KETCHIKAN PRIVATE FIELD GUIDE
Six Hours on the Water: Ketchikan’s Private Salmon Chase
A six-hour private charter out of Ketchikan that targets King, Coho, Pink (and sometimes Chum and Sockeye) with options for local processing and shipping—this guide explains what to expect and how to plan.
Six Hours on the Water: Ketchikan’s Private Salmon Chase.
Set out from Knudson Cove Marina for a focused six-hour salmon charter led by Santa’s Choice Charters. The operation specializes in salmon—typically King, Coho, and Pink, with occasional Chum and Sockeye sightings—and runs private trips for small groups with options to process and ship your catch home.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A Salmon Variety: King, Coho, Pink (and more)
The charter primarily targets King, Coho and Pink salmon; depending on season you may also encounter powerful Chum and the more elusive Sockeye—species choices are driven by arrival date and seasonal presence.
A Private 6‑Hour Boat Out of Knudson Cove
Trips are private charters that include up to four guests with the option to add up to two additional passengers (six total) for an extra per-person fee; boats are moored at Knudson Cove Marina north of town and you should plan ground transport to and from the marina.
Local Processing and Overnight Shipping Available
If you want to bring fish home, the operator can deliver your catch to local processors; filleting and boxing runs about $4.00 per pound plus shipping, and fish can be frozen and shipped to your chosen overnight address.
What the day feels like
What the Six-Hour Charter Feels Like
The trip is a concentrated, private outing: you board at a marina north of town, run to nearby productive salmon water appropriate to the season, spend the bulk of the six hours fishing for the species present, then return to the marina with options to have your catch processed and shipped.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this charter suits—and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a six-hour private charter—plan transportation and any shore connections around that single block of time.
Bring weather-appropriate clothing (expect rain, sun and everything in between); lighter rain gear is available on board but guests are advised to bring their own. Bring proof of any purchased Alaska fishing license and king stamp if required.
You will need at least a 1‑day sport fishing license purchased through Alaska Fish and Game; king stamps and other required endorsements must also be purchased through Alaska Fish and Game and can be post-dated to the trip start date. Nonresident youth under 16 do not need a license but can download a free harvest card.
Boats depart from Knudson Cove Marina north of town. Arrange a cab (Sourdough cab: (907)225-5544 or Yellow taxi: (907)225-5555) or confirm your driver will pick you up; Uber/Lyft have been unreliable historically.
Local processors will fillet, box and freeze fish for approximately $4.00 per pound plus shipping; operators can coordinate delivery to processors such as Clover Pass Marina or Cedars Lodge.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How many people can come on a private charter?
Charter price includes up to four guests; you may bring up to two additional guests (six total) for an additional fee per person.
Do I need an Alaska fishing license or king stamp?
Yes—you need at least a 1‑day sport fishing license and any required king stamp, both purchased through Alaska Fish and Game; stamps can be post-dated to the trip start date.
Can I keep King salmon at any time?
No—before June 15th all salmon fishing is catch-and-release only and King salmon cannot be retained; a king stamp is required to target kings when retention is allowed.
What if I want my fish processed and shipped home?
The operator can deliver your catch to local processors; filleting and boxing is approximately $4.00 per pound plus shipping, and processors will freeze and hold fish until you choose to have them shipped overnight.
Where do I meet the boat and how do I get there?
Boats are moored at Knudson Cove Marina north of town; guests should take a cab (Sourdough or Yellow taxi are recommended) and can arrange pickup through their driver after the trip.
Are life jackets and rain gear provided?
Lighter rain gear is available on the boat but guests are advised to bring their own; children under 12 are required by the Coast Guard to wear life jackets and the operator can provide jackets if notified in advance.