King Salmon has opened in Herring Bay near Ketchikan Alaska

Opening Day at Herring Cove – A Double to Start the Season

Sarah and I kicked off the 2025 King salmon season with a trip out to Herring Cove aboard The 4 C’s. The weather was calm and cool—just about perfect for a morning on the water. We had one goal in mind: bring home a King salmon for dinner. We barely had time to settle in before the action started. On our very first pass, both rods went off—a double header!

It was one of those great moments that remind you why you get up early, load the gear, and hit the water. After a fun fight, we landed two bright hatchery Kings and had more than enough to call it a successful day. With the boat traffic starting to build and our cooler already looking good, we decided to head back in and enjoy the rest of the day with fresh salmon ready for the grill.

This opener came with good news from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. From June 1 through July 31, 2025, the bag and possession limit in the Herring Bay terminal harvest area has been increased to three King salmon of any size for all anglers. Even better, these fish won’t count toward the nonresident annual limit, offering a great opportunity for both locals and visitors. This change is thanks to strong hatchery returns to Whitman Lake Hatchery, expected to exceed broodstock needs this season.

The terminal area includes waters west of a line from Hole-In-The-Wall to the painted ADF&G markers north of Whitman Creek and up to the mouth of Herring Cove Creek. Anglers fishing multiple zones should pay attention to area-specific limits to stay compliant.

Opening day was a great start to what looks like a promising season. If you’re planning a trip to Ketchikan this summer, now’s the time to book your King salmon charter—there’s no better way to enjoy Alaska than with a rod in your hand and fresh fish on the line.