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.
Finding the right Ketchikan cruise ship fishing excursion can be the highlight of your entire Alaska vacation.
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.
Spaces for Ketchikan cruise ship fishing fill up months in advance, so we recommend reaching out as soon as your cruise is confirmed.
Charter Rates
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. While Ketchikan cruise ship fishing is our main focus, the whale watching and eagle sightings are an incredible bonus.
About 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. Finding the right Ketchikan cruise ship fishing excursion can be the highlight of your entire Alaska vacation, but only if you choose the right guide.
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. Our Ketchikan cruise ship fishing pickup process is designed to be the most efficient in the harbor, getting you from the dock to the fishing grounds in minutes.
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
Our Ketchikan cruise ship fishing pickup process is designed to be the most efficient in the harbor, getting you from the dock to the fishing grounds in minutes. 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.
To coordinate your fishing charter seamlessly within your port schedule, please provide:
Ship Name
Arrival Time > * Departure Time
Each fishing trip is carefully timed to ensure you return to your ship well before departure. This reliability allows you to relax and enjoy your day on the water, knowing that your Ketchikan cruise ship fishing excursion is handled by a local expert who understands the cruise schedules.
Alaska Fishing License Requirements
Adults:
A valid Alaska sport fishing license is required. A king salmon stamp is required when fishing for king salmon. Before heading out for your Ketchikan cruise ship fishing trip, make sure you have your digital license ready on your phone.
👉 Purchase online: https://store.adfg.alaska.gov/
Alaska Fishing License Requirements 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:
Princess Cruise Line
Holland America Line
Carnival Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean
Crystal Cruises
Seabourn Cruise Line
Silversea Cruises
Viking Cruise Line
Support local. Fish with experience. Discover the real Alaska—with Captain Cable.
Cruise Ship Fishing FAQs
Pro Tip: If you want to see the type of salmon we’ve been catching lately, head over to our Ketchikan fishing photos page.
How long are your cruise ship fishing charters?
Our Ketchikan cruise ship fishing trips 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:
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 specific shipping and processing details directly with them. 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.
