Our story
A lifetime on these waters.
We’re not a cruise-line concession or an out-of-state franchise. We’re a small, family-run crew that lives here, fishes here, and treats every guest like we’d treat a friend visiting from out of town.
How we started
Built on local knowledge
and a love of the catch.
Ketchikan Salmon Charter began in 2009 with a single boat, a hand-painted sign at the dock, and a simple promise: give visitors the kind of day on the water the locals get. Word spread fast. One boat became four, and tens of thousands of guests later, that promise hasn’t changed.
We still keep our groups small, our gear top-tier, and our captains hungry to find the fish — because your trip to Alaska only happens once, and we want it to be the story you tell for years.
Meet the captain
Captain Cole Sawyer
Cole grew up running these channels with his dad, learned every tide rip and kelp line the hard way, and has spent more than 25 years chasing salmon and halibut out of Ketchikan. He’s the kind of captain who’ll re-rig your line, net your fish, and somehow have you laughing the whole time.
When he’s not on the water, he’s probably talking about being on the water. His whole crew is USCG-licensed, first-aid certified, and just as obsessed with putting you on fish.
- 25+ years fishing Southeast Alaska
- USCG-licensed & first-aid certified crew
- Patient with kids & first-timers
The fleet
Four boats built for comfort.
Our four well-maintained aluminum cabin boats are made for the Inside Passage — stable, dry, and ready for the weather. Each carries a maximum of six guests, so you’re never crowded and always near the action.
Always private
Your own boat & captain — never a shared trip.
Max 6 guests
Small groups mean more room and more rod time.
Safety first
Coast Guard-inspected with full safety gear aboard.
Top-tier gear
Premium rods & reels, refreshed every season.
Why guests pick us
The little things that make the day.
We know the water
Decades of local knowledge means less searching and more catching.
Small & personal
Six guests max, so you’re a person — not a seat number.
On-time, every time
Guaranteed pickup and drop-off around your cruise schedule.
We fish responsibly
Within all Alaska regulations, so the runs stay healthy for the next generation.
Come fish with us
Let’s make your Alaska story.
Have questions before you book? Call the captain directly — we’re happy to help you plan.