Ketchikan Salmon Fishing Private Charter

4.7

19 reviews

Excursion Overview

Ketchikan is famous for its waters teeming with five different species of salmon.

This Ketchikan fishing charter allows for your small group to have a true Alaskan fishing experience away from the crowds. You'll take a short walk from your cruise ship to the charter boat dock, and then your captain will navigate to the most productive salmon fishing grounds in the area.

You'll fish for salmon using downriggers. There usually won't be more than four fishing rods out while trolling because when the fishing is hot, it's difficult to keep more than two rods in the water. This will allow the charter to cover more ground efficiently at various depths. This tour is great for all ages and skill sets, and your guide is there to help and provide local knowledge.

You might even see wildlife like orcas, humpback whales, and bald eagles!

The best part? You get to keep what you catch! If you would like, overnight delivery can be facilitated through a local fish processor. Please see the FAQ tab for more information.

Please note: prices are per group starting at $1,100.00 for 1-2 guests.
1-2 guests: $1,100
3 guests: $1,200
4 guests: $1,400
5 guests: $1,650
6 guests: $1,900

This tour is typically available from May through September. Our excursions were designed for cruise ship passengers but are available to everyone.

Things You Need to Know

Inclusions:

Roundtrip transportation
Bottled water, soda, and snacks
All required safety equipment
All fishing equipment (bait, ice, etc.)
Helly Hansen raingear
Facilitate delivery of your catch to the local fish processor

Requirements:

Maximum weight: 350 lbs
Not included in the cost: A one-day fishing license is required for everyone 16 years and older ($15) - please visit Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game to purchase and print your fishing license in advance of the tour. Please purchase your fishing license before boarding your cruise.
A King Salmon stamp ($15) is required May 1 until July 15. After July 15 only the sportfishing license is required. A paper copy, downloaded PDF, or screenshot on your phone will suffice. The license itself will have a QR code on it and the state seal of Alaska.
Fish processing is provided through a third-party service.

Duration: Approximately 4 hours (roundtrip from cruise ship terminal)

15 minutes - drive to the salmon grounds
3.5 hours - salmon fishing
15 minutes - drive back to the cruise ship

Meeting Instructions:

This tour meets at the end of your cruise ship ramp. Guests docking at Ward Cove will be picked up at Ward Cove. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers.

ADA Accessibility of Tour:

This tour is limited mobility accessible. Guests must be able to climb in and out of the boat. Assistance is available. There is limited space for collapsible wheelchairs & walkers. There is no storage for motorized scooters onboard but they may be left at the dock. Please leave a comment during checkout if accommodations for collapsible equipment will be required on tour.
- Fully Wheelchair Accessible: No
- Limited Mobility Accessible: Yes
- Stroller Accessible: No
- Collapsible Wheelchair & Stroller Storage Available: Yes

Refund Policy:

You may cancel for any reason up to seven (7) days prior to the date of the tour for a full refund.
Please see our Refund Policy Page for complete details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a one-day fishing license is required for everyone 16 years and older ($15) - please visit Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game to purchase and print your fishing license in advance of the tour.

The King stamp is required May 1 until July 15. After July 15 only the sportfishing license is required. A paper copy, downloaded PDF, or screenshot on your phone will suffice. The license itself will have a QR code on it and the state seal of Alaska.

A party of 7 - 12 guests will need to reserve 2 boats. Per USCG regulations a maximum of 6 guests may be on board our vessel. This excursion cannot add additional people to the boat. Maximum capacity per boat is 6 guests.

There's always a chance to see orcas, humpback whales, porpoises, seals, and eagles as they are commonly sighted on this tour; however, since it's not a designated wildlife tour, wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Yes, we can facilitate delivery to a local fish processor after the trip.

The waters are generally calm because Ketchikan is protected by various islands.

Please bring warm, layered clothing/rain gear, a camera, sunglasses, and fishing license/King Salmon stamps if needed.

For more detailed packing tips for your Alaskan vacation, check out our What to Pack for Your Alaskan Cruise guide.

The 24' cabin cruisers have a basic porta-potty with a privacy curtain. It is not a separate or dedicated bathroom, however, guests find it sufficient on the private charters.

The processing and shipping is done by a third party service. This includes filleting, vacuum sealing, freezing, storing, and overnight shipping via FedEx. Since you're on vacation, your fish will be stored in a freezer until your preferred shipment date. Overnight shipments are sent out Monday-Thursday, and you will receive your catch the following day.

The price will vary based on many factors: the amount, the type of fish, whether you want the fillets smoked, current shipping rates, and so on. Guests should plan on budgeting roughly 150-250 USD for the processing service.

Gratuity is not expected but is always appreciated. Gratuity is not included in the price.

Guests docking at Ward Cove will be picked up at Ward Cove. Guests should not take the shuttle to downtown Ketchikan. Please refer to the finalized ticket voucher for additional details on meeting the guide at Ward Cove.

Guest Reviews

4.7

19 total

George S

On Aug 2026

Absolutely terrific experience from advance booking to drop-off at the dock. Doesn't get any easier. Our guide was super. Highly recommend!

Ryan A

On Aug 2026

The charter company and Capt. did an amazing job making it a great experience for everyone. We had an experience that everyone will remember forever.

Boone H

On Aug 2026

Ted was a great guide and got us on fish right away and through the whole trip. We were early and he was already there waiting for us. Great quick trip for a cruise

Chad M

On Jul 2026

Captain Frank was absolutely wonderful on the private salmon fishing charter. I would HIGHLY recommend. He was very good and very patient and kind with 4 kids aboard as well.

Nivin T

On Jul 2026

Terrible salmon fishing trip overall. Our guide was late. We spent 2.5 hours in the same spot not catching any king salmon. We were the only ones there. We eventually caught one small silver salmon. We then moved on to another spot thinking we were still fishing for salmon, but it was actually to fish for halibut, which we had not planned on, so the few halibut we caught had to be released. Captain urinated off the bow of the boat. No ice in the chest, so if we actually caught anything we could have shipped back, it would have been spoiled. Not sure what happened to the one we caught. He didn't offer to do anything with it. When we returned to the ship, we heard of great catches from everyone. The captain was nice, but seemed out of sorts. He did keep us out a little longer since he was late. We were really looking forward to taking some salmon home. I understand catching fish is not guaranteed, but it is salmon fishing season, and so many people out that day caught lots of fish. Huge waste of money and time.

From:

$1,100.00

Best Price Guarantee!

From:

$1,100.00

Duration: 4 hours

Best Price Guarantee!

Duration: 4 hours

Select Date & Time *

Number of Charters *

1 to 2 Charter Guests: $1,100.00

3 Guests: $1,200.00

4 Guests: $1,400.00

5 Guests: $1,650.00

6 Guests: $1,900.00

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Ketchikan Salmon Fishing Private Charter

Excursion Overview

Ketchikan is famous for its waters teeming with five different species of salmon.