Salmon Fishing in Ketchikan, Alaska
A private salmon fishing experience
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Welcome to the Salmon Capital of the world. You can't say you've been to Ketchikan, Alaska without going salmon fishing. These waters are home to 5 types of salmon which include King (chinook), Silver (coho), Pink (humpy), Chum (dog) and Sockeye (red).
The King salmon is the largest salmon and is pictured above. King salmon weigh up to a whopping 60 lbs in our area! They are known for their strength and ability to dive deep once hooked, which is quite a thrill. This is why Ketchikan has the annual Ketchikan King Salmon Derby where the 1st place prize is over $10,000 dollars! The winners picture is featured on the front of the tide book for the entire year, which means extreme bragging rights. The King salmon is Axel Svenson's favorite salmon to eat.
The Silver salmon is known for its energy and acrobatics. They often jump multiple times when hooked and pull line out of the reel. Silvers commonly run in large schools so once you catch one, you are likely to catch another. This makes double and triple headers common. These salmon tend to grow a pound a week once they reach Ketchikan! Because of their wild feeding habits, September can yield many trophy sized silvers. The silver salmon is Leif Svenson's favorite to eat.
The Pink salmon are very numerous during July and August. It is not uncommon to catch your limit of pinks during a four hour period (up to 6 per person!). The pink salmon are known for their soft mouths and can very easily spit the hook, making the fight very interesting.
The Chum salmon are known for their large eggs which are commonly sold to the Japanese seafood market. The chum can get up to an incredible 20+ pounds and make for an exciting fight.
The Sockeye salmon are the most elusive of the 5 salmon to catch due to their plankton based diet. Although they do run through our area in large numbers, they are a rare occurrence to catch. When you do catch one, you are in for a treat.
The King salmon is the largest salmon and is pictured above. King salmon weigh up to a whopping 60 lbs in our area! They are known for their strength and ability to dive deep once hooked, which is quite a thrill. This is why Ketchikan has the annual Ketchikan King Salmon Derby where the 1st place prize is over $10,000 dollars! The winners picture is featured on the front of the tide book for the entire year, which means extreme bragging rights. The King salmon is Axel Svenson's favorite salmon to eat.
The Silver salmon is known for its energy and acrobatics. They often jump multiple times when hooked and pull line out of the reel. Silvers commonly run in large schools so once you catch one, you are likely to catch another. This makes double and triple headers common. These salmon tend to grow a pound a week once they reach Ketchikan! Because of their wild feeding habits, September can yield many trophy sized silvers. The silver salmon is Leif Svenson's favorite to eat.
The Pink salmon are very numerous during July and August. It is not uncommon to catch your limit of pinks during a four hour period (up to 6 per person!). The pink salmon are known for their soft mouths and can very easily spit the hook, making the fight very interesting.
The Chum salmon are known for their large eggs which are commonly sold to the Japanese seafood market. The chum can get up to an incredible 20+ pounds and make for an exciting fight.
The Sockeye salmon are the most elusive of the 5 salmon to catch due to their plankton based diet. Although they do run through our area in large numbers, they are a rare occurrence to catch. When you do catch one, you are in for a treat.
When The Salmon Run
Saltwater Salmon Seasons |
May |
June |
July |
August |
September |
King Salmon |
Catch & Release |
Catch & Release until June 15th - Peak Period |
Peak Period |
Available |
Not Available |
Silver Salmon |
Not Available |
Available After June 15 |
Peak Period After July 15 |
Peak Period |
Peak Period |
Pink Salmon |
Not Available |
Available After June 15 |
Peak Period |
Peak Period |
Available |
Chum Salmon |
Not Available |
Available |
Peak Period |
Available |
Available |
Sockeye Salmon |
Not Available |
Not Available |
Available |
Peak Period |
Available |
Book 2023
Salmon Charters Now
Salmon Charters Now