There’s a lot to like about Alaska’s state capital. Juneau is nestled among steep mountains capped with icy plains and clothed in dense woodland. The local fjords drop 1,000 feet before you know you’ve left land. They offer a stunning viewpoint of this epic landscape as whales breach and bask around you.
Not that you’ll notice the view, with so many awesome fish on your line. The sheer variety of species Juneau fishing charters can put you on is enough to get your reels spinning. Five different species of Salmon live in these water, from the mighty Chinook to the often-overlooked Chum. There are also two different Trouts, as well as huge Halibut, hard-fighting Lingcod, delicious Rockfish, and so much more.
Juneau is a fishing town through and through, and most local families have their own boat. This sets the bar very high for Juneau fishing guides - they have to offer much more than a ride on a boat and a rod in your hand. And boy do they deliver! You’ll hit your limits easy on a full day trip, and you’ll almost never head home empty-handed.
Juneau Fishing Spots
The first choice you need to make is freshwater or saltwater. The mountains around Juneau are riddled with creeks and lakes which explode with action during the summer Salmon runs. Head out on a charter boat, and you could be battling 100-pound Halibut, monster Lingcod, and ferocious ocean-going King Salmon. There are a million and one spots you could be fishing in, but here a few of the local favorites.
Auke Bay
Most Juneau fishing charters dock in the bay, and you don’t even need to leave it to find fish. Target King, Silver (Coho), Pink, and Red (Sockeye) Salmon, as well as Dolly Varden and Cutthroat Trout.
Gastineau Channel
These calm waters run between the mainland and the stunning Douglas Island. The scenery here is matched only by the fishing, with Salmon, Halibut, and various bottom fish to target.
Outer Point
Jutting out from Douglas Island at the mouth of Petersons Creek, this is a great spot for Chinook and Coho Salmon. The creek has a rich run of Salmon during the summer. Even out of season, the saltwaters hold big Kings and Rockfish.
The Breadline
Heading north from Juneau, the waters off the Breadline are home to a huge variety of species. King Salmon, Halibut, Rockfish, and much more can be caught here, making it a great all-rounder.
Stephens Passage
Blow past Outer Point and round the head of the island and you hit the deep waters of Stephens Passage. These straits are great for Halibut, as well as Kings, Rockfish, and even some Lingcod.
Chatham Strait
These are the deepest waters around - well over 1,000 feet. They hold huge Halibut, Lingcod, and Rockfish. They may take two hours to get to, but they’re always worth the journey.
Montana Creek
There are far too many amazing creeks to name every one. Montana Creek is the easiest to get to, and has some of the best fly fishing Juneau has to offer, with all five Salmon species, Cutthroat Trout, Steelhead, and Dolly Varden.
Windfall Lake
Windfall Lake is a happy compromise: not so close that it’s always busy, not so far that it’s impossible to reach. Here you’ll find Silver, Pink, and Sockeye Salmon, Cutthroat Trout, Steelhead, and Dolly Varden.
So Much More!
There are literally hundreds of creeks, dozens of lakes, and more saltwater spots than you could shake a stick at. Local guides and charter captains will always have their favorites, and chances are they’re even better than these well-known spots.
Fishing techniques
Fly fishing is the obvious choice when it comes to Juneau’s summer runs of Salmon and Trout. Catching Cutthroats and Steelhead on fly gear is some of the most fun you can have in freshwater, but Salmon fishing can be just as good with conventional tackle, drifting lures downstream with Salmon roe attached to attract the fish.
When fishing in saltwater, you’ll be using very different techniques depending on the target species. Saltwater Salmon are caught by trolling or mooching, using plug-cut, steaked, or live Herring, depending on how you’re fishing. Silver Salmon can also be fun to jig for when you find them holing up in tight schools.
Lingcod, Halibut, and Rockfish can all be taken with baits or jigs. Keeping these nice and big is the trick to bagging trophy fish. If it’s Lingcod and Rockfish you’re after, you’ll need at least 40-pound-test braided line, with 60-pound leaders to bear the brunt of that vicious Lingcod bite. Halibut need even stronger line, and you’ll often want to chum the bottom to get their attention.
Need to Know
You need a fishing license for both salt and freshwater fishing in Juneau. Some Juneau fishing lodges provide these, but most guides and charters don’t. Get yours online, or head to an approved vendor to pick one up and chat with local anglers. If you’re planning on visiting in high season (July-September, when the Salmon runs are at their best) you’ll need to book way in advance if you want a quality guide.