Salmon Fishing In Ketchikan, Alaska

Ketchikan, Alaska, is located on the southwest side of Revillagigedo Island in southeast Alaska. The city is known as the salmon capital of the world. In late summer, Ketchikan Creek, which runs through the town and parallels Creek Street, is packed with salmon swimming upstream to spawn.

Ocean Fishing

Ketchikan has several charter companies that can take visitors out trolling, casting, mooching and spincasting for salmon. King salmon fishing is available year-round in the ocean around town but the numbers are greater from mid-April to mid-August. July and August are the best times to fish for coho and pink salmon. There are only a small number of chum salmon in Ketchikan waters, and August is the best time to try for these fish.

Inland Fishing

Whether you want to fly fish, troll or simply cast for salmon, there are guided and self-guided opportunities to travel inland to Ketchikan’s estuaries and salmon fish. Freshwater fishing for king salmon is not allowed. If you travel to Alaska between July and October, you will be able to take advantage of freshwater fishing for other salmon. Sockeye salmon peak in freshwater in July, while pink salmon peak in August. Late August through early September is the best time for chums while coho salmon peak from late August through October.

Licensing

Alaska requires everyone over the age of 16 to possess a valid Alaska fishing license. Licenses are available through the state of Alaska online, through one of many fishing outfitters in Ketchikan or through your charter company. As of 2010, one-day licenses cost $20, three-day licenses $35 and seven-day licenses $55. King salmon fishermen need a corresponding king salmon stamp. In 2010, prices started at $10 for a one-day stamp and went up to $30 for a seven-day stamp.

Limits

Catch limits in Alaska vary from one region to another and are subject to change. Ketchikan falls in the southeast region of Alaska and as of 2010, the nonresident limit is one king salmon per day and four per year. The king salmon must be at least 28 inches long to keep. Your guide or outfitter can advise you about specific limits. If you do not fish with a guide, check with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game for limits.

Derby

Ketchikan is host to the King Salmon Derby over three weekends in late May and early June. A Ketchikan tradition for more than 50 years, the derby takes advantage of the king salmon spawn in area rivers and creeks. In 2010, derby competitors caught 778 king salmon with the largest weighing in at 42.4 lbs.