Trip Details
First 24 Hours
When you arrive in Sitka, our Horizon West staff will be there to greet you at the airport. From there, you’ll be shuttled to a hotel in downtown Sitka for your first night while we transition the previous group out of the lodge and prepare for your arrival. Your hotel stay is included in the package and requires no extra effort on your part. In rare cases, your group may skip the hotel and head straight to the lodge.
No matter where you stay, we’ll kindly remind you of the early 4:45 a.m. pickup the next morning so we can be at the dock and ready for fishing by 5:00 a.m. After your first day on the water, we’ll process your catch while you make your way to the lodge. If you stayed at the hotel the first night, your bags will already be waiting for you in your lodge room. The rest of your afternoon and evening is yours to explore and enjoy everything Sitka has to offer.
Coldwater Boat
Horizon West Boats
Our custom-built 30'–34' Coldwater Boats provide the ultimate platform for fishing these waters. Designed specifically for Alaskan fisheries, these boats are stable, safe, and purpose-built for performance. The original designer spared no detail in ensuring each vessel meets the highest standards. With a generous 10-foot beam, there’s plenty of deck space to fish comfortably, along with spacious, heated cabins that include onboard bathrooms for your convenience. Simply put, our boats are fishing machines — expertly engineered to help you make the most of every day on the water.
Horizon West Lodge
The Horizon West Lodge is thoughtfully designed to elevate your Alaskan adventure. Comfortable and fully equipped, it’s conveniently located within walking distance of our docks—though we provide a shuttle. The lodge boasts a breathtaking panoramic view looking west toward the bay and surrounding islands. Inside, a spacious commons area invites guests to relax, share stories, celebrate the day’s catch, and soak in the beauty of a late-evening sunset. When you compare the amenities, choosing Horizon West becomes an easy decision. For us, it’s all about the experience—and we believe a truly memorable trip begins and ends with a great night’s sleep.
Each of the suites in the lodge includes:
- 2 bedrooms suites
- Bathroom
- Living room
- Fully-equipped kitchen
- Cable television
- Deck or patio with barbecue grill
- Daily room service
We are proud of the accommodations. They are spacious, well-appointed and clean. We know you will feel comfortable and cozy as you make Horizon West Lodge your headquarters for your Alaskan adventure in Sitka.
Fishing Sitka
Expect a boat ride of anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to reach the fishing grounds—our Horizon West guides go where the salmon are most concentrated, so the distance can vary. But don’t worry—the journey itself is part of the experience. You’ll take in the breathtaking Alaskan scenery that most people only dream about. From dozens of seabird species and curious sea lions to breaching whales and playful sea otters, there’s always something incredible to see. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a bear along the shoreline or an orca cutting through the waves. No two days are ever the same.
Once you reach the fishing grounds, you're in for a world-class experience. We're fortunate to fish in waters rich in bait and located near migratory paths, which draw massive schools of fish into the area. While all five Pacific salmon species are present, most of the action centers around Chinook (king) and Coho (silver) salmon.
Typically, we’ll start your day by targeting salmon. We’ll outfit you with our mooching gear—a hands-on technique that puts you right in the middle of the action.
You’ll hold the rod, feel the bite, set the hook, and battle the fish — from start to finish, this is your experience. It’s your arms that will be sore, not ours, as you go toe-to-fin with ocean-fresh salmon known for their legendary fight — fish after fish after fish. This is what Alaskan fishing is all about.
Our deep-water halibut fishery is world-renowned. From massive “barn doors” to tasty “chickens,” Sitka offers halibut of all sizes — from tackle-busting giants that will test your strength, to more manageable fighters that are just as exciting to catch and even better on the grill. Sitka is a true fishing mecca, with bonus action from lingcod, chum salmon, Dolly Varden, and a variety of other bottom-dwellers. One thing’s for sure: there’s no shortage of fish to keep you busy.
It’s a full day on the water. We typically depart at first light — 5:00 a.m. from the docks — and return around 3:30 p.m. And after a day like that, you’ll sleep like a rock. Each day includes a deli-style lunch and beverages, so you’ll stay fueled and refreshed while you fish.
Processing and Packaging Fish
We take great pride in caring for your catch to ensure it stays as fresh as possible for as long as possible. After your first day on the water, you’ll have the opportunity to decide how your fish will be divided among your group. Our deckhands will fillet your halibut and rockfish right on the boat, while our experienced guides handle salmon filleting at the dock. No matter where the fish is processed, it will be vacuum-sealed, placed on trays, and moved into our walk-in freezer within minutes of arriving back at the dock. From there, we take care of portioning and boxing your catch to meet airline shipping standards. It’s important to us that your fish arrives at its final destination fresh, clean, and ready to enjoy.
