FAQs

For your convenience, our most common customer questions are answered right here.

Not finding what you want? Reach out directly through our Contact Us page.


Q: What about canceling a charter?

A: The Captain is the only one who will cancel or offer clients the ability to stay on the dock if the weather is in a condition where it may not be safe. Rain is not a reason to cancel a trip as Skagway is located in a rain forest.


Q: How many fish may I catch?

A: Each year the Alaska Department of Fish and Game determines the limit for King Salmon for residents and non-residents. Ask the captain for current limits.


Q: Where do we go?

A: Skagway Fishing Charters is located in Skagway’s Small Boat Harbor, which can be seen as you enter the port. If you’re arriving on a cruise ship, our charter schedules are formatted to coincide with your ship’s arrival and departure. If you dock on either Railroad dock, the harbor is a 5-min walk away. If your ship docked on either of the other two docks, we provide free transportation to the harbor.


Q: What do you provide?

A: Skagway Fishing Charters provides.

  • USCG Licensed Captain
  • USCG inspected vessel with full electronics
  • Rods and Penn reels
  • Bait and tackle
  • Enclosed cabin and restroom
  • Safety gear
  • Binoculars
  • Snacks
  • Water, tea & Coffee
  • FREE fish cleaning at the dock
  • Processing available at additional cost

Q: What should I bring?

A: We recommend you bring:

  • Your favorite beverages (Other than coffee, tea & water)
  • Camera (the scenery is awesome!)
  • Snacks
  • Jacket, sweatshirt, and rain jacket or poncho
  • Soft-soled, closed-toe shoes
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Motion sickness medication if you are prone to motion sickness

Q: Am I guaranteed to catch fish?

A: If fishing was guaranteed it would be called “catching.” The Captain will do everything in his power to get that fish on your line. The only guarantee with Skagway Fishing Charters is that you’ll have a memorable time!


Q: Do I need fishing experience?

A: No fishing experience is necessary. The Captain explains the process and what happens during the trip so it is enjoyable to all fishing persons.


Q: How many people may I bring with me?

A: By USCG rules the trip is limited to six persons, see rates for an exclusive trip where you can select the six persons.


Q: May I bring beer or alcohol on the boat?

A: Yes, you may bring beer and alcohol on the boat, however the Captain reserves the right to limit the quantity. Cold and hot alternate beverages, such as tea and coffee, will be provided.


Q: How far offshore will we generally be?

A: Skagway’s best fishing spots are near the shorelines and in front of the boat harbor, which means less travel time and more fishing time. Generally, your line is wet within 15 minutes of leaving the harbor.


Q: Are there any age restrictions?

A: Those under the age of 16 do not need to purchase a fishing license. Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult or guardian. Please consider that children under the age of 10 become bored since the action is variable and unpredictable. Bored children are not happy, nor are the other passengers!


Q: What about fishing licenses?

A: For your convenience, Skagway Fishing Charters sells all fishing licenses ($30 Cash Only) aboard the vessel so you can spend more time sightseeing in Skagway rather than hunting down your own fishing license.


Q: What can we expect to catch?

A: On Skagway Fishing Charters, we’re on the hunt for King (Chinook), Pink (Humpy) in July, and Silver (Coho) late in the season along with Dolly Varden.


Q: What about cleaning and shipping fish back home?

A: The Captain will personally clean and package your prize fish right there at the boat’s harbor. our catch will be flown to AK Seafood Processing in Juneau AK for processing. Many options are available. Once your catch is ready, AK Seafood Processing will contact you to determine a delivery date to your doorstep.


Q: When is the best time of year to fish?

A: It’s always best to ask the Captain about current conditions.