Small, Sweet, and Straight from the Deep
Excursions
That Reel in Shrimp
COOK YOUR CATCH IN THE WILDERNESS
ALASKA SALMON FISHING
Halibut Fishing
Alaska Fishing Combo
PRIVATE CHARTERS
FISHING FOR
Shrimp
in Ketchikan, Alaska
Known for their sweet, delicate taste, local shrimp are pulled from the depths of Southeast Alaska using baited pots. We offer shrimping as an add-on for most of our fishing charters, and it’s an excellent (and delicious!) way to round out your time on the water. Prized for their buttery flavor and bright red stripes, Spot Shrimp are found in deep, cold waters and are especially abundant near Ketchikan. They’re slightly larger than spot prawns and are harvested using baited pots dropped to the seafloor. The flavor is incredibly clean and sweet; perfect boiled, grilled, or sautéed.
PEAK FISHING SEASON
April – September
(Season and availability may vary depending on permits and weather conditions.)
PEAK FISHING SEASON
April – September
HOW WE FISH FOR
Shrimp
Shrimping is available as a fun, hands-on addition to many of our fishing charters. If you’d like to include it on your trip, let us know when booking and we’ll bring the gear.
- Trap Fishing: We drop shrimp pots baited with fish heads or pellets into deep water, usually between 300 and 600 feet.
- Soak Time: The pots rest on the ocean floor for several hours while we target other species like salmon or halibut.
- Pull and Sort: Later in the trip, we haul up the pots and sort the catch — sometimes you’ll pull up dozens of these deep-sea delicacies!
Cook or Pack: Many guests bring their shrimp straight to our remote island camp or to our local restaurant, The Alaska Fish House, for same-day cooking. Alternatively, there are options to have them processed and shipped home.
FAQ
When is shrimping available in Ketchikan?
Shrimping is typically best from spring through early fall (April to September), though exact timing may depend on tides and weather.
Do I need a separate license for shrimping?
No special license is needed beyond your standard Alaska sport fishing license, but shrimping regulations and limits do apply. We’ll handle the gear and help you stay within the rules.
Can I shrimp and fish on the same charter?
Yes! Shrimping is offered as an add-on to salmon, halibut, or combo charters. Just ask when you book. Because the shrimp pots require many hours to soak, this add-on is for guests staying the night in town and looking to go out again the next day.
How deep are shrimp pots set?
Typically between 300 and 600 feet, depending on the location and conditions. Our boats are equipped with the right gear to handle the haul.
Are Alaskan shrimp good to eat?
Absolutely. They’re sweet, tender, and fresh, often described as having a better flavor than any store-bought shrimp you’ve ever had.
See Ketchikan’s Other Species
