Charter Fishing trip for Salmon

Question

My husband and I are looking for a fishing charter for salmon mid June. Most of the charters require a minimum of 4 participants. Does anyone know of a charter that will book only 2 people? Is mid June a good time to go Salmon fishing? TIA

Answer

Short answer: yes — there are several Ketchikan charters that will take just two anglers (private or “couples” charters), and mid-June can be a very good time for salmon fishing (you’ll often find coho/silver starting to appear and kings/chinook are also present in early summer), but you should check current king-salmon retention rules before you go.

Why two-person charters exist and how to find them: many operators run private boats and explicitly offer 2-person (couples) rates rather than forcing a 4-person minimum. A few Ketchikan operators advertise 2-guest pricing or say they specialize in two-person private trips — so you can book a private half-day or full-day without having to share the boat. If a company’s website lists a 4-person minimum, call and ask — captains sometimes accept two if there’s availability or will offer to match you with another party or move you to a private (slightly higher) rate.

Charter types to look for
- Half-day (3–4 hr) salmon trips — common for cruise visitors; good for a focused, less expensive outing.
- 6–8 hour full-day salmon or combo charters — better for mixing salmon and halibut or for a longer chance at bigger fish.
- Private 2-person / “couples” charters — advertised by several operators and ideal when you want the whole boat.
Examples of operators (to call/check availability)
- Operators that advertise two-person/private options — e.g., Oasis Alaska Charters, MacDougall Adventure Charters / other small local operators — many list 2-guest pricing or private 2-person trips. (Use these names as starting points when you email/phone.)

Is mid-June a good time for salmon in Ketchikan? Yes — mid-June is the start of the active summer salmon season. Expect:

Chinook/King — kings begin in May and run into summer; timing and retention rules vary year to year, so retention may be limited or closed depending on management decisions.
Coho/Silver — coho often begin showing up in mid- to late-June and increase through summer and fall; early coho in June average smaller (6–10 lb) but are common.
Pink and chum — pinks and chums are more abundant later in the summer (peaking in July–August), though schools can be in coastal waters in summer.

So in mid-June you have a good chance at salmon action (especially coho starting up and kings present), but the species mix and size change through July–September.

Important regulatory and practical notes (must-read before you book):

All anglers (non-residents age 16+ and residents age 18+) must have a valid Alaska sport-fishing license; if you hope to retain king (chinook) salmon you also need the king-salmon stamp (different short-term nonresident stamps are available). Rules and emergency closures sometimes change during the season — check Alaska DFG for the current emergency orders before you fish.
Retention rules can be restricted (or closed) for king salmon in Southeast Alaska depending on runs; even when kings are present you may be required to release them. Ask the charter about current retention limits before you book.
Charter operators can usually process and pack fish for you (vacuum seal, ice, ship or hold for your return) — ask about cleaning/packing and shipping fees when you book; many will also advise whether your cruise line or airline accepts fresh/frozen fish shipments.

Booking & trip-planning tips

Book early — June is a popular month. If you want a private 2-person boat, reserve as soon as your dates are fixed.
Call the charter — websites don’t always show last-minute flex or captain discretion on minimums; calling lets you negotiate private options or be placed on a cancellation list if minimums aren’t met.
Ask about exact start/return times (cruise passengers often have short windows), what’s included (rod/gear, bait, license assistance, life vests), and what the boat capacity is (USCG limits commonly cap small charter boats at 6 guests).
Bring layered clothes, waterproof jacket, non-slip shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, motion-sickness meds if you’re prone to seasickness, and a small tip for the crew (15–20% is standard if you’re happy with the trip).
Expect price ranges roughly from a few hundred per person for half-day shared trips to $600+ for private two-person half- or full-day charters — exact rates vary by boat and season, so get a written quote.

Final recommendation

If you want the most relaxed, personalized experience and you don’t mind paying a bit more, book a private 2-person charter — several Ketchikan operators specialize in or will accommodate couples and small private groups. If you’re budget-minded, look for half-day shared trips but call ahead to confirm whether they’ll combine parties or require a minimum. Confirm current king-salmon retention rules and buy your fishing license/king stamp as required before boarding.

Have a great trip — and tight lines!

Charter Fishing trip for Salmon

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