Ketchikan Fishing Report May 2024
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.
2024 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.
Staying current on these limit changes ensures a smooth day on the water. Check our Ketchikan Alaska Fishing Charter for 2026 availability. We specialize in Cruise Ship Fishing and provide these regular Ketchikan Fishing Reports to keep our guests informed. Join us on The 4 C’s and let’s go fishing!
Planning a trip this summer?
Ready to get out on the water? Whether you are arriving on a major cruise line and need a dedicated Ketchikan Cruise Ship Fishing Charter tailored to your port schedule, or you’re staying local and looking for a full-day multi-species adventure, explore our core Ketchikan Alaska Fishing Charters to lock in your dates for the 2026 season.
2026 Ketchikan Spring Fishing Outlook
While 2024 gave us an incredible spring hook-up ratio, the early indications for the 2026 season are looking just as strong. Water temperatures are lining up perfectly for baitfish consistency, meaning both resident and migrating species are holding in our traditional honey holes. If you are tracking the start of our local run, our Ketchikan fishing report May updates show that the spring bottom-fishing action is proving why this area remains the undisputed salmon and lingcod capital.
Anglers heading out this week are finding excellent structure alignment and high energy on the water, which makes timing your trip essential. Keeping up with a reliable Ketchikan fishing report May outline helps you track exactly how the local bag limits and slot sizes are adjusting as the season hits its stride. Whether you are targeting giant trophy fish or filling the freezer with perfect “eaters,” staying informed ensures you are ready the second your line hits the water.
I already have the boat dialed in, the rods prepped, and the specialized gear rigged up to help you experience the very best wilderness fishing that Southeast Alaska has to offer this season.