Alaska Halibut Fishing Charters

Alaska's halibut are called “barndoors” for a reason: The largest sport-caught halibut tipped the scales at 455 pounds. While that grandma was a rarity, you can expect to catch lots of "chicken"-fish in the 20-50 pound range-and feast on their sweet, firm meat. You "jig" for these bottom-dwellers out on the ocean. Better yet, it’s pretty easy to take a crack at these fish. Your best bet is to book into a full-day charter: Expect an early departure and hour or more of boat travel before you get to a prime ocean spot. Then, cast away and

get ready for the wrestling match of a lifetime. Some charters include your tackle and gear in the price, and some even will help clean, package and ship your fish home.

Typical Price

About $250+ per person.

When to Go

You can fish for halibut year-round. Peak times vary depending on where you are.

Where to Go

Some hot spots for halibut—all saltwater—are very close to Anchorage while others are nearly off the grid—places that are cool to visit, but you might only go if you had a mandate—like fishing for halibut.

Near Anchorage

• Seward: Just a 2½-hour scenic drive south from Anchorage, Seward is the gateway to nearby Kenai Fjords National Park. Fish the deep waters of the North Gulf Coast, about an hour and a half by boat from Seward harbor. Sea lions, sea otters, puffins, porpoises, ducks, humpbacks, and orcas may wait en route. Many guided charters spot whales while fishing. Come August, compete for $100,000 of prize money in the annual Silver Salmon Derby. Seward is also a picturesque seaside town with a bustling harbor and quaint shops.
• Whittier: Less than two hours form Anchorage, this port city offers good halibut fishing in Prince William Sound, and into the Gulf of Alaska. You can also fish for rockfish and, after July 1, lingcod.
• Homer: A 5 hr drive or 1 hr flight from Anchorage. "Alaska's halibut capital" is the gateway to Kachemak Bay, one of the richest bays in the world. Homer is off the cruise circuit and appeals to more independent and adventure-minded visitors. Enjoy views of mountains and volcanoes and keep an eye out for whales, thousands of shorebirds and other marine life. Limit catches (two fish) are the rule, not the exception.

Southeast, Alaska

• Port Protection: Fish near Prince of Whales Island, at the edge of the Alexander Archipelago. The salmon hit here first before migrating further north.
• Ketchikan: This is a great spot to take a halibut charter if you're cruising the Inside Passage, as it is included in many cruise itineraries.
• Yakutat: While this town in the Southeast is remote, the halibut aren’t. You only have to ride about 10-15 minutes out onto the water to find the big boys. Also a great spot for salmon fishing, as well as hiking and even surfing.
• Elfin Cove: Tucked on the north shore of Chichagof Island in the Southeast, this off-the-grid spot has no roads—only boardwalks—but some big halibut, tucked in its inlets close to shore. You can also fly-fish in streams and rivers for dolly-varden, trout and pink and coho salmon.

Southwest, Alaska

• Unalaska/Dutch Harbor: This port in the Aleutian Islands is mostly known for commercial fishing, but there are definitely enough recreational charters if you want to come find a 200-pound halibut, which are common here, and can be found pretty close to shore. The Aleutians, accessed by the Marine Highway, are great for independent travelers, with lots of birding and outdoor recreation in state parks, too.

What You Need

Not much. While a lot of anglers prefer to bring their own gear, plenty of charters will supply you with good gear, and even your fishing license. Just be sure to ask about gear before you leave home. If you’re fishing in Alaska solo, you can get a license online or pick one up at outdoor-gear stores or even in many supermarkets.