Determine Your Goals and Preferences:

Species: Decide which fish you want to catch. Ketchikan, Alaska is home to many species like Chinook salmon (king salmon) Silver salmon (coho salmon), pink salmon (humpy salmon), keta salmon (chum salmon) and sockeye (although sockeye are extremely rare, few and far between. Ketchikan is also home to many bottom fish such as halibut, rockfish, lingcod and dungeness crab.

Experience Level: Whether you’re a novice or an expert can affect your choice of location and guide services. If you know how to operate a 23′ boat with 150hp engine, then you’ll be able to navigate the waters of Knudson Cove, Clover Pass and Behm canal on a self-guided fishing trip. If you do not, you’ll need to book a fully guided charter package.

Trip Duration: Decide if you want a day trip, a multi-day adventure, or an extended stay at a fishing lodge.

Choose the Right Time:

Season: Peak fishing seasons vary by species in Ketchikan. For example, in Ketchikan peak king salmon fishing is June and July, peak silver salmon fishing is September, peak halibut fishing is June, July and August. For a better visual, view the Ketchikan fishing chart.

Weather: Alaska weather is unpredictable. If you are worried that bad weather might interfere with your travel or fishing plans, plan for extra days. The average weather in Ketchikan, Alaska is:

• May = High 55° / Low 45°
• June = High 59° / Low 51°
• July = High 63° / Low 55°
• August = High 64° / Low 55°
• September = High 59° / Low 51°

Select Your Location:

Regions: Alaska is divided into regions like Southcentral, Interior, and Southeastern, each with unique fishing opportunities. Ketchikan is a favorite destinatation for sport fishing because it is just one non-stop flight from Seattle. Chinook Shores Lodge is located on the Ketchikan road system and offers guests same day fishing, on your arrival day. And, guests fish on their departure day until 9am as check-out is at 10:45am.

Accessibility: Some prime fishing spots are only accessible by boat or plane. Chinook Shores Lodge to fish offers easy access to great fishing — just 10-45 minutes from the dock.

Obtain Necessary Licenses:

Fishing License: All nonresidents aged 16 and older need a fishing license. King salmon fishing requires an additional stamp. Alaska fishing licenses can be purchased online or locally at Tongass Marine or Knudson Cove Marina and Chinook Shores Lodge. If you buy your license online, you can receive it immediately, expedite the lodge check-in process and get out on the fishing grounds faster!

Book Accommodations and Guides:

Lodges: For a more immersive experience, consider staying at a fishing lodge, which can arrange everything from shuttle service, grocery shopping, boat rentals and guided charter fishing.

Guides and Charters: Book with reputable guides or charter services for the best experience. They can provide gear, increase your catch rate, and navigate local waters of Alaska’s Inside Passage.

Equipment: Check if your guide or lodge provides fishing gear, or if you need to bring or rent your own. Chinook Shores Lodge boats are ready to fish and include:

• Rods and reels for salmon and halibut fishing
• Tackle box with leaders, swivels, pliers and hooks
• Halibut rigging, halibut harpoon
• Salmon net, gaff and club
• Crab pot

Prepare Your Gear:

Clothing: Dress in layers as the weather can change rapidly and you can go from wearing a t-shirts to sweatshirt to jacket in one day. Chinook Shores Lodge provides guests grundens rain gear (jackets, pants and boots) so you don’t have to pack those items unless you really want to.

Fishing Equipment: Chinook Shores Lodge boats are ready-to-fish with all of the gear you need to fish for salmon and halibut

 Plan for Logistics:

Transportation: Decide how you’ll get to Alaska and then to your specific fishing location. Ketchikan is accessible only by plane and a favorite desitination because it is just 90-minutes from SeaTac airport!

Safety and Regulations:

Regulations: Familiarize yourself with Ketchikan fishing regulations, catch limits, and closed areas. This information is updated regularly by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

Safety: Be prepared for emergencies, especially in remote areas. Inform someone of your plans and carry survival gear if necessary.

By following these eight easy steps, you’ll be well on your way to planning a memorable and successful sport-fishing trip in Alaska. Remember, flexibility is key as weather an fish behavior can be unpredictable. It’s called fishing, not catching! 😀