Board a private charter off downtown Ketchikan for focused salmon fishing, whale sightings and eagle encounters. This four-hour tour pairs hands-on angling with local wildlife viewing and optional catch shipping.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A low chop skims past the hull, gulls wheel and the captain calls the drift—Ketchikan’s coastline opens like a working map of currents and salmon lanes. On a private charter, visitors step off the cruise docks and into boats that glide through sheltered channels where tide and timber meet; the ocean here feels purposeful, pushing fish toward narrow passes and anglers toward the rail.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required; participants should be steady on their feet, able to board a small vessel and handle brief periods of standing.
Wildlife
History
Ketchikan sits on ancestral lands of Tlingit people and developed as a salmon-processing hub in the late 19th and early 20th centuries; totem poles and Creek Street reflect that layered history.
Conservation
Commercial and sport fisheries are regulated by Alaska Department of Fish and Game; sustainable practices, proper catch handling and adherence to limits help protect salmon runs and marine ecosystems.
Reserve your spot on the Ketchikan Award Winning Salmon Fishing and Wildlife Viewing today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Dress in layers and waterproofs
Ketchikan’s weather can shift quickly; a lightweight waterproof shell and insulating mid-layer keep you comfortable on wet decks.
Bring motion-sickness medication
Short, choppy passages are common—take seasickness meds before boarding if you’re sensitive to movement.
Protect your hands
Use fish-friendly gloves for handling hooks and slippery salmon to improve grip and reduce injury.
Plan for customs and shipping
If you plan to have fish shipped home, confirm paperwork and packaging options with the operator before boarding.
Waterproof jacket
Keeps you dry and wind-resistant during fog, spray, or light rain common in Southeast Alaska.
summer
Non-slip deck shoes or rubber boots
Provides secure footing on wet, slippery boat decks.
summer
Motion-sickness medication
Helps prevent nausea on choppy days or for visitors unaccustomed to boat motion.
Layered insulating mid-layer
Traps warmth between your base layer and shell without bulk, useful for cool mornings and breezes.
summer