Fishing Charters & Day Trips

Alaska is serious fishing territory, so it's no surprise that you'll find plenty of day fishing trips that cater to fisherfolk of any stripe. Salmon and halibut are by far the most popular species to fish for, and many coastal communities host world-famous fishing derbies that award prizes to whoever catches the biggest fish. Some Alaska fishing charters even stay out overnight so that you can catch your limit on both days.

If you'd rather go inland, guide services offer half-day, full-day or multi-day river trips, with accommodations ranging from rustic fish camps to luxury backcountry lodges, where your only care in the world is to decide what kind of fly you should use. Below, we dive into the most incredible fishing charter and day trip opportunities in Alaska.

Saltwater Fishing in Alaska

Saltwater fishing (sometimes called “surf fishing”) takes place from a beach, boat, or pier. Saltwater fish are normally larger in size than freshwater fish but are more difficult to catch because of the current in the waters where they swim. With more coastline than the rest of the United States combined, there’s no shortage of saltwater fishing in Alaska. Depending on the season, you can catch all five species of Pacific salmon, enormous halibut, feisty lingcod, and several species of rockfish. You can fish straight from the surf in some communities, meet new friends on a “six-pack” (six-person) Alaska fishing charter day trip, or take advantage of an overnight charter to catch two days’ worth of fish in one trip.

Some of Alaska’s fishing resorts cater to saltwater species, offering guided fishing trips every day, with luxury lodging and gourmet meals awaiting your return to the lodge. They’ll also process, package, and sometimes even ship your catch home for you.

Freshwater Fishing in alaska

Freshwater fishing refers to fishing in rivers, lakes, streams, and creeks. Different types of freshwater fishing include fly fishing, spin fishing, and ice fishing. Alaska's freshwater fishing is at its best from June to September, when the rivers ripple with five species of salmon returning to spawn, plus other species like Dolly Varden, Arctic char, and cutthroat and rainbow trout. Many of the best fishing spots are easily accessed from Alaska's highways — all you need is a rental car, a guidebook, and some basic gear.

On the other end of the spectrum, you can join a guided freshwater fishing trip, where you’ll typically travel by river to top fly fishing spots or book a fly-in adventure with a float plane that will take you to remote lakes and streams. To maximize your fishing opportunities, stay at a remote fishing lodge where the guides will take you straight to the best fishing holes every day. Whether you’re new to fishing in Alaska, or a seasoned pro, prepare to be wowed by what’s in our waters.

Learn more about the top places to fish in every region of Alaska and explore Alaska fishing guides and charter operators below.