Shore Excursion Details

Local Halibut Fishing

Ketchikan (Ward Cove), Alaska

Local Halibut Fishing

DETAILS

  • 5
    hrs Estimate Duration
  • Age
  • Snack
  • Weight

OVERVIEW

Try your luck fishing for halibut, a species of flatfish that gets massive and feeds voraciously in the summer. You will head out to the fishing grounds in a group of no more than six guests, which ensures that the captain and crew can provide exceptional personal attention to increase your chances of catching one of these behemoths. Once the boat anchors, you will fish with a vertical rigging to reach the bottom of the ocean floor where halibut live. The larger fish are usually females and can grow up to eight feet in length and five feet in width, which is why they are often called “barn doors.” Imagine what a thrill it would be to reel in one of these lunkers. If you catch one, you will notice that it has smooth scales and a light-colored bottom and a darker top, which acts as a natural camouflage that mimics the hues of the ocean floor and water.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Fish for halibut on a private boat with just five other guest’s maximum.
• Follow the crew’s advice and tips to increase your chance of catching a huge halibut.
• Ship your catch home fully processed if you want to eat it later.


HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.
• REQUIRED to purchase fishing license in advance. The license itself will have a QR code on it and the state seal of Alaska.
• For Local Halibut, a 1-day nonresident sportfishing license($15) is required for those 16 and older.
• For Local Salmon, a 1-day nonresident sportfishing license($15) and King stamp ($15) is required for those 16 and older. The King stamp is required until July 15.

Need to Know:

Note: Participants must be at least 5 years of age and weigh no more than 300 lbs. A fishing license ($15) is required for ages 16 and up. Separate license for Halibut, Salmon and King Stamp needed. It is REQUIRED to purchase the license in advance at store.adfg.alaska.gov. Make sure to have a paper copy or pdf copy on your phone with QR code, not the receipt. In 2026, halibut will be catch and release on Thursdays only from June 18-September 10. Each angler may retain 1 halibut per person up to 34'' or over 80'' All other legal fish caught may be retained as well. Operator works with a 3rd party fish processor called Gateway Smokehouse and Processing. Operator will facilitate delivery of the catch to them at the end of the trip. Credit card info is needed for fish processing. There will be processing forms onboard the boats. While on the Private Halibut Fishing tour, each guest will hold their own rod. There will be multiple rods in the water and there can be 4 -6 guests onboard depending on vessel. Anglers will rotate so that everyone has time fishing.

Check Out the

ACTIVITY ATTRIBUTES

Excursion Type:

Adventure

Activity Level:

Image Title
  • 1
    Easy
  • 2
    Moderate
  • 3
    Challenging
Tours with this activity level involve walking over relatively level terrain, possibly some cobblestone, gravel, or a few steps. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
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0333 2412319