KETCHIKAN PRIVATE FIELD GUIDE
Four Hours on Ketchikan Water: A Private Salmon Charter with Alaska King
A private, fully guided 4-hour fishing charter out of Ketchikan with all gear, USCG safety equipment, and catch processing and shipping arranged.
Four Hours on Ketchikan Water: A Private Salmon Charter with Alaska King.
Alaska King Charter’s Four Hour Private Charter — Salmon is a family-run, fully guided fishing outing that puts you in Ketchikan’s saltwater, on a private boat stocked with tackle, rain gear, and USCG-approved safety equipment. The short, intense window is designed to chase seasonal salmon runs and other nearshore species, with catch processing and overnight shipping handled back in town.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Family-run, local guides
This is a family-owned operation led by local fishermen who run private, fully guided charters — the kind of small-boat knowledge that matters when you’re focused on landing fish and getting them home.
Private, well-equipped boats
Choose from 28-ft or 32-ft boats with enclosed cabins, heaters and full standing bathrooms; trips include all gear, bait, fuel and basic comforts like bottled water, sodas, and rain ponchos.
Seasonal salmon and more, with processing and shipping
Charters target salmon (King, Silver, Pink) and other species such as halibut, rockfish and lingcod during their respective seasons; your catch will be delivered to a local processor and can be shipped home overnight.
What the day feels like
What four hours on this charter feels like
The focus is straightforward: a private, guided push into Ketchikan waters for a compact, productive window of fishing. Expect hands-on instruction from local fishermen, all rods and tackle supplied, and support for whatever the day produces — from rigging and baiting to having your catch boxed and routed to a processor in town for overnight shipping.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this private 4-hour charter suits — and who should plan differently.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a fixed 4-hour charter. Seasonal target windows include King Salmon (mid-May through mid-July), Silver Salmon (early July through September), Pink Salmon (early July through mid-August), and Halibut (May through September).
Bring a printed copy of any required fishing licenses: anyone 16 or older needs a one-day sport fishing license ($25); a King Salmon stamp is required on salmon fishing charters ($15).
Rates: 28-ft boat (minimum 3 anglers) $900 plus $250 per additional angler; 32-ft boat (minimum 4 anglers) $1,200 plus $250 per additional angler. Trips are private; call the operator for large-group bookings or unavailable times.
Included: fully guided charter, all fishing gear, bottled water & sodas, rain ponchos & rain gear, required USCG-approved safety gear, fuel, enclosed cabin with heater, and a full standing bathroom.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Four Hour Private Charter?
The charter is four hours in duration.
What species do you target and when are they in season?
Depending on timing, trips target Halibut, Salmon (King, Silver, Pink), Rockfish and Ling Cod. King Salmon: mid-May through mid-July; Silver Salmon: early July through September; Pink Salmon: early July through mid-August; Halibut: May through September.
What is included in the charter price?
Charters include a fully guided trip by local fishermen, all fishing gear, tackle and bait, bottled water and sodas, rain ponchos and rain gear, USCG-approved safety gear, fuel, an enclosed cabin with heater, and a full standing bathroom. Delivery of your catch to a fishing processor is also included.
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes. Anyone 16 or older must purchase a one-day sport fishing license ($25). A King Salmon stamp is additionally required on salmon fishing charters ($15). Please bring a printed copy of your license.
How is my catch processed and shipped?
The operator arranges processing and delivery of your catch to a local fishing processor and can ship fillets overnight via FedEx. Processing is approximately $2.50 per pound of fillet plus box and shipping costs.
What are the boat options, capacities and rates?
Options include a 28-ft boat (minimum 3 anglers) at $900 plus $250 per additional angler, and a 32-ft boat (minimum 4 anglers) at $1,200 plus $250 per additional angler. Trips are private and the operator can accommodate groups larger than six; call to arrange large-group bookings.