Winter King Fishing—Solo on the 4 C’s

It was a cold, clear February morning—one of those classic Ketchikan days where the wind has a bite to it and the water looks like glass. I decided to head out solo on The 4 C’s for a quick winter King salmon trip. Just me, the boat, and the hope that a fish or two might be cruising by.

The run out was quiet and peaceful—the kind of calm you only get out there in the winter. I dropped the gear and started trolling slow, watching the rod tips and taking in the silence. The fishing was slow—real slow—but that’s winter salmon fishing. You’ve got to be patient and trust that eventually, a wandering King will pass by.

A few hours in, just when I was starting to think it might be a skunk, the rod finally popped. Solid hit. After a short but fun fight, I landed a nice one—about 30 inches, chrome bright and healthy. Just one fish, but that was enough.

One good King, a quiet solo day on the water, and something fresh for the grill. Patience definitely paid off.

When people think of Ketchikan fishing charters, they usually picture the busy summer runs, but the winter season offers a unique and peaceful challenge. Targeted trolling for winter Kings requires patience and local knowledge of the underwater structure where these fish winter over.

At Campbell’s Fishing Charters, we take pride in being one of the few Ketchikan fishing charters that understands the year-round rhythm of these waters. Whether you are joining us for a summer limit or a quiet winter drift, the 4 C’s is ready to provide an authentic Southeast Alaska experience.