Our 6- and 8-hour guided fly-out fishing trips offer access to remote lakes and streams throughout Southeast Alaska. 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 remote lakes. Our pilot and guide select locations and fishing 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.

When to Fish

April - May:

• Focus: Steelhead & Early Trout

• Details: Spring is a great time for trout and Steelhead fishing, as fish become more active with warming waters and Steelhead come in to Spawn.

• We Guide Steelhead from April 15th to May 15th Only

June:

• Focus: Coastal Cutthroat Trout

• Details: Trout fishing continues to be strong. This is also a good time for early season char.

  *We do not guide for King Salmon but they can be caught in both Ketchikan Creek and Herring Cove DIY

July:

• Focus: Chum Salmon, Early Pink Salmon & Coastal Cutthroat Trout

• Details: Trout fishing remains excellent, and Dolly fishing picks up. This is a busy, vibrant time with lots of action.

August:

• Focus: Coho Salmon, Pink Salmon, Dolly Varden & Trout

• Details: Coho (silver) salmon enter the rivers, offering thrilling fishing. Dollies and trout fishing remain productive.

September:

• Focus: Coho Salmon, Trout, & Char

• Details: Coho salmon are still plentiful, with trout and char fishing remaining good. Cooler weather makes for a more comfortable fishing experience.

The floatplane is a major part of what makes our 6- and 8-hour guided fly-out fishing trips unique. Aboard our Cessna 185, you'll travel beyond Ketchikan's limited road system to reach remote lakes and waterways throughout Southeast Alaska.

Each trip includes scenic flights to and from the fishing location, offering breathtaking views of mountains, rainforests, rivers, and untouched wilderness. Whether fishing remote streams, lake shorelines, or from a small boat, the flight opens access to areas few anglers get to experience.

Flight routes, destinations, and departure times are subject to weather and operating conditions, with safety always our top priority.

Your adventure begins at The Hook Up Fly Shop in Ketchikan, where you'll meet your pilot and guide, get outfitted with fishing gear, and prepare for the day's trip.

After evaluating weather and fishing conditions, we'll board our Cessna 185 floatplane and depart for a remote lake or stream. Once on location, you'll spend the day fishing with your guide, whether walking and wading a wilderness stream, fishing from shore, or exploring a remote lake by boat.

Our 6-hour trips include snacks, while 8-hour trips include lunch in the field to maximize your time fishing. At the end of the adventure, we'll board the floatplane for a scenic return flight to Ketchikan.

Every trip is unique, with fishing locations and activities determined by weather, water conditions, and seasonal fishing opportunities.

All necessary fly-fishing equipment is provided for our guided fly-out trips, so there's no need to travel with a complete fishing setup. We use Sage 6-weight fly rods paired with Lamson reels, equipped with floating, sinking, and sink-tip lines to accommodate different fishing conditions and techniques. We also provide quality Patagonia waders and wading boots.

We provide:

• Sage 6-weight fly rods and Lamson reels

• Floating, sinking, and sink-tip fly lines

• Flies, leaders, and tippet

• Patagonia 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.

What's Included – 6 & 8 Hour Guided Fly-Out Fishing

• Round-trip scenic floatplane transportation aboard our Cessna 185

• Professional fly-fishing guide

• Access to remote lakes and streams

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

• Sage 6-weight fly rods with Lamson reels

• Floating, sinking, and sink-tip fly lines

• All flies, leaders, tippet, and necessary tackle

• Patagonia waders and wading boots

• Rain jackets

• Necessary fishing and safety equipment

• Bottled water and snacks

• Lunch on 8-hour trips

• Transportation to and from The Hook Up Fly Shop in Ketchikan by floatplane

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

All guided trips are fly-fishing only and catch-and-release.Item description

Our 6- and 8-hour guided fly-out fishing trips are designed for anglers of all experience levels who want to explore Southeast Alaska's remote wilderness and experience some of its best freshwater fishing. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn or an experienced angler pursuing wild trout, steelhead, or salmon, our guides tailor the experience to your abilities and the day's fishing conditions.

Guests should be comfortable spending extended periods outdoors in Southeast Alaska's unpredictable weather. Some fishing locations require hiking up to a mile 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 whether the trip is suitable.

Above all, these trips are for anglers who value the adventure as much as the fishing—flying into remote wilderness, exploring waters far beyond the road system, and enjoying an authentic Alaska fly-fishing experience.

6-Hour Guided Fly-Out Fishing: $2,200 total for 1–2 anglers. A third angler may be added for $400.

8-Hour Guided Fly-Out Fishing: $2,595 total for 1–2 anglers. A third angler may be added for $450.

Rates include round-trip floatplane transportation, a professional fishing guide, all necessary fly-fishing equipment, and snacks. Lunch is also included on 8-hour trips.

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

All trips are subject to aircraft weight and balance restrictions, weather conditions, and availability. A third angler must weigh less than 170 pounds, and the combined passenger and gear weight limit is 600 pounds.

IMPORTANT TO KNOW

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 daily itineraries are determined by the pilot and guide based on safety, weather, water levels, seasonal fish activity, and guest ability.

All guided fishing is fly-fishing only and strictly catch-and-release.

Our goal is to provide anglers with the access, quality equipment, professional guidance, and opportunity to experience exceptional wilderness fishing. While we can't guarantee the fish will cooperate, we strive to make every trip a memorable Alaska adventure.

Important Information and Frequently Asked Questions for Guided Fishing Trips

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

- Essentials: Valid fishing license, appropriate clothing (layers, rain gear, hat, ), sunscreen, insect repellent, camera, and any personal medications.

- Optional: Sunglasses, and a water bottle. We have a water bottle refill station in the shop.

2. Are fishing licenses required?

- Yes, a valid fishing license is required for all participants. Make sure to obtain it before your trip HERE

- nonresidents age 16 or older must purchase and possess a sport fishing license to participate in Alaska sport and personal use fisheries

3. What type of gear is provided?

- We provide all necessary fishing gear, including rods, reels, waders, boots, flies, and tackle. However, you can bring your own gear if preferred.

4. Do I need to have prior fishing experience?

- No prior experience is required. Our guides are skilled at accommodating all skill levels, from beginners to experienced anglers.

5. What is the best time of year for fishing?

- The best time depends on the species you’re targeting. For example, salmon runs are typically in summer starting mid July through the end of September, while trout fishing can be excellent in spring and fall. Steelhead run from April through the end of May. Check with the guide for seasonal specifics.

6. What happens in case of bad weather?

- Safety is a priority. Trips may be adjusted or rescheduled in severe weather conditions. Guides will provide alternatives or safety instructions if necessary. If you cant reschedule due to weather a full refund will be issued in 3-5 business days

7. Can I keep the fish I catch?

- All of our fishing is catch and release, we don’t kill our business partners.

Guest Cancellations

• 30 or more days before departure: Full refund, less a 10% administrative fee.

• 15–29 days before departure: 50% refund.

• Less than 15 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

All fly-out fishing trips are weather-dependent. Family Air Tours reserves the right to delay, modify, reschedule, or cancel trips due to unsafe weather, mechanical issues, or other operational circumstances.

If Family Air Tours cancels a trip, guests will receive a full refund or the opportunity to reschedule, subject to availability.

If flying conditions prevent the trip from operating, guests may be offered an alternative guided road-based fishing trip. Guests who accept this option will receive a refund of the price difference. Guests may decline the alternative and receive a full refund.

Trip Modifications

Fishing locations, departure times, and itineraries are subject to change based on weather, water conditions, and operational considerations. Changes to the itinerary or fishing destination 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 strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect against unexpected cancellations, travel delays, illness, or other circumstances outside our control.