Discover The Best Fishing In Alaska - Premier Locations For Saltwater And Fly Fishing

Welcome to Icy Strait Point in the city of Hoonah on Chichagof Island in Southeast Alaska! If you're looking for the best fishing in Alaska, you've come to the right place. Chichagof Island has been one of the best fishing spots in Alaska for thousands of years since it was first inhabited by the Tlingit people.

Icy Strait Shore Excursions offers two amazing guided fishing trips for anglers who want to experience Alaska through salmon fishing, halibut fishing, or river fishing, whether they're taking their Alaska trip on a cruise ship or coming as an independent traveler. Our Saltwater Fishing and our Great Alaskan Stream Fishing Adventures are perfect for anglers of all skill levels.

Let's take a closer look at each tour, so you can decide which one is right for you - or if you'd like to do both!

 

Catch Halibut And More On Our Saltwater Fishing Adventure

Our Saltwater Fishing Adventure is led by an experienced fisherman named Captain Billy. He's also a local legend and a proud member of the Tlingit people. He's enjoyed Icy Strait Point fishing for decades and knows every inch of water like the back of his hand. He can't wait to share his knowledge with you!

Let's take a look at what you should know about our tour:

• Big Catch - On this fishing charter, you'll be targeting big fish like halibut and several species of salmon (including king salmon). Hoonah is famous for its incredible halibut fishing—the largest documented halibut ever caught (91 inches long and 425 pounds!) was landed in the waters of Point Adolphus near Icy Strait Point. Do you think you can break the record?

• What's Provided - You'll learn fun fishing techniques used by the locals and, of course, all necessary fishing gear is provided. Just remember that it rains a lot in Southeast Alaska, so it's a good idea to bring a rain jacket, just in case.

• The Full Experience - In total, this excursion lasts about three hours. As you set sail on your Icy Strait fishing adventure, you may see other marine mammals like sea lions, humpback whales, and playful porpoises, all while enjoying the stunning views and surrounding islands.

• The Boat - All of our Saltwater Fishing Charters take place on a 36-foot catamaran called The Silver Spoon, which features state-of-the-art electronics, comfortable seats, a heated indoor section, and a restroom. Our boat's twin outboard motors mean it won't take very long to get to the fishing spot.

Pro Tip: For the best experience on the Saltwater Fishing Adventure, bring layered waterproof clothing and a good rain jacket to stay comfortable in Southeast Alaska’s unpredictable weather. Also, don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses to protect yourself during those bright, sunny moments on the water!

 

Great Alaskan Stream Fishing Adventure

Our Great Alaskan Stream Fishing Adventure is led by Captain David “Remo” Riemenschneider, an experienced Alaska tour guide who loves fish almost as much as he loves Alaska. Originally from Texas, Remo moved to Hoonah and quickly became a local favorite. We're sure you'll like him, too!

Here's what you need to know before you join our adventure:

• Different Waters, Different Fish - As you might have guessed based on the name, this river fishing excursion takes place on land in beautiful local streams. It also differs from the Saltwater Fishing Adventure in that you'll naturally catch different species of fish. Halibut prefers deep waters, so you won't likely find one in a stream.

• Every Trip Is Special - Captain Remo makes every trip special, even on slower days when the fish aren't biting as much. We can't always guarantee that there will be a lot of fish in the stream, but those days are pretty rare. Either way, we'll do our best to make sure you have an amazing time on beautiful Chichagof Island.

• Wildlife & Scenery - In addition to the great halibut fishing and salmon fishing, you can enjoy the gorgeous scenery and maybe spot some wildlife. Bald eagles and bears love to feast on salmon, and, depending on the time of the year, you might get a chance to see them enjoying a meal (bears from a safe distance, of course!).

• What's Included - This is a more secluded trip and usually runs between five and six hours. You'll drive about an hour from Hoonah to remote parts of Chichagof Island where you won't see another soul. All guests will be equipped with quality fishing gear, waders, wading gear, and delicious Alaskan adult beverages.

• Catch-And-Release Only - You'll also want to remember your waterproof shoes, as stream fishing requires actually standing in the stream. This is strictly a catch-and-release guided fishing trip in one of Alaska's famous rivers, so everything you catch will go right back in the water.

• Seasonal Fishing Calendar - It's also worth coming back at different times of the year, as different species of fish will be in the stream in different summer months. From May to September, you'll find Kokanee, cutthroat trout, and dolly varden. From the middle of May through June, steelhead trout will join the mix. From July to September, several different types of salmon (pink salmon, chum salmon, sockeye salmon, and silver salmon) will be available. There may also be rainbow trout, too.

• Professional Photography - A professional photographer will also be there to take videos, so you can go home with a custom video reel from your Alaska fishing trip to show your jealous friends and relatives.

Pro Tip: Since stream fishing is all about timing and fish movement, ask Captain Remo about the best spots to cast based on recent weather patterns. Fish tend to be more active after light rain, and different areas of the stream produce better results depending on the time of day.

 

New Fishing Rules For 2025

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has made some important changes to its list of fishing rules this year. These are designed to protect the local halibut populations and prevent overfishing.

Let's see the new rules and changes:

• Charter fishing operators (that's us!) are only allowed to have one trip per day where halibut are kept, and Tuesdays have been designated as non-retention days, which means we have six trips every week where you can catch a halibut and bring it back to shore.

• There are also bag limits to consider for halibut and salmon fishing. Non-Alaska residents can only catch and keep one king salmon per year. There may also be times when non-resident retention is prohibited. Please check before you sign up!

• However, we do offer catch-and-release charters for those who want the thrill of the chase and the exciting feeling of catching their own fish, but would rather see it returned to the water unharmed afterward. Just let us know during booking if you'd prefer a retention trip or a catch-and-release charter.

Good To Know: One thing that hasn't changed is that you'll still need an Alaska Fishing License before you go on either of our charters, even if you're only doing catch-and-release. You can pre-purchase one online or get one in Hoonah before you set sail. Either way works, but we usually recommend buying your fishing license before the day you go out, as it'll save you a lot of time.

 

Experience Alaska On The Fishing Trip Of A Lifetime With Icy Strait Shore Excursions

No matter what your skill level or experience with fishing is, you'll have an amazing time on either our Saltwater Fishing or Stream Fishing Adventures. They're perfect for expert anglers, novices, people who have never held a fishing rod before, and everyone in between.

Our tours take you to the places that locals go to find fish in or near the Hoonah/Icy Strait Point area, led by amazing tour guides like Captain Billy and Captain Remo. They'll help you catch the fish of your dreams, and (depending on the tour) have it cleaned, taken to a local fish processing facility, and mailed to you anywhere in the United States.

Both tours offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience with experienced Alaska fishing guides, but most travelers (especially cruise ship passengers) won't have time to do both. So how do you choose? The first consideration is time. The saltwater charter is about three hours, while the stream fishing will take five or six.

If you're planning on taking one of our other awesome excursions, like the Guaranteed Whale Watching Tour or the Wilderness Tour and Brown Bear Search, you'll probably want the saltwater fishing. If you're only planning on doing one excursion, you might prefer to go stream fishing.

The next thing to consider is whether you want to keep your catch and have it processed. Both tours offer catch-and-release options, but only the Saltwater Fishing Expedition allows you to retain your catches.

Other considerations to keep in mind are mobility and fitness level (Stream Fishing Adventure requires a moderate walk to the stream, the Saltwater is mostly sitting and standing on the boat), whether you prefer halibut fishing in saltwater or Alaska fly-fishing trips, and, of course, personal preference.

Ready to catch some fish? We can't wait to take you out on the water! Just click the "Book Now" link next to your preferred tour, choose the date and time that works best for your cruise schedule, and we'll pick you up from either the Icy Strait Excursions Hub (Saltwater Fishing) or 108 Cannery Road (Stream Fishing). Don't forget to pick up your fishing license before you arrive!

These Alaska fishing trips do fill up fast, though, especially during the busiest times of the year, so don't get left behind! Don’t miss out—reserve your spot now and experience the best fishing Alaska has to offer. Visit our website today to book your unforgettable Icy Strait Point fishing adventure!