Ketchikan Cruise Ship Fishing Charters for Alaska Visitors
Many visitors arriving in Ketchikan on Alaska cruises choose a private Ketchikan cruise ship fishing charter to experience the area’s world-class salmon fishing during their stop in port.
Fish with a Local. Experience the Real Alaska.
Ketchikan, Alaska is known as the Salmon Capital of the World, and there’s no better way to spend your day in port than fishing with a lifelong local guide. Join Captain Cable Campbell (Clyde Campbell), a lifelong Ketchikan resident and owner-operator of Campbell’s Fishing Charters, for an authentic Alaskan fishing experience—hands-on, family-friendly, and carefully timed to fit your cruise ship schedule.
We offer 4-hour and 6-hour salmon fishing charters designed specifically for cruise ship passengers. Longer or fully customized fishing excursions are also available to match your interests and port time.
Our cruise ship fishing charters are a popular shore excursion for guests of all ages and experience levels.
Fishing & Alaska Wildlife Sightseeing
Fishing is the focus—but one of the biggest bonuses of spending time on the water in Southeast Alaska is the incredible wildlife you may see along the way.
While traveling to and from the fishing grounds, guests often spot:
- Humpback and orca whales
- Bald eagles perched along shorelines and old-growth trees
- Sea lions and harbor seals hauled out on rocks or swimming nearby
- Dall porpoise riding the bow wake
- Black bears and deer along the shoreline during certain times of year
Wildlife sightings vary by season and day, but every trip offers stunning scenery and a chance to experience Alaska beyond the dock.
Choosing the Right Fishing Charter in Ketchikan
Not all fishing charters in Ketchikan are the same.
Many cruise-line excursions and large tour companies operate multi-boat fleets staffed by seasonal guides. While often friendly and enthusiastic, these guides may have limited experience navigating Southeast Alaska’s ever-changing tides, currents, and fish movement.
Campbell’s Fishing Charters is different.
We are a locally owned, owner-operated, single-boat fishing charter, and Captain Cable—Clyde Campbell—is also your guide. With decades of experience fishing the waters around Ketchikan, he knows the local fishing grounds, seasonal patterns, and daily conditions that can make or break a fishing trip.
When choosing a fishing charter, consider asking:
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How long has the guide been fishing in Ketchikan?
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Is the charter locally owned and owner-operated?
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Will the captain personally guide the trip?
Fishing with an experienced local guide means a safer, more personal, and more successful day on the water—while supporting a true Alaskan small business.
Cruise Ship Passenger Information & Downtown Dock Pickup
If you’re arriving by cruise ship, please provide your ship name, arrival time, and departure time when booking. This allows us to coordinate your fishing charter seamlessly within your port schedule.
We are fully permitted to operate in downtown Ketchikan and are authorized to pick up cruise ship passengers near the dock. For ships docking downtown, pickup is convenient and hassle-free, with no need to arrange transportation on your own.
Each fishing trip is carefully timed to ensure you return to your ship well before departure, so you can relax and enjoy your day on the water.
Fish Processing & Shipping
After your trip, we can arrange delivery of your catch to a trusted local fish processing facility. Your fish will be professionally cleaned, vacuum-sealed, frozen, and shipped directly to your home—ready to enjoy long after your cruise ends.
Alaska Fishing License Requirements
- Adults:
A valid Alaska sport fishing license is required. A king salmon stamp is required when fishing for king salmon.
👉 Purchase online: https://store.adfg.alaska.gov/ - Youth (Under 16):
No fishing license is required; however, a harvest record card is required to log retained fish.
👉 Harvest card: https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/static/license/sportlicense/pdf/sf_harvest_record_card.pdf
Cruise Lines We Commonly Fish With in Ketchikan
We regularly accommodate guests from:
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Princess Cruise Line
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Holland America Line
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Carnival Cruise Line
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Disney Cruise Line
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Norwegian Cruise Line
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Royal Caribbean
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Crystal Cruises
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Seabourn Cruise Line
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Silversea Cruises
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Viking Cruise Line
Support local. Fish with experience. Discover the real Alaska—with Captain Cable.
Cruise Ship Fishing FAQs
How long are your cruise ship fishing charters?
Our standard cruise ship charters are 4 or 6 hours, designed to fit perfectly within your port time. If you’d like a longer or fully customized excursion, we can tailor your trip to your schedule.
Do you pick up directly from the cruise ship dock?
Yes! We are fully authorized to pick up cruise ship passengers downtown, just steps from the ships. There’s no need to arrange separate transportation—we’ll get you on the water quickly and comfortably.
Can kids and beginners join the fishing trips?
Absolutely! Our trips are family-friendly and hands-on. Whether it’s your first time fishing or you’re a seasoned angler, I’ll guide you every step of the way for a safe and fun experience.
What kind of fish can we catch?
During your trip, you can target salmon and other bottom fish, depending on the season. Halibut fishing in this area is catch-and-release only, in accordance with Alaska regulations, allowing guests to enjoy the fight while helping protect the fishery. Every trip offers adventure and an authentic Alaskan fishing experience.
Do we need a fishing license?
Yes. All guests must follow Alaska fishing regulations:
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Adults: Valid Alaska sport fishing license required. A king salmon stamp is required when targeting kings.
Purchase license here -
Youth under 16: No license required, but a harvest record card is required for any retained fish.
Get harvest card here
Can you process and ship your catch?
Yes! After your trip, we can deliver your catch to a trusted local processor. Custom fish processing is available through Gateway Seafood and Smokehouse at an additional cost. We will drop off your catch at the fish processor and you can arrange shipping and processing details. Your fish will be cleaned, vacuum-sealed, frozen, and shipped directly to your home, so you can enjoy your Alaskan catch long after your cruise ends.
Which cruise lines do you work with?
We regularly accommodate guests from:
- Princess Cruise Line
- Holland America Line
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Disney Cruise Line
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Royal Caribbean
- Crystal Cruises
- Seabourn Cruises
- Silversea Cruises
- Viking Cruise Line
Support local. Fish with experience. Discover the real Alaska — with Captain Cable.
