Our guided drive-out fishing trips offer access to scenic lakes and streams throughout Ketchikan's road system and the surrounding Tongass National Forest. Depending on the season, anglers can pursue wild steelhead, rainbow trout, coastal cutthroat trout, Dolly Varden, and pink, chum, or coho salmon.

Fishing opportunities include walk-and-wade stream fishing, shoreline fishing, and fishing from small boats on local lakes. Our guides select fishing locations and methods based on weather, water conditions, seasonal fish activity, and guest ability.

These trips accommodate anglers of all experience levels, from beginners to seasoned fly fishers. While we strive to provide the best possible fishing experience, conditions and fish movement are unpredictable, and catches are never guaranteed.

April – May: Steelhead & Early-Season Trout

Spring brings opportunities to pursue wild steelhead as they return to Southeast Alaska's coastal streams to spawn. Trout and Dolly Varden also become more active as water temperatures rise.

We guide for steelhead from April 15 through May 15 only.

June: Coastal Cutthroat Trout & Dolly Varden

June offers excellent opportunities for coastal cutthroat trout, including fishing in local lakes and streams. Dolly Varden are also available as freshwater fishing continues to improve with warmer weather.

We do not guide for king salmon, although anglers may pursue them independently at locations such as Ketchikan Creek and Herring Cove, subject to current fishing regulations.

July: Coastal Cutthroat Trout, Dolly Varden & Early Salmon

July provides a variety of fishing opportunities, with productive trout and Dolly Varden fishing alongside the arrival of chum and pink salmon. Late July can offer particularly exciting opportunities as salmon begin entering local streams.

August: Pink Salmon, Chum Salmon, Dolly Varden & Trout

August is one of the most exciting months for freshwater fly fishing in Ketchikan. Pink and chum salmon provide opportunities for anglers of all experience levels, while Dolly Varden and trout remain available. Coho salmon may begin appearing in some systems toward the end of the month.

September: Coho Salmon, Dolly Varden & Trout

September is prime time for targeting coho (silver) salmon in Ketchikan's freshwater streams. Trout and Dolly Varden fishing can also be productive as fish take advantage of the seasonal salmon runs. Cooler temperatures and changing fall conditions make this a popular time for experienced and beginner anglers alike.

Important: Fish runs and fishing conditions vary from year to year. Our guides select locations and target species based on seasonal availability, current regulations, water conditions, and the best fishing opportunities available. All guided fishing is fly-fishing only and catch-and-release.

Our guided drive-out fishing trips offer a convenient way to explore Ketchikan's freshwater fisheries without the need for a floatplane. Traveling by vehicle with a professional guide, you'll visit scenic lakes and streams throughout the Tongass National Forest, surrounded by lush rainforest, mountains, and beautiful Southeast Alaska scenery.

Depending on the season and conditions, fishing may include walking and wading local streams, casting from shore, or fishing from a small boat on one of Ketchikan's lakes. Our guides select locations based on fishing opportunities, water conditions, and guest ability.

Transportation to and from the fishing location is included, allowing you to focus on enjoying your time on the water.

Your adventure begins with pickup at your designated meeting location in Ketchikan or Ward Cove, where you'll meet your professional fishing guide and get outfitted with the necessary gear.

After evaluating weather and fishing conditions, we'll travel by vehicle to one of Ketchikan's scenic lakes or streams. Depending on the location, you'll enjoy walk-and-wade stream fishing, shoreline fishing, or fishing from a small boat on a local lake.

Throughout the trip, your guide will provide instruction, assist with fly selection and techniques, and help you make the most of your time on the water. At the end of your adventure, we'll transport you back to your designated drop-off location.

The total trip duration is approximately 4 hours, including transportation, outfitting, and fishing time. Fishing locations and activities are determined by weather, water conditions, seasonal opportunities, and guest ability.

All necessary fly-fishing equipment is provided for our guided fishing trips, so there's no need to bring your own setup. We use 5-weight fly rods for trout and Dolly Varden and 8-weight fly rods for salmon and steelhead, all equipped with floating fly lines.

We provide:

• 5-weight fly rods and reels for trout and Dolly Varden

• 8-weight fly rods and reels for salmon and steelhead

• Floating fly lines

• Flies, leaders, and tippet

• Waders and wading boots

• Rain jackets

• Necessary fishing accessories and safety equipment

Guests are encouraged to bring warm insulating layers, wool socks, polarized sunglasses, weather-appropriate clothing, and any personal fly-fishing equipment they prefer.

We are a fly-fishing-only operation. Spinning gear and centerpin equipment are not provided or permitted on our guided trips. Guests are welcome to bring their own fly-fishing equipment.

• Approximately 4-hour guided fishing experience, including transportation

• Round-trip ground transportation from designated pickup locations in Ketchikan or Ward Cove

• Professional fly-fishing guide

• Access to local lakes and streams

• Walk-and-wade, shoreline, or boat-based fishing depending on location

• 5-weight fly rods for trout and Dolly Varden

• 8-weight fly rods for salmon and steelhead

• Floating fly lines

• All flies, leaders, tippet, and necessary tackle

• Waders and wading boots

• Rain jackets

• Necessary fishing and safety equipment

Not Included: Alaska fishing license, gratuities, meals, and personal clothing or insulating layers.

All guided trips are fly-fishing only and strictly catch-and-release. Fishing locations and methods are selected based on weather, water conditions, seasonal opportunities, and guest ability.

Our 4-hour guided drive-out fishing trips are designed for anglers of all experience levels, from first-time fly fishers to experienced anglers pursuing wild trout, steelhead, and salmon. Whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, with family, or as part of a larger group, we accommodate groups of 1 to 10 anglers, with professional guides providing instruction and assistance tailored to each group's experience level.

Guests should be comfortable spending time outdoors in Southeast Alaska's unpredictable weather. Some fishing locations require walking and wading over uneven terrain, while others offer shoreline or boat-based fishing with less walking. Guests with mobility limitations should contact us before booking to discuss suitable fishing options.

Above all, these trips are for anglers who want an authentic Alaska fly-fishing experience without the need for a floatplane. From beginners learning to cast to seasoned anglers chasing their next fish, our goal is to provide a fun, personalized, and memorable day on the water.

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4-Hour Guided Drive-Out Fishing: $365 per person.

Additional Fishing Time: Extend your trip for $70 per person, per additional hour, subject to guide availability and scheduling.

Trips accommodate 1 to 10 anglers, from solo travelers to larger groups. All experience levels are welcome.

Rates include round-trip ground transportation from designated pickup locations, a professional fly-fishing guide, all necessary fishing equipment, waders, boots, and rain jackets.

Full payment is required at the time of booking to secure your reservation. Prices are per person and do not include Alaska fishing licenses or guide gratuities.

All trips are subject to availability, weather, water conditions, and operational considerations. Fishing locations are selected by our guides based on seasonal opportunities and guest ability.

All fish are wild, and catches are never guaranteed. Depending on the season, we target steelhead, rainbow trout, coastal cutthroat trout, Dolly Varden, and pink, chum, or coho salmon.

Weather and water conditions can change quickly in Southeast Alaska. Fishing locations, methods, and itineraries are determined by your guide based on safety, water levels, seasonal fish activity, and guest ability.

Our 4-hour trips include transportation, outfitting, and fishing time. Actual time spent fishing will vary depending on the location and conditions.

All guided fishing is fly-fishing only and strictly catch-and-release. Spinning gear and centerpin equipment are not permitted.

Our goal is to provide anglers of all experience levels with quality equipment, professional guidance, and the opportunity to experience Southeast Alaska's freshwater fishing. While we can't guarantee the fish will cooperate, we strive to make every trip a memorable Alaska adventure.

1. What should I bring on a guided fishing trip?

We recommend dressing in layers for Southeast Alaska's unpredictable weather. Bring warm clothing, wool socks, a hat, polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, a camera, and any personal medications. A reusable water bottle is also recommended, and we have a refill station available at The Hook Up Fly Shop.

2. Do I need an Alaska fishing license?

Yes. All anglers age 16 and older must have a valid Alaska sport fishing license. Nonresidents must purchase a license before fishing. Additional stamps or permits may be required for certain species.

You can purchase your license online through the Alaska Department of Fish & Game.

3. What fishing equipment is provided?

We provide everything you need to fish, including:

• 5-weight fly rods for trout and Dolly Varden

• 8-weight fly rods for salmon and steelhead

• Fly reels with floating lines

• Flies, leaders, tippet, and tackle

• Waders and wading boots

• Rain jackets

• Necessary fishing and safety equipment

You're welcome to bring your own fly-fishing equipment if preferred.

4. Do I need previous fly-fishing experience?

Not at all! Our trips are suitable for everyone from complete beginners to experienced fly anglers. Our guides provide casting instruction, help with fly selection, and teach fishing techniques appropriate for the day's conditions.

5. What is the best time of year to fish?

Fishing opportunities vary throughout the season:

• April 15 – May 15: Spring steelhead

• May – June: Coastal cutthroat trout and Dolly Varden

• July: Trout, Dolly Varden, and early pink and chum salmon

• August: Pink and chum salmon, trout, Dolly Varden, and occasional early coho

• September: Coho salmon, trout, and Dolly Varden

Fish runs vary annually, and no particular species or catch is guaranteed.

6. What happens if the weather is bad?

We fish in typical Southeast Alaska rain, so wet weather alone does not usually result in cancellation. However, unsafe conditions, flooding, or unusually high water levels may require us to change fishing locations, modify the trip, or cancel.

If we cancel your trip due to weather or unsafe conditions and cannot reschedule, you'll receive a full refund, typically processed within 3–5 business days.

7. Can I keep the fish I catch?

No. All guided fishing trips are strictly catch-and-release. We practice responsible fish handling to protect our wild fisheries for future generations.

As we like to say, we don't kill our business partners!

8. Can I use spinning gear or centerpin equipment?

No. We are a fly-fishing-only operation. Our guides do not provide or accommodate spinning rods, conventional tackle, or centerpin equipment.

9. How large are your fishing groups?

Our guided drive-out trips accommodate 1 to 10 anglers. We welcome solo travelers, couples, families, and larger groups. Guide staffing and fishing locations are adjusted based on group size and experience.

10. How much walking is involved?

Walking requirements depend on the fishing location. Some trips involve walking and wading over uneven terrain, while others offer shoreline or small-boat fishing with less physical activity. If you have mobility concerns, please contact us before booking so we can discuss suitable options.

11. How long is the trip?

Our guided drive-out fishing trips last approximately 4 hours total, including pickup, transportation, outfitting, fishing, and return transportation. Actual fishing time depends on the selected location and conditions.

12. Where do we meet?

We offer pickup at designated locations in Ketchikan and Ward Cove, including convenient meeting points for cruise ship passengers. Your exact meeting location and pickup instructions will be provided with your booking confirmation.

Guest Cancellations

• 7 or more days before departure: Full refund.

• Less than 7 days before departure: No refund.

• No-shows or late arrivals: No refund will be issued.

• Medical emergencies: Exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis with supporting documentation.

Weather & Operational Cancellations

Our guided fishing trips operate rain or shine. However, Family Air Tours reserves the right to modify, reschedule, or cancel trips due to unsafe weather, high water levels, flooding, or other conditions that prevent safe fishing.

If Family Air Tours cancels a trip due to weather, unsafe conditions, or operational issues, guests will receive a full refund or the opportunity to reschedule, subject to availability.

Guests whose cruise ship does not make its scheduled port call in Ketchikan will receive a full refund.

Trip Modifications

Fishing locations, pickup times, and itineraries are subject to change based on weather, water conditions, seasonal fishing opportunities, and operational considerations. Changes to fishing locations or itineraries do not qualify for a refund when the trip can still be safely operated.

Refund Processing

Approved refunds will be issued to the original payment method within approximately 5–10 business days.

Travel Insurance

We recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect against unexpected cancellations, travel delays, illness, or other circumstances outside our control.