Alaska fishing:
Ketchikan area

Listen to a RealAudio ™ interview (3:43) with an Alaska Department of Fish and Game sport fish biologist for additional information about Alaska fishing in the Ketchikan area.

Species

Primary fishing species in this area include five species of Pacific Salmon (King, silver, sockeye, pink and chum), Pacific halibut, trout, steelhead and Dolly Varden. Pink salmon are most abundant; king salmon least. There are good numbers of fish in the area.

Area Sponsor

Darell and Rachel Welk invite you to come spend some time with them at Alaskan Fishing Adventures in Ketchikan. They cater to groups of two to six guests at a time from their lodge 15 highway miles north of the Ketchikan Airport. The lodge has three bedrooms with six beds and 2 baths. Darell originally chose Ketchikan due to the abundance of salmon and bottom fishing in calm protected water, and today has more than 20 years experience in the area. Dungeness crabbing is available during your stay, too. A crab cooker and BBQ are on the deck for guest use. Call the Welks today to set up your trip at (907)-225-4043 or email them through their website. [ADV]

Geography

Typical of Southeast Alaska, the Ketchikan area is comprised of islands surrounded by arms of the Pacific Ocean, and a stretch of the mainland incised by deep fjords. Because of the extensive annual precipitation, there are many streams throughout the area, usually populated with fish. The islands are heavily forested with thick underbrush. Most of the area is protected from the open Pacific.

Best saltwater fishing times in southern Southeast Alaska (ADF&G data)

Best freshwater fishing times in southern Southeast Alaska (ADF&G data)

Transportation

Classic Alaska Charters offers outstanding southeast Alaska overnight fishing and cruising adventures for 3-6 persons aboard their fully-outfitted 40’ charterboat. The Pacific yellow eye (above) -- colorful, strange looking, but quite tasty, was caught on a Classic Alaska Charters trip!

The southern Southeast Alaska air transportation network consists of regular jet air service to Ketchikan, scheduled commuter flights to many communities and float planes to other locations. 

The limited road system includes limited roads on Revillagigedo and a few other islands, and an extensive but almost totally gravel road network on Prince of Wales Island. The usefulness of the road system is extended by Alaska Marine Highway (state ferry) connections. Boats and float planes are routinely used for transportation requirements to remote areas. Boat rentals are available in some communities.  

Weather

The Ketchikan area is wetter than most people are used to, but this adds to the charm of the area. The summer months are cool and moist, with occasional stretches of warm, sunny weather. Anglers should be prepared for rain, wind and cool weather. While most of the waterways here are somewhat protected by outer islands from Pacific storms, heavy winds can at times create dangerous boating conditions. Anglers should always keep an eye on the weather.

Current fishing report (updated regularly during the summer months)

Ketchikan

Alaska Fishing Forum (active forums with more than 2,000 active members)

Area Descriptions for Southeast Alaska

Haines/Skagway
Juneau
Ketchikan
Petersburg
Prince of Wales
Sitka
Wrangell
Yakutat

Area Descriptions for other regions of the state

Southcentral
Arctic, Yukon and Kuskokwim

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