About The Fishing

Sitka's prime location places it at the intersection of north- and southbound salmon migrations, creating an enviable overlap that draws in fish from both directions. Nutrient-rich waters support clouds of baitfish, which in turn sustain thriving populations of salmon, halibut, and a variety of other species. This pristine saltwater ecosystem offers everything fish need to flourish — and they certainly do.

All five Pacific salmon species are well represented here: Chinook (king), Coho (silver), Pink (humpy), Sockeye (red), and Chum (dog) salmon. Sitka is one of the rare places where anglers have a chance at the elusive “salmon grand slam” — catching all five species in a single day. While the odds are about one in ten thousand, it’s a testament to just how fertile and productive these waters are.

At Horizon West, we primarily use a technique called “mooching” to target salmon. This traditional method involves presenting bait at varying depths until you connect with actively feeding fish. Mooching is an interactive style of fishing — you’ll feel the fish strike, your rod will load under the weight, and the fight begins! Sitka’s king and silver salmon are especially tenacious, often peeling off 20, 30, or even more yards of line in a single run.

But salmon are only part of the story. On most days, we also target halibut. Sitka is home to some true giants, often tipping the scales at over 100 pounds. These bruisers are incredibly powerful and will challenge you every step of the way. Smaller halibut, affectionately known as “chickens,” typically weigh between 20 and 40 pounds and are prized for their excellent table fare. We consistently catch a healthy mix of both.

Thanks to a rich marine habitat and responsible fisheries management, Sitka ranks among the world’s premier fishing destinations. We’ve got something special here, and we look forward to sharing it with you.

Whether you're new to fishing or just new to fishing in Sitka, no problem — our guides and techniques are perfectly suited for first-time anglers. We focus on making your experience enjoyable, easy to learn, and hands-on from the start. If you're a seasoned angler, you'll appreciate the fast-paced action and the top-tier equipment we provide. From our Coldwater Boats to G. Loomis rods, everything we use is first class.

Sitka is one of the few ocean-access destinations in Southeast Alaska, offering consistent action on the open Pacific. Fishing the "big blue" gives our guides access to world-class opportunities throughout the season. When conditions align, Sitka easily stands alongside the top fishing destinations in the world. And if the wind picks up, no worries — we also have access to protected inshore waters nearby that offer excellent alternative fishing. No matter the weather, there’s always something biting.

Our season starts May 15th and ends the first week of September.

May, June and July are the top months for kings though there are good numbers of them in the area into September.

Halibut are available all summer.

Silvers begin showing in June and build to a crescendo through July, August and the first week of September.

Ling cod are available all year long.