Ketchikan Fishing Report May 2026

Welcome to the Ketchikan fishing report May update. The big news for the month is that Lingcod season officially opened on May 16th. These “dragons of the deep” are a favorite for our guests because they put up a fantastic fight and offer some of the best table fare in Alaska.

2026 Lingcod Regulations

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has implemented specific slot limits for the 2026 season. It is critical to know these measurements before you bring a fish over the rail to ensure we stay in compliance with conservation efforts.

Alaska Residents:

• 1 daily, 2 in possession. There is no size limit for residents.

Nonresident Anglers:

• 1 daily, 1 in possession.

  • Slot Limit: Must be between 30 to 35 inches OR 55 inches or greater in length.

  • Annual Limit: 2 fish total. One must be the 30–35 inch “eater” size, and one can be a 55+ inch “trophy” size.

Spring Fishing Outlook

While we are targeting these big bottom fish near rocky pinnacles and deep structures, we are also keeping an eye out for the early Kings starting to move through the district. May is a beautiful time to be on the water in Ketchikan; the days are getting longer, the wildlife is active, and the pressure on the fishing grounds is still relatively light.