While Chinook Shores Lodge offers some of the calmest salt water fishing around, peeople often ask us “Where can I fly fish in Ketchikan?” or “Where can I fresh water fish in Ketchikan?”

The two fresh water fishing spots nearest Chinook Shores Lodge are Ward Lake and the Naha River National Recreation Trail.

Naha Bay

Getting There: Access is by boat to Naha Bay, which is just 12 miles from Chinook Shores Lodge. The trail starts at the head of Naha Bay from the floating dock and ends at the cabin site at the outlet of Heckman Lake

Trail Description: Winding along the water’s edge, the Naha River National Recreation Trail provides access to some of the best stream fishing in the Ketchikan area. Dolly-varden, rainbow and cutthroat trout are present year-round and several species of salmon are in the river from late July through October. Spring and fall steelhead provide the fishing for which the Naha is especially famous.

Ward Lake

Getting There: To access the Ward Lake trailhead parking area follow the North Tongass Highway south from Chinook Shores Lodge about 11 miles to the Revilla Road junction just south of the Ward Cove Post Office. Turn on Ravilla Road and follow to the intersection with Ward Lake Road; turn right and follow Ward Lake Road to the Day Use parking area at Ward Lake.

Trail Description:  The most popular fishing spot is off “Grassy Point” (pictured above) where upper Ward Creek enters the lake. There is a very easy walking trail that will take you there.  For best results while fishing Grassy Point you need chest waders so you can get your fly or artificial lure in the sweet spot where the current boils up in the lake.  There is an excellent trail that runs up the river above the lake but some parts of the river are hard to access from this trail and waders will come in handy.  The lower river below the lake is more difficult to access and is bordered by private property for which you need permission to cross.

Fishing:  Rainbow and cutthroat trout are in the river year round and dolly-varden are most abundant in June and September.  An early run of coho salmon are present in late July through August.  The pink and  chum salmon run in late August and September.  Steel-head run in the Spring and Fall.