Opening Day at Herring Cove – A Double to Start the Season
If you are looking for a King Salmon Charter Ketchikan experience, you’ve come to the right place.
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.
Choosing the Best King Salmon
Charter Ketchikan
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.
Why This King Salmon Charter Ketchikan Trip Was a Success
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.
Booking Your King Salmon Charter in Ketchikan
When you book a King Salmon charter in Ketchikan, you aren’t just getting a boat ride; you’re getting decades of local experience. Opening day at Herring Cove proved that the 2025 season is off to a spectacular start. As a 5th-generation local guide, I’ve spent over 45 years perfecting the art of the King Salmon charter in Ketchikan, ensuring my guests have the best chance at a double-header like the one Sarah and I enjoyed.
Whether we are targeting hatchery fish in the terminal harvest areas or searching for wild kings in the open salt, the 4 C’s is equipped with the best gear to make your trip a success. We prioritize a sustainable harvest and follow all ADF&G regulations to the letter, so you can enjoy the “Salmon Capital of the World” with peace of mind. Check our availability now to secure your spot for the 2026 season.