Herring Cove is a short boat ride from Ketchikan with reliable saltwater fishing and easy access

Herring Cove sits on the western side of Revillagigedo Island, roughly 12 miles south of Ketchikan by water. The cove itself is small and protected, making it a natural gathering point for halibut, lingcod, and rockfish during the warmer months. Most anglers reach it by charter boat from Ketchikan — a 30- to 45-minute run depending on sea conditions — though some locals with their own skiffs make the trip regularly. The cove's proximity to town and its reputation for consistent catches make it one of the more popular day-trip destinations in the area.

What sets Herring Cove apart from deeper offshore grounds is the mix of structure and shallow water. The cove has a sandy bottom in places and rocky outcrops in others, which holds fish predictably. Tidal movement here is strong — the same tidal range that powers Ketchikan's famous fishing also funnels baitfish and larger predators through the cove on a regular schedule. This means timing matters, but it also means you don't need perfect conditions to catch fish.

Key Takeaways

  • Herring Cove is 12 miles south of Ketchikan and reachable by charter boat in 30 to 45 minutes, making it a practical half-day or full-day trip.
  • Halibut, lingcod, and rockfish are the primary targets, with halibut fishing strongest from May through September.
  • Tidal movement is the main factor controlling fish activity — slack tide and the first hour of incoming or outgoing tide are usually most productive.
  • Most charter operators in Ketchikan offer Herring Cove trips, and rates typically run $250 to $400 per person for a half-day outing.
  • Bring rain gear, a warm layer, and seasickness medication if you're prone to motion — the 12-mile run can be choppy in wind.

What Fish Live in Herring Cove and When They're Most Active

Halibut are the main draw. They're present year-round but most abundant and aggressive from May through September. During this window, a halibut of 20 to 40 pounds is common, and fish over 60 pounds show up regularly. The cove's shallow to moderate depths (40 to 120 feet in most productive areas) make halibut easier to locate and fight than they are in deeper water offshore.

Lingcod and rockfish fill out the catch. Lingcod run smaller here than in some Southeast Alaska locations — typically 8 to 15 pounds — but they're aggressive and fun on light tackle. Rockfish (mostly yelloweye and quillback) are abundant and willing, which means you'll have action even on slower halibut days. Both species bite year-round, though they're most active in spring and fall when water temperatures shift.

Herring Cove also holds black cod (sablefish) in deeper pockets, though most anglers targeting halibut catch them incidentally. If you want to focus on black cod, you'll need heavier jigs and patience — they're not as aggressive as halibut or lingcod, but they're excellent eating.

Tides, Weather, and the Best Times to Fish

Tidal current is the engine of fishing here. Herring Cove experiences the same dramatic tidal swings as the rest of Southeast Alaska — a 20-foot range between high and low is normal. Fish feed most actively during slack tide (the 20 to 30 minutes when current stops) and during the first hour of incoming or outgoing tide. During peak current, fishing slows dramatically because baitfish scatter and larger fish stop feeding.

Check tide tables before you book. A charter leaving Ketchikan at 6 a.m. might hit slack tide at 8 a.m., giving you two to three hours of prime fishing before the next current shift. Experienced skippers plan trips around the tide schedule, not the clock. If you're booking a half-day trip, ask your charter operator which tide window they're targeting — that answer tells you whether they know the water.

Weather in this part of Southeast Alaska changes fast. Summer (June through August) is most stable, with longer daylight and calmer seas. Spring and fall can be windy, and winter is rough. Rain is constant year-round. Bring waterproof gear and expect to be wet — even on calm days, spray from the boat ride soaks you. Seasickness is real; if you're prone to motion, take medication before you leave the dock.

Tackle and Technique for Herring Cove

Halibut fishing here is straightforward jigging. Use a 1- to 3-pound jig (depending on depth and current) tipped with herring, squid, or artificial shads. Drop to the bottom, work the jig with sharp upward strokes, and pause on the way down — halibut often hit during the pause. A 6- to 7-foot medium-heavy rod with 20- to 30-pound braided line is standard. Braided line cuts through current better than monofilament and gives you better feel on the bottom.

Lingcod and rockfish respond to the same jigs but often hit harder and faster. They'll chase a jig on the way up, so keep your rod tip moving. If you're getting bites but not hooking fish, try a smaller jig or a slower presentation — rockfish especially can be finicky about speed.

Bring multiple jigs in different weights. If the current picks up mid-day, you'll need to go heavier to stay on bottom. If it slacks, you can drop to a lighter jig and cover more water. Most charter boats provide jigs, but bring your own if you have favorites — the skippers usually don't mind, and your confidence in your tackle matters.

Getting to Herring Cove and Booking a Charter

You cannot reach Herring Cove by road. The only practical way is by charter boat from Ketchikan. Most charter operators in town offer Herring Cove trips, and they're easy to find through the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau or online searches for "Ketchikan halibut charters." Rates vary, but expect to pay $250 to $400 per person for a half-day trip (4 to 6 hours) and $400 to $600 for a full day (8 to 10 hours). Some operators offer shared trips where you split a boat with other anglers; others do private charters for groups.

Book in advance during peak season (June through August), especially if you're traveling with a group. Summer weekends fill up weeks ahead. Spring and fall are less crowded, and charter rates sometimes drop — you'll have fewer other boats around and more personal attention from your skipper.

Ask the charter operator about their experience at Herring Cove specifically. Some skippers fish there regularly and know the tides and structure intimately. Others treat it as one stop among many. A skipper who can tell you which tide window is best for the day you're going is worth the booking.

What to Bring and What to Expect

Wear layers and bring rain gear — waterproof jacket, waterproof pants, and waterproof gloves. The boat ride is wet and cold even in summer. Bring a warm fleece or wool layer underneath, not cotton. Wool stays warm when wet; cotton doesn't. Wear non-slip boots or shoes with good grip; boat decks are slippery.

Bring sunscreen and a hat. The sun reflects off the water and burns fast, especially in June and July when days are long. Bring water and snacks — most charter boats provide coffee and some food, but bring your own to be sure. Bring seasickness medication if you need it; the 12-mile run can be rough in wind, and there's no shame in taking a preventive dose before you leave the dock.

Bring a camera or phone with a good battery. Herring Cove is scenic — forested islands, rocky shores, and wildlife — and the fishing is photogenic. Bring a cooler if you want to keep fish fresh for the ride back to town. Most charter operators will clean and fillet your catch, but ask before you go.

Regulations and Licensing

You need an Alaska fishing license to fish saltwater in Herring Cove. Non-residents can buy a 14-day license for a set fee or a one-day license for less. Licenses are sold online through the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website, at sporting goods stores in Ketchikan, and sometimes at charter boat offices. Buy it before you go — it takes a few minutes online and saves time at the dock.

Halibut and lingcod have daily bag limits and size restrictions that change year to year. Check the current regulations on the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website before your trip. As of recent years, halibut limits are typically one fish per day with a minimum size, and lingcod limits are two per day. Rockfish limits are higher. Regulations can shift, so verify the current rules rather than relying on what worked last year.

Charter operators know the regulations and will enforce them — they're responsible for making sure you stay legal. If you're unsure about a rule, ask your skipper. They deal with this every day and can answer quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How rough is the boat ride to Herring Cove?

The 12-mile run takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on sea state. On calm days it's smooth; in wind it can be choppy and wet. Summer is usually calmer than spring or fall. If you're prone to seasickness, take medication before you leave the dock — it's much easier than fighting nausea once you're on the water.

Can I fish Herring Cove on my own boat?

Yes, if you have a boat and know the area. The cove is open to public fishing, and locals with skiffs fish there regularly. If you're unfamiliar with Southeast Alaska navigation, tides, and weather, a charter is safer and more productive — the skipper knows where to fish and when, and you avoid the risk of getting caught in bad weather far from shore.

What's the difference between a half-day and full-day charter?

A half-day trip (4 to 6 hours) usually includes the boat ride, a couple of hours of fishing, and the ride back. A full day (8 to 10 hours) gives you more fishing time and often includes a lunch break. Half-day trips are cheaper and work well if you're new to the area or have limited time. Full-day trips let you fish multiple tide cycles and cover more water.

Do I need to bring my own tackle?

No. Most charter boats provide jigs, rods, and reels. If you have tackle you prefer or want to practice with your own gear, bring it — most skippers allow it. If you're new to halibut fishing, use the boat's tackle and ask the skipper to show you the technique.

What's the best month to fish Herring Cove?

June through August is peak season for halibut — water is warmer, fish are aggressive, and weather is most stable. May and September are good too, with fewer crowds and still-reliable fishing. Spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) can be windy but offer excellent fishing if you can handle rougher conditions.