09-24
We saw whales, eagles, sea lions. We caught a bunch of fish. Sam was an excellent guide with a lot of great local knowledge. The food was out of this world delicious. I'm not a fan of salmon, but when it is this fresh and cooked this way, it's super yummy. This was our most memorable outing. Thanks Sam!
Great Experience 2018-09-21
Went there on short notice and it was no problem at all. We went for salmon on a nice clean boat and our guide (Lucas) knew his craft very well. Everyone on the boat (5 people) got a very nice sized salmon on the line. Would defenitly do it again!
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