8 of the Best Alaska Cruise Fishing Excursions
Experience the ultimate adventure on Alaska cruise fishing excursions. Learn about salmon fishing, crab fishing, and the best places to cast in Alaska.
Alaska’s pristine waters teem with salmon, halibut, and crab — a paradise for anglers of all experience levels. Whether you’re casting a line for the first time or an experienced fisher chasing a trophy catch, Holland America Line offers cruises with fishing excursions that bring you face-to-face with wild Alaska.
From Ketchikan’s salmon-filled channels to the Kenai River’s glacial runs, every region of Alaska offers something unforgettable for anglers, with opportunities to cast a line in some of the most breathtaking waters on Earth.
Each of these guided adventures is led by local experts and tailored for both beginners and seasoned anglers. With small-group settings, provided gear, and the option to enjoy your own catch through the Savour My Catch program, these experiences embody the best of Alaska cruise fishing excursions.
Whether you’re planning an Alaska cruise with a fishing excursion or looking to experience the thrill of casting in the wild, here are eight of the best Alaska cruise fishing excursions to inspire your next catch.
Key Takeaways
- Alaska offers world-class cruise fishing for salmon, halibut, and crab across ports such as Ketchikan, Juneau, and Icy Strait Point.
- Holland America Line’s guided excursions include gear, small groups, and the Savour My Catch program to enjoy your fresh catch on board.
- Top excursions include Ketchikan Salmon Fishing, Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour, and Halibut Fishing at Icy Strait Point.
- The best fishing season runs from May – September, with peak runs for different salmon species throughout summer.
1. Ketchikan Salmon Fishing
Enjoy a 25- to 30-minute guided drive along the Tongass Narrows before boarding a modern fishing boat bound for Clover Passage — one of Ketchikan’s richest salmon areas. With just 4–6 guests per boat, this small-group charter blends intimacy with adventure.
Keep an eye out for bald eagles, whales, seals, and sea lions as your Coast Guard–licensed captain helps you troll for king, coho, sockeye, pink, or chum salmon depending on the season.
Catch a fish? Through Holland America’s Ketchikan Salmon Fishing excursion, chefs on board will prepare and serve your fresh catch for dinner — a true ocean-to-fork experience that sets these adventures apart.
2. Alaska Fishing & Wilderness Dining
Perfect for families or serious anglers, this immersive Alaska Fishing & Wilderness Dining excursion combines fishing and fine dining. After gearing up at the marina, guests board an open skiff and glide through serene waterways surrounded by centuries-old spruce and cedar trees.
At a secluded wilderness camp, your guide and chef prepare the catch of the day over an open fire — whether halibut, rockfish, or salmon. Enjoy fire-warmed sourdough rolls, rhubarb-blueberry bread pudding, and fresh coffee while sharing stories in the rainforest.
3. Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour
Step aboard the Aleutian Ballad for the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour — the same vessel featured on Deadliest Catch — for an educational and entertaining crabbing adventure in calm Inside Passage waters.
Watch as the skilled crew haul in barrel pots and 700-pound king crab traps while narrating life at sea. Guests often spot eagles, whales, and seals as the day’s catch is brought aboard and displayed in the vessel’s live tank.
This excursion is perfect for guests of all ages who want to learn about Alaska’s commercial fishing heritage without facing rough seas — a rare chance to experience the crabbing world safely and comfortably.
4. Hunting for Halibut
Spend the day on a state-of-the-art fishing vessel during the Hunting for Halibut excursion with a seasoned local guide. Drift over sandy flats or sea floor pinnacles where halibut — some weighing hundreds of pounds — thrive.
You’ll fish like a local using tried-and-true jigging methods in waters as deep as 300 feet. Other bottom dwellers like cod, flounder, and rockfish may take your bait too.
Once back aboard the ship, participate in the Savour My Catch program and enjoy your halibut perfectly prepared by onboard chefs. This tour captures Alaska’s deep-sea magic and gives you a true taste of life beneath its waters.
5. Halibut Fishing
Live your own big fish story in the abundant waters of Icy Strait Point on the Halibut Fishing excursion. Board a modern cruiser and head toward local halibut grounds teeming with marine life.
Your guide will share insider knowledge on tides, bait, and the best techniques to help you hook the “barn door” halibut Alaska is known for. Between catches, soak in scenic coastline views and keep your camera ready for whales and sea lions..
This is one of the most popular Alaska cruise fishing excursions, perfectly suited for guests of all skill levels who want the challenge of reeling in one of the ocean’s most powerful fish.
6. Salmon Fishing
Get serious about fishing on this four-hour guided Salmon Fishing excursion in Juneau. Your Coast Guard–licensed skipper leads you to Juneau’s best salmon hotspots, where you’ll learn about migration patterns and master the art of trolling.
You might hook any of the five Pacific salmon species — king, silver, sockeye, pink, or chum. Each boat features a heated cabin, restroom, and full amenities, ensuring comfort no matter the weather.
Through Savour My Catch, your fish can be expertly prepared and served for dinner onboard, or flash-frozen and shipped home — another example of how Holland America makes cruises with fishing excursions truly rewarding.
7. Shoreside Salmon Fishing
Fish for wild salmon without getting on a boat on this Shoreside Salmon Fishing excursion in Juneau. This family-friendly experience near the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery lets guests cast directly from the shoreline with guidance from local experts.
Transfer from the pier to the hatchery, where you’ll tour the facility and learn about the salmon lifecycle before heading to a scenic fishing spot with dock and shoreline access. Depending on the season, you might catch king, chum, pink, or silver salmon.
This half-day adventure is perfect for guests eight and up, offering an easy and scenic way to connect with Alaska’s fishing heritage. Whether you reel in a fish to ship home or release it back into the water, the memories you make here will last long after you’ve left Juneau’s shores.
8. Alaska Remote Fly Fishing
Experience the solitude of Alaska’s wilderness on the Alaska Remote Fly Fishing excursion in Sitka. Board a custom-built aluminum runabout for access to remote Sitka rivers known for their serenity and crystal-clear water.
Guided by experienced fly-fishing instructors, you’ll wade, hike, and cast for trout, salmon, Dolly Varden, or char in some of Alaska’s most pristine freshwater environments.
All wading and fishing gear, snacks, and a shoreside lunch are included, making this six-hour excursion both comfortable and immersive. It’s one of the most scenic and rewarding Alaska cruise fishing excursions, ideal for anglers seeking solitude, scenery, and the thrill of the catch.
Where Can You Find The Best Fishing In Alaska?
Fishing The Keanai River
The Kenai River is a fish-filled glacial river that’s popular with anglers looking to reel in a huge king salmon. During peak runs, its banks can line with hundreds of hopeful anglers, each vying for a prized catch. There are ten separate runs of wild salmon throughout the season. In July, the river fills with kings and sockeye, while August and September bring silver salmon — and pink salmon during even-numbered years.
Homer, Alaska Fishing
Take your pick, anglers: Casting a line in Homer is easy, affordable, and, at the manmade lagoon stocked with king and coho salmon near the Small Boat Harbor, even wheelchair-accessible. Visitors with deeper pockets can book charter boats from Homer Spit. The Halibut Fishing Capital of the World nets almost three million pounds of the flatfish annually — 18 percent of U.S. commercial landings. In 2015, the community launched the Halibut Festival in mid-September, honoring fishing traditions in Homer. For cruise guests who love halibut excursions, this coastal town’s charters offer the same challenge and reward as those found in Icy Strait Point or Ketchikan.
The Salmon Capital
Ketchikan is called the Salmon Capital of the World, and for good reason: all five different species of salmon swim its waters. Anglers shouldn’t miss the chance for a sportfishing excursion to hook a wild salmon — or another of Alaska’s iconic game fish, including halibut, cod or rockfish. Local fishermen offer small boat charters daily, and most can arrange to have your fresh catch smoked and processed to be sent back home. Because Ketchikan’s fishing grounds are so close to the cruise port, it’s one of the easiest stops to fit a quick fishing adventure into your Alaska cruise itinerary.
Check out one of our favorite salmon fishing excursions around Ketchikan.
Seward, Alaska Fishing
Seward also boasts all five species of salmon, but it teems with other alluring fish such as halibut, rockfish, and lingcod. From June to September, there are saltwater combo Alaska fishing trips. This port city is also known for stunning glacier views, making it a favorite for guests who want to pair fishing with sightseeing. Feeling competitive? Time your Alaska cruise to coincide with the Seward Silver Salmon Derby in mid-August — one of the state’s oldest and largest angling competitions, where proceeds support local conservation.
Experience Alaska Fishing with Holland America
With Holland America Line, you can pair these once-in-a-lifetime Alaska cruise fishing excursions with glacier views, wildlife encounters, and the comfort of returning each evening to your stateroom or suite. Whether you’re new to fishing or a lifelong angler, these voyages make it easy to experience Alaska’s wild bounty without sacrificing relaxation.
Browse our wide selection of Alaska cruise itineraries and start planning your journey into the heart of Alaska’s waters.
FAQs About Alaska Cruise Fishing Excursions
Can you do a fishing excursion on an Alaska cruise?
Yes. Many Alaska cruise fishing excursions depart directly from ports such as Ketchikan, Juneau, Icy Strait Point, and Sitka. Guests can choose from half-day or full-day adventures that include gear, guides, and the option to have their catch cooked on board through the Savour My Catch program.
What’s the best month to fish in Alaska?
The peak fishing season in Alaska runs from May through September, aligning with the cruise season. King salmon appear in May and June, followed by silver, sockeye, pink, and chum salmon through late summer. Halibut fishing remains excellent all season long.
How much does a fishing trip in Alaska cost?
Fishing excursions typically range from $150 to $400 per person, depending on trip length and type. Fly-fishing and wilderness dining experiences are on the higher end. Many include licenses, tackle, and the option to ship or prepare your catch.
What are the best excursions on an Alaskan cruise?
Top-rated options include Ketchikan Salmon Fishing, Alaska Fishing & Wilderness Dining, the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour, and Halibut Fishing at Icy Strait Point — all guided by local experts and designed for both new and seasoned anglers.