ALASKA FISHING AT CHINOOK SHORES LODGE – KETCHIKAN ALASKA

Fishing Licenses are required for persons over 16 years of age. The cost is $55 for a 7-day license, which may be purchased here or at www.admin.adfg.state.ak.us/license/. King Salmon Stamps are required for all persons regardless of age to keep King (Chinook) Salmon. They cost $30 for a 7-day stamp and can be purchased here.

Fishing Rods & Reels are included at Chinook Shores. For Salmon we use 7-8 ft. medium action Salmon rods with a Penn 320 reel and 30# Maxima monofilament line. For Halibut we have 5-6 ft. Heavy rods with Shimano TLD reels and 100# Tuff Line. We also have an assortment of spinning rods for kids of all ages to fish off the dock for salmon.

Fishing Tackle for bait fishing in our unguided boats is included. For additional supplies you can visit the neighboring Knudson Cove Marina tackle shop. If you like to tie your own we suggest a 6 ft. long leader of 30# or 40# test with two 4/0 or 5/0 hooks snelled about 4” apart. Use Owner SSW; Gamakatsu Octopus; VMC or Mustad hooks.

Unguided Boats are New Aluminum 20’ North River Sea-Hawks that seat 6 people with welded windshields; canvas tops; built in Fish boxes; 115 hp 4-stroke outboards; and trolling motors. Each boat is equipped with Penn down riggers; four rod holders; Garmen Fish Finder & GPS Chart Plotter, Marine VHF Radio, large salmon net, gaff hook; wash down hose; bilge pump; bait bucket & bait knife; fire extinguisher; flares; life jackets and last but not least a Potty bucket with a toilet seat. These boats are included in the unguided package and can be guided also.

Guided fishing is on 28’ cabin cruisers and includes all tackle, gear & bait. USCG licensed professional guides will take you were the fish are! Choose from Salmon, Halibut or combination trips.

Trolling is typically done between depths of 20’ to 100’ depending on target species. A 4-6 oz. lead is used for shallow trolling and Down Riggers are used to reach depths over 30’. We generally use a spoon or a double hook leader with a herring or hoochie (live bait is illegal). Typically a flasher is used 3’-5’ above the leader when trolling with herring or a hoochie. Some of the flashers used are Abe&Als, Hot Spots, Fish Flash, and Herring Dodgers. Recommended flasher types and colors vary between species and changes from year to year. We will have on the boat what’s been hot when you arrive. If you are unfamiliar with these techniques – have no fear, we will coach you to success.

Mooching is done from depths of 20’ to 120’. Mooching along ledges and shelves with a herring and a 4-6 oz. lead weight can be productive and can result in the catch of Salmon and various bottom fish including rock fish, ling cod and halibut.

Bottom Fishing for halibut is done between 150 and 350 ft. deep. A 12-24 oz. lead is typically used with a Circle or J-hook on a 28” leader baited with salmon scraps, herring or squid. 24 oz grub tail or squid jigs can also be used successfully for halibut by bouncing them along the bottom. While bottom fishing for Halibut you may also catch Mud Sharks, Ling Cod, Yellow Eye (Red Snapper), and various other species.

Fly-in Fly Fishing or spin fishing can be done at many of the surrounding mountain lakes for cut-throat, rainbows and grayling. If you want to experience world class trout fishing in a secluded lake/river in the middle of the Misty Fjords National Monument then try a Fly-in guided trip. Your only competition on the lake or river will be the bears.


FISH PROCESSING, FREEZING AND SHIPPING

Fish Processing can be done on your own (we’ll show you how) in our processing room with our commercial vacuum packer. Your fish is stored in our freezers until you depart. We have wet lock fish boxes for taking your catch home. Vacuum bags must be purchased from us to use the machine. A typical 50# box of fish will cost you about $30 to process on your own (includes the price of the box and the bags).

Custom Fish Processing is also available. You can simply drop your fish at the dock and the processor will filet, vacuum pack, freeze and box your catch for about $2.00 / filet # plus the price of the box. A typical 50# box will cost about $100.

Shipping Your Fish Home can easily be done by checking it as baggage on Alaska Airlines. You are allowed two checked bags up to 50# each and one carry-on on the plane. Beware – Alaska Airlines considers fishing rods checked bags so if you plan on bringing rods, be prepared to pay additional fees to get your fish home.

For more information on Ketchikan and Alaska fishing be sure to check:
Ketchikan Alaska Sport Fishing Guide
Alaska Fishing Regulations

DON’T MISS THE KING SALMON DERBY!
The Ketchikan CHARR King Salmon Derby starts the last weekend in May and ends the second weekend in June. First prize for the largest King Salmon is more than $12,000 in cash and prizes.