Juneau Fishing: The Ultimate One-Day Adventure!
January 7, 2026
Our expert captains at Juneau Charters guide you to salmon and halibut in southeast Alaska’s pristine waters.
When you step off the boat in Juneau, Alaska, the crisp air and towering mountains ooze adventure. But for those who want a true taste of Alaska, nothing beats dropping a line into our pristine waters! Fishing in Juneau is known not only for the abundance of fish but also for the sheer majesty of the surroundings.
Seasoned anglers chasing king salmon and adventurous families looking to bond over their first Halibut all enjoy Juneau fishing. In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about fishing in our state capital, how to fit it into your cruise stopover, and why our charters consistently rank as the highlight of Alaskan vacations.
Can’t wait to book your trip? Check out our 2026 tours here!
Why Juneau Fishing Tops The List of Best Excursions
Planning a trip to Alaska can be overwhelming. There are so many excursion options, and such little time to do them. The list of the best things to do in Juneau is long and includes helicopter tours, dog sledding on glaciers, and whale watching. Where does one even start?
For adventurous visitors, fishing offers a unique chance to get up close with Alaska’s abundance. Unlike a sightseeing tour, a fishing charter puts you right in the action. You aren’t just watching the wilderness; you are participating in it!
Fishing In Juneau Means Whales, Sea Lions, and More
While our main goal is fishing, it is almost impossible to be on the water here without seeing humpback whales, Steller sea lions, or bald eagles. Fishing in Juneau is essentially a wildlife tour and a fishing trip, rolled into one. For whale enthusiasts, check out our private whale watching tour!
Take Your Catch Home and Relive Juneau Fishing Adventure Over Dinner
There is a primal satisfaction in catching your own dinner. We work with JC Processing to commercially vacuum seal, freeze, and ship your catch all the way home. We’ve heard from many guests that there’s nothing like sharing their epic fishing tale during a dinner with friends or family months later.
Fishing in Juneau is the kind of excursion that engages all your senses. The salty air of our fjords, the tug on the line, and the taste of fresh seafood. This adventure is one-of-a-kind and well worth your time should you stop in our lovely town.
One of the Best Things to Do in Juneau From A Cruise Ship
A common question we hear is: “I’m only in port for 8 hours, do I have time?” The answer is a resounding yes! In fact, Juneau fishing is perfectly tailored for the cruise schedule. Transportation is included, and the pickup location is within walking distance of most ships.
When traveling by cruise ship, itineraries can often feel rushed. Over the last two decades, we’ve honed our schedule to precisely fit your time in town.
Here’s why we think fishing with Juneau Charters is the perfect fit for cruisers:
- Convenience “We worry about logistics so that you can focus on the fish!”
- Coordinate pickup and drop-off
- Back to your boat with time to spare
- Professionally handled processing and shipping
- Flexible Durations
- We offer 4, 6, and 8-hour charters
- Whale watching only, also available
- Public and private charter options
- All-Inclusive Gear
- Top-of-the-line tackle provided
- Water, chips, and granola bars included
Take a look at our most popular tour package here!
What to Do in Juneau in One Day: The Perfect Itinerary
If you are wondering what to do in Juneau in one day, here’s a strategy to maximize your limited time. This is an example itinerary of our early morning trips.
- 9:00 AM – Pickup
- Meet your guide and head to Auke Bay
- The drive itself is scenic, passing the Mendenhall Wetlands.
- 10:00 AM – Harbor Departure
- By mid-morning, you’re actively fishing!
- Photos with your catch out on the water
- 12:00 PM – Head Back To Dock
- Hydrate and refuel with complementary water and snacks
- We’ll take your fish to the processors right at the dock
- 1:00 PM – Back to Your Cruise Ship
- Enjoy views of Mendenhall Glacier along the way
- Convenient drop off near your cruise ship
Looking for a post-fishing excursion? Check out Juneau Food Tours for the best bites in town!
Our Experienced Crew of Juneau, Alaska Fishing Guides
What’s the difference between a boat ride and a successful fishing trip? The captain! Our seasoned Juneau, Alaska, fishing guides are some of the best in southeast Alaska.
The fjords are dynamic! Our captains understand Southeast Alaska’s massive tidal swings and complex currents.
Why Professional Guides Matter When Fishing in Alaska:
- Safety First
- The Lynn Canal and Stephens Passage can be unpredictable. Our captains are USCG licensed and trained in first aid and safety protocols.
- Local Knowledge
- Fish have tails, and they sure use them. They follow bait balls, temperature breaks, and tidal rips. A GPS can tell you where the bottom is, but only a local guide knows where the fish are likely to be. Our crew is experienced; in fact, several of our captains have been fishing guides for 10+ years!
- Regulatory Experts
- Alaska Department of Fish & Game regulations change frequently. We make sure you are fishing legally and harvesting sustainably. Our guides are kept up to date with the latest guidelines and regulatory expectations.
Seasonality Spotlight: Fishing Juneau in July
While fishing is exciting from May through September, Juneau in July is typically the sweet spot of the season.
Salmon Runs
July is often when the runs overlap. It’s the tail end of the King Salmon (Chinook) run, and it’s when the Coho (Silver) Salmon begin to arrive in large schools. We often have “mixed bag” days where you might catch three different species of salmon in a single trip!
Halibut Migration
By July, the Halibut have fully moved from the deep ocean into the “shallower” shelves, typically around 300 feet, to feed. This means less reeling time and a higher chance of hooking a good eating-sized halibut.
Juneau Weather in July
July also statistically offers better weather. We always say “prepare for rain”, since this is a temperate rainforest. But July brings some of our warmest days and calmest seas, making it ideal for families or those prone to seasickness.
Essential Gear for Your Trip
While we provide the rods, reels, and bait, dressing for success is up to you! Here are our recommendations for staying comfortable during your adventure.
- Layers are Key
- Even if it’s sunny, the air on the water is cool. Bring a fleece or sweater.
- Waterproof Shoes
- While deck boots are best, any sturdy, closed-toe shoe will work. Avoid flip-flops for safety.
- Sunglasses
- The glare off the water can be intense. Polarized glasses are a pro tip—they actually help you see into the water to spot following fish.
- Camera/Phone
- Probably goes without saying, but you will want to capture the scenery and your epic catch!
Ready to Make Memories That Last a Lifetime?
Don’t let your Alaskan adventure pass you by without experiencing the thrill of the catch. Our calendar for the upcoming summer is filling up fast, especially for those prime July dates.
