What Tenakee Inlet offers anglers

Tenakee Inlet is a protected saltwater system in Chichagof Island's eastern shore, roughly 40 miles south of Juneau. The inlet runs north-south for about 15 miles and holds halibut on the deeper bottom, pink and chum salmon in the shallows during summer runs, and cutthroat trout in the small streams that feed it. The real draw is the shelter — steep mountains and dense forest block most wind, making Tenakee one of the few Southeast Alaska inlets where you can fish comfortably when the outside coast is blown out.

The inlet's northern end near Tenakee Springs village is the most accessible point. A state ferry runs from Juneau to Tenakee Springs three times weekly, and the village has a lodge, a few cabins, and a store. The southern reaches are roadless and require a skiff or floatplane to reach. Water depth ranges from 20 feet near the village to over 200 feet in the central basin, and the bottom is mixed sand, gravel, and rock — good holding ground for halibut but variable for anchoring.

Key Takeaways

  • Tenakee Inlet's northern end near the village is the only road-accessible point; the south end requires a skiff or floatplane.
  • Halibut fishing is year-round in the deeper basin, with best results from April through September when weather allows consistent access.
  • Pink salmon arrive in July and August; chum salmon run June through September in the shallower arms and stream mouths.
  • The inlet's steep walls and forest provide wind protection that makes it fishable when outside waters are too rough.
  • Cutthroat trout inhabit the small creeks and can be caught on light tackle, especially in the upper inlet arms.

Getting to Tenakee Inlet

The ferry from Juneau to Tenakee Springs takes about three hours and costs roughly $50 to $70 per person, depending on the season. The ferry terminal in Juneau is on the downtown waterfront; you can walk on without a vehicle. Tenakee Springs village sits at the ferry dock, and from there you can fish the immediate northern inlet by wading or renting a skiff from the lodge or a local operator.

If you want to fish the southern and central reaches, you will need a skiff. Several operators in Tenakee Springs rent 16- to 20-foot boats with outboards for day trips, typically running $200 to $350 per day depending on fuel and the boat size. Alternatively, floatplane charters from Juneau can drop you at remote anchorages in the south inlet; these run $400 to $600 per trip for two to four people. The inlet has no developed boat launch, so all skiffs are either rented locally or arrived by water.

Halibut fishing in the central basin

The deepest part of Tenakee Inlet, roughly in the middle section between the northern village and the southern arms, holds halibut year-round. Depths here run 150 to 250 feet, and the bottom is a mix of sand and gravel with occasional rock outcrops. Halibut bite best from April through September, when weather windows allow consistent fishing. Winter months are fishable but require patience for calm days.

Fish the basin with heavy jigs — 8 to 16 ounces depending on current — tipped with fresh herring or squid. Drop straight down and work the jig vertically, pausing on the bottom for 10 to 15 seconds before lifting. Halibut in this inlet run 20 to 80 pounds on average, with occasional fish over 100 pounds. Anchor in 180 to 220 feet of water and work the edges where the bottom rises toward the shallower arms. Slack tide is easier to fish, but halibut bite through the tide change.

Alaska's halibut regulations require a state saltwater license and a federal halibut permit (the Catch Accounting System tag). You can purchase both online through the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website before you arrive. Daily bag limit is one halibut per person, with a 32-inch minimum length. Fish under 32 inches must be released immediately.

Salmon in the shallows and stream mouths

Pink salmon enter Tenakee Inlet in July and August, moving into the shallower northern arms and the small creeks that drain into the inlet. They run 3 to 5 pounds and are aggressive on small spoons and spinners. Fish the stream mouths on the incoming tide, casting toward the current seam where fresh water meets salt. The best creeks are on the eastern shore near the village and in the southern arms where unnamed streams enter.

Chum salmon run June through September and are larger — 8 to 15 pounds — but less predictable in their location. They hold in deeper water than pinks and move through the inlet on their way to spawning streams. Fish for chums with larger spoons (3/4 to 1 ounce) and small plugs in the central basin during the tide change. Early morning and late evening produce better results than midday.

Both species require the same saltwater license and federal permit as halibut. Daily bag limit is four salmon per person per day, but check current Alaska regulations before you fish — limits can change by species and season. Coho salmon are also present but less abundant; they arrive in September and October in the deeper water.

Cutthroat trout in inlet creeks

Small cutthroat trout live in the creeks and small streams that feed Tenakee Inlet, particularly in the upper arms where fresh water is coldest. These fish run 8 to 14 inches and are eager on small spinners, spoons, and dry flies. The best fishing is in July and August when water levels are stable and the fish are actively feeding.

Access to the creeks requires a skiff or a long walk along the shore. The eastern shore near Tenakee Springs village has several small streams within walking distance of the ferry dock. The southern arms have more remote creeks with less fishing pressure. Fish the pools and runs where the creek widens, and work the undercut banks where trout hide from the sun.

Cutthroat trout in saltwater systems like Tenakee Inlet do not require a federal permit, only an Alaska saltwater license. Daily bag limit is five fish per person. These are not large fish, but they are plentiful and fun on light tackle — a 4- to 6-weight fly rod or a spinning rod with 4-pound test works well.

Weather, tides, and when to fish

Tenakee Inlet's protection from wind is its greatest advantage, but weather still matters. The inlet faces east and can get rough when southeast winds blow hard, but the surrounding mountains block most north and west wind. June through September offers the most stable weather and the longest daylight — you can fish from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. in July. April and May are fishable but shorter and wetter. October and November bring rain and shorter days but fewer anglers.

Tides in Tenakee Inlet run 10 to 15 feet, with the strongest currents in the narrow northern section near the village. Slack tide — the period between flood and ebb — is easiest for anchoring and fishing, but halibut and salmon bite through the tide change. Plan your fishing around the tide tables, which you can find on the NOAA website for Tenakee Inlet or nearby Juneau. The inlet has no road access to the south, so you must plan your day around skiff rental hours and fuel.

Lodging and services in Tenakee Springs

Tenakee Springs village has a small lodge with rooms, a few private cabins available for rent, and a general store that stocks basic groceries and some fishing supplies. The lodge can arrange skiff rentals and can point you toward local guides if you want a day with someone who knows the inlet well. Expect to pay $100 to $150 per night for a room and $200 to $300 for a cabin. The store has limited selection, so bring any specialty gear you know you will need.

There is no restaurant in the village, but the lodge serves meals to guests. Bring or plan to cook your own food if you are staying in a cabin. Cell service is spotty, and there is no internet at most lodgings, so plan ahead and confirm your ferry reservation and skiff rental before you arrive. The village is small and quiet — it is a fishing destination, not a tourist town.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Tenakee Inlet without a skiff?

Yes, if you stay near Tenakee Springs village. You can wade and cast from shore for salmon in the stream mouths and shallow arms. For halibut in the deep basin, you will need a skiff or a guide with a boat. The village lodge can arrange both.

What is the best time of year to fish Tenakee Inlet?

July and August offer the most stable weather, longest daylight, and active salmon runs. April through September is fishable for halibut. June through September is best for chum salmon. Cutthroat trout are most active July through September. October and November are quieter but wetter and shorter.

Do I need a guide to fish Tenakee Inlet?

No, but a guide is helpful if you are unfamiliar with the inlet's bottom and the salmon stream locations. Local guides in Tenakee Springs know the halibut holes and the best creek mouths. A half-day guide trip runs $300 to $500 and can save you time and increase your catch.

What licenses do I need to fish Tenakee Inlet?

You need an Alaska saltwater license (available online or at the village store) and a federal halibut permit (Catch Accounting System tag) for halibut and saltwater salmon. Cutthroat trout in creeks require only the saltwater license. Licenses are valid for the calendar year.

How rough does Tenakee Inlet get?

The inlet is sheltered compared to outside Southeast Alaska waters, but southeast winds can still create 2- to 4-foot chop in the open basin. The northern section near the village is calmer. If you are uncomfortable in a small skiff, fish from shore or hire a guide with a larger, more stable boat.