The Tglingit people called it Skagway, meaning "home of the North wind." The fishing town is about 90 miles northwest of Juneau on the Alaska Highway and at the northern end of the Upper Lynn Canal. The 1,000 residents of Skagway host thousands of tourists and anglers annually. The glacier-made canal is as deep as 1,000 feet, and you will find a sustained run of four species of Alaska salmon as well as other varieties in saltwater and freshwater.
The Fish
The salmon are best in the freshwater from May through August. In saltwater, you can find salmon all year. Skagway lakes are well-stocked with trout. Dollies and pink, chum and chinook salmon are in area rivers. Halibut, rockfish and lingcod are found the Lynn Canal. King salmon with their reputation as fierce fighters are the most targeted species in Skagway.
Advantages
A main advantage of fishing in Skagway, especially for salmon, is charters find little competition from commercial salmon operations. The area has limited shoreline and a small population. The town relies on tourism and not commercial fishing, making it a desirable place for visiting sport fishers. Skagway is not a place where large numbers of cruise ships stop, so you will also find less competition from excursion charters.
Hot Spots
The Taiya River has the best natural run of fish in the Skagway area. The best fishing is in the spring and fall, when the water is clear. Dolly Varden can be caught there in early spring or fall, chum and coho salmon in September and October. The Taiya Inlet itself is the place to go for the chinook. Pullen Creek offers pink salmon and Dolly Varden. Charters in Skagway can get you to the fishing grounds in less than 15 minutes, a short time for Alaskan charters.
Charters and Guides
A number of local charters with experienced guides are available to help you chase your quarry in saltwater or freshwater. Some work directly with cruise lines, and if you arrive by cruise ship, they will accompany you on your shore excursion. Other guides and charters work independently. A Skagway salmon fishing charter will also give you the chance to do some whale watching. Your charter operator will also point out fishing eagles and bear on the coastline.
Getting There
Skagway is one area of Alaska you can get to by auto, boat or plane. Most come by sea, however, on one of the cruise ships that make port here. Connector flights are available from Juneau, Whitehorse and Anchorage. The Alaska Marine Highway runs a ferry service all year. Skagway can also be accessed to a limited extent by the excursion rail company the Whitepass & Yukon Railroad. Make reservations ahead of time for all carriers.
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