A full day on Southeast Alaska’s water: pursue halibut, salmon, lingcod and rockfish out of Ketchikan

KETCHIKAN FISHING FIELD GUIDE

A full day on Southeast Alaska’s water: pursue halibut, salmon, lingcod and rockfish out of Ketchikan

An eight‑hour, multi‑species charter that moves with tides and weather to maximize species and habitat variety — this guide explains what’s provided, what to bring, and how the day typically unfolds.

A full day on Southeast Alaska’s water: pursue halibut, salmon, lingcod and rockfish out of Ketchikan.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Ketchikan
Operator
Ketchikan Fishing Expeditions
Category
Fishing
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

The pinnacle of sport fishing in southeast Alaska is an all‑day, multi‑species trip launched from Ketchikan. Over an eight‑hour day you’ll chase halibut, salmon, lingcod and rockfish while a USCG‑licensed captain shifts locations and tactics to match tides and weather, giving anglers time to pursue multiple species and habitats in a single outing.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE FISHERY

Multi‑species, all‑day pursuit

This charter targets halibut, salmon, lingcod and rockfish in a single eight‑hour day. Most trips begin with halibut fishing, then shift—depending on weather and tide—to rockfish, lingcod or salmon so you can sample the fishery’s full variety.

THE SERVICE

Fully outfitted private charters

Trips are private for parties of any size up to six people and include a USCG‑licensed captain and guide, legally required safety gear, all tackle, bait and light snacks; a portable marine restroom is also provided aboard.

THE RETURN

Processing and delivery handled for you

The operator delivers your catch to a processor; fish processing and shipping are handled through a third‑party vendor and billed per filleted pound so you don’t have to worry about filleting or freight at the dock.

What the day feels like

How the day feels

Expect a purposeful, flexible day: most mornings start on halibut grounds, then the captain reads weather and tides to decide whether to move to rockfish or long cod haunts or to chase salmon. The flexibility to change spots and tactics across an eight‑hour window is the trip’s defining feature.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this trip suits — and who it doesn’t.

1
Serious anglersIdeal: private, full‑day time on the water provides opportunities to target multiple species and tactics in one outing; the charter is set up to pursue a variety of fish.
2
Small groups & familiesA good match: trips are private whether you’re a party of one or six, and the boat accommodates up to six passengers.
3
Solo travelersWell suited: solo anglers can book a private trip without joining other parties.
4
Large partiesNot ideal: the maximum capacity is six passengers, so larger groups will need multiple boats or separate bookings.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

This is an eight‑hour, full‑day charter.

What to Bring

Bring warm layered clothing and waterproof or water‑resistant outerwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and cameras. Purchase fishing licenses online ahead of time; a link is provided in your confirmation email.

Catch Processing & Costs

Catch delivery to a processor is provided. Processing and shipping are handled through a third‑party vendor (Cedars Lodge) and is priced per filleted pound; processing averages $3 per filleted pound and total post‑boxing/shipping costs typically equal $9–$12 per pound.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the trip?

The All Day Fishing Trip is eight hours long.

What species will we fish for?

The charter targets halibut, salmon, lingcod and rockfish; most days begin with halibut and then switch to rockfish, long cod or salmon based on weather and tide.

What is provided on the charter?

The trip includes a USCG‑licensed captain and guide, all legally required safety gear, all tackle, gear and bait, light snacks and water, a portable marine restroom, and delivery of your catch to the processor.

How many people can join a trip?

All trips are private and can accommodate up to six passengers maximum.

Do I need a fishing license?

Yes. Fishing licenses should be purchased online ahead of time; you will be provided a link in your confirmation email.

How is fish processing handled and what will it cost?

Processing and shipping are done through a third‑party vendor (Cedars Lodge) and are priced per filleted pound. Processing averages about $3 per filleted pound; after boxing and shipping, guests can expect to pay roughly $9–$12 per pound in total.

Are there halibut regulatory closures or limits we should know about?

For 2026, no halibut may be caught or kept on Thursdays between June 18 and September 10. The daily limit is one halibut up to 34 inches or one fish over 80 inches.