Alaska Sport Fishing & Whale Watching with Fish Alaska - Juneau

Alaska Sport Fishing & Whale Watching with Fish Alaska

Juneaumoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

4–8 hours

Fitness Level

Participants should have moderate fitness to handle boat movement and occasional standing or seated activity for extended periods.

Overview

Fish Alaska offers unmatched sport fishing and whale watching trips in Juneau’s rich coastal waters, delivering hands-on marine adventure and up-close wildlife encounters in Southeast Alaska’s Inside Passage.

Details

Juneau, Alaska, is a rugged gateway where towering mountains meet the churning waters of the Inside Passage. Amidst the icy fjords and dense coastal rainforests, Fish Alaska offers two standout ways to engage with this wild coastal environment: sport fishing and whale watching. Located just outside Juneau’s urban center, Fish Alaska’s trips deliver hands-on encounters with the rich marine life that defines Southeast Alaska.

Sport fishing here isn’t your casual hook-and-reel; it’s a full-immersion experience in some of the Pacific Northwest’s most prolific waters. The waters around Juneau are known for robust populations of halibut, lingcod, and salmon, giving anglers a genuine shot at landing Alaska’s iconic catches. With knowledgeable guides steering the vessels and sharing local expertise, anglers receive practical instruction and safety insights tailored to the variable maritime conditions.

Whale watching trips offer a contrasting rhythm, trading the adrenaline of a catch for patient observation of giants—humpbacks and orcas primarily—that routinely pass through the glistening channels. The guides provide ecological context, often pointing out seabird congregations and the underwater structures that support the region’s food web.

What sets Fish Alaska apart is their dual offering in a single location, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking both active and contemplative outdoor moments. Their boats are equipped to handle the often unpredictable Gulf of Alaska weather, ensuring guest safety and comfort throughout these adventurous excursions.

Juneau itself is an outdoor hub with deep links to Alaska’s fishing culture and marine traditions. Fish Alaska’s presence reinforces the city’s role as a launching point for authentic maritime experiences, connecting visitors to the natural pulse of Alaska’s coastal ecosystem. Whether you want to hook a halibut or watch whales breach against glacier-backdrops, this outfit delivers Alaska’s coastal wildness with a dependable, knowledgeable approach.

Adventure Tips

Dress for changeable maritime weather

Layers and waterproof gear are essential as temperatures and conditions can shift rapidly on the water.

Bring motion sickness remedies

Gulf of Alaska waters can be choppy; preemptive nausea medicine helps maintain comfort on longer trips.

Follow guide instructions carefully

Safety protocols and fishing techniques shared on board enhance both your experience and safety.

Pack a camera with zoom capability

Whales and sea life can appear at a distance, so bring appropriate photographic gear.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • Stephens Passage, a quieter channel rich with marine birds and calmer waters
  • Mendenhall Glacier viewpoints accessible before or after trips offering dramatic glacial scenery

Wildlife

  • Humpback whales
  • Resident orcas

History

Juneau has a deep fishing heritage rooted in Tlingit culture and early 20th-century commercial fisheries.

Conservation

Fish Alaska promotes catch-and-release practices and educates visitors on protecting marine habitats crucial to sustaining wild populations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Early morning light
Golden hour at sunset
Cloudy days for even lighting

Best Viewpoints

  • From the bow of the boat during whale sightings
  • Along offshore fishing spots targeting halibut grounds
  • Mendenhall Glacier shorelines for glacier and wildlife combos

What to Photograph

Whales breaching
Fishing action shots
Alaskan fjord landscapes

Recommended Gear

Waterproof jacket

Essential

Protects against rain and spray throughout your trip on coastal waters.

spring|summer|fall|winter specific

Motion sickness medication

Helps prevent nausea on potentially choppy gulf waters.

Layered clothing

Essential

Allows for temperature regulation in shifting maritime weather.

spring|fall|winter specific

Camera with telephoto lens

Captures distant wildlife moments, especially whale breaches.

summer|spring|fall specific

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