Ketchikan Fishing Report: Rockfish Variety and Family Fun
This Ketchikan fishing report highlights the incredible variety we see in the early season. We recently welcomed the Day Group (the Day family) from Hawaii, along with their local friend Gary, for an action-packed day targeting bottom fish in the Inside Passage.
Non-Stop Catch and Release Action
Because the group chose a catch and release trip, we were able to focus purely on the “tug is the drug” excitement. Fishing in the waters surrounding the Tongass National Forest, you never know exactly what’s going to strike. This mystery is what makes bottom fishing so perfect for families and groups—it’s constant engagement.
The Day Group’s trip included a variety of species:
Yelloweye Rockfish: Beautiful, bright, and always a crowd favorite.
Quillback Rockfish: Several of these prehistoric-looking fish were caught and safely returned.
Lingcod: Lingcod: These aggressive predators provided some of the hardest fights of the day, and this Ketchikan fishing report wouldn’t be complete without mentioning their incredible strength.
Sea Cucumber: A unique “bonus” catch that brought plenty of laughs to the deck!
Why These Reports Matter
Early season fishing in Ketchikan offers some of the calmest water and most aggressive bites for rockfish. As a 5th-generation local guide, I love seeing families like the Days experience the diversity of the “Salmon Capital” beyond just the salmon. Everyone left the 4 C’s with big smiles and great memories.
Book Your Ketchikan Fishing Adventure
Ready to get out on the water? Whether you want a salmon slam or a multi-species rockfish trip, the 4 C’s is ready for you.
Email for Booking Info: campbellfishingcharters@gmail.com
Campbell’s Fishing Charters — Ketchikan, Alaska
Ketchikan Bottom Fishing FAQ
What is the best time for rockfish in Ketchikan? While rockfish can be caught year-round in the Inside Passage, the early season (May through July) offers fantastic action with high catch rates. Because these fish stay in the deeper reef structures, they are a reliable target even when salmon runs are just beginning.
Do I need a special license for rockfish? You will need a standard Alaska sport fishing license. On the 4 C’s, we ensure all guests are compliant with local regulations, including the use of deep-water release devices which are required for all sportfishing vessels in Alaska to protect rockfish populations.
Are rockfish and lingcod catch and release only? It depends on the specific species and the current seasonal regulations set by ADF&G. On the Day family trip, we focused on a catch and release experience to maximize the variety of species caught, including Yelloweye and Quillback rockfish.
Planning Your Trip Using the Ketchikan Fishing Report
When you look at a current Ketchikan fishing report, it helps you decide exactly what kind of gear to pack and what to expect on the water. For the Day family, a multi-species bottom fishing trip was the perfect way to spend an early-season day while waiting for the major salmon runs.
As 5th-generation local guides, we keep a close eye on all updates from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game to ensure our guests are fishing within current regulations and using the best conservation practices. Checking a Ketchikan fishing report before you book ensures you get the most action possible during your time in the Inside Passage. Whether you are a local like Gary or visiting from Hawaii like the Day group, the 4 C’s is ready to show you why we are the Salmon Capital of the world.