Alaskan wilderness waters at golden hour

Southeast Alaska

Target Species

The waters around Pelican hold some of the most sought-after sport fish on the planet. Here's what you're after.

Hippoglossus stenolepis

Pacific Halibut

The undisputed heavyweight of Alaskan sport fishing. Pacific Halibut can exceed 300 lbs and are prized for their firm, white, mild-flavored flesh. They lie flat on the seafloor in deep water and hit hard when they decide to eat. Expect a serious fight on the way up.

SeasonMay – September
Typical Size20 – 100+ lbs
MethodBottom fishing, circle hooks and jigs
Anglers holding up their catch on a boat in Alaska

Oncorhynchus tshawytscha

King Salmon

Also called Chinook, the King is the largest Pacific salmon and the most coveted. Rich, fatty, and deeply flavored, Kings are the trophy fish of Southeast Alaska. They run hard, jump, and will test your gear. Catching one is a moment you don't forget.

SeasonMay – August
Typical Size12 – 20+ lbs
MethodTrolling, mooching
Four anglers holding up king salmon on a boat in Alaska

Oncorhynchus kisutch

Silver Salmon

Coho are the acrobats of the salmon family — aggressive, fast, and spectacular fighters on light tackle. They hit surface lures with authority and will clear the water multiple times during a fight. Silvers are also exceptional table fare, with rich pink flesh and excellent flavor.

SeasonJune – October
Typical Size8 – 12 lbs
MethodTrolling
Group of five anglers holding silver salmon on a boat in Alaska

Ophiodon elongatus

Lingcod

Lingcod are aggressive, toothy predators that ambush prey from rocky structure. They're not pretty, but they fight dirty and eat beautifully — firm, white, flaky flesh that holds up to any preparation. Southeast Alaska produces some of the largest Lingcod on the coast.

SeasonYear-round
Typical Size10 – 40+ lbs
MethodJigging, bottom fishing
Angler holding a large lingcod caught in Alaskan waters

Anoplopoma fimbria

Black Cod

Known as Sablefish, Black Cod is one of the richest, most buttery fish in the ocean. Its high oil content makes it exceptional for smoking, grilling, or miso preparation. Found in deep water, they're a prized commercial and sport species that commands top dollar at market.

SeasonYear-round
Typical Size3 – 15 lbs
MethodDeep bait fishing
Angler holding a large black cod on a boat in Alaska

Sebastes ruberrimus

Yelloweye Rockfish

Bright orange-red with striking yellow eyes, Yelloweye are the most prized of the rockfish family. They live in deep, rocky structure and can live over 100 years. Their firm, mild flesh is outstanding table fare. Catch-and-release of large specimens is encouraged to protect the population.

SeasonYear-round
Typical Size5 – 20 lbs
MethodDeep jigging, bait fishing
Angler holding a large rockfish caught in Alaska

Sebastes melanops

Black Rockfish

Black Rockfish are schooling fish that hold near the surface over rocky reefs and kelp beds. They're aggressive biters and a blast on light tackle — perfect for a high-action day when you want numbers. Great eating with mild, white flesh.

SeasonYear-round
Typical Size2 – 8 lbs
MethodShallow jigging, casting
Three anglers holding rockfish caught in Alaska

Sebastes borealis

Shortraker Rockfish

One of the deepest-dwelling rockfish species, Shortrakers are a rare and exciting catch. They inhabit extreme depths and are known for their impressive size. A true trophy species for dedicated anglers willing to fish deep structure.

SeasonYear-round
Typical Size5 – 25+ lbs
MethodDeep water jigging
Four anglers holding large shortraker rockfish on a boat in Alaska
Aerial view of Alaskan wilderness

Go After All of Them.

Self-guided access to some of the most productive waters in Southeast Alaska. Your boat, your schedule, your fish.

Let's Plan Your Trip!