What Mountain Point offers and where to find it

Mountain Point is a rocky headland on Revillagigedo Island in the Ketchikan Gateway Borough, located roughly 12 miles north of Ketchikan along the eastern shore. The point juts into Clarence Strait and creates a natural gathering place for halibut, lingcod, and rockfish — species that congregate where current meets structure. Access is by boat only; there is no road or trail to the point itself.

The area draws both charter operators and private boaters because the underwater topography changes sharply. The point drops off quickly into deeper water, and the rocky bottom holds baitfish and crustaceans that larger fish hunt. Tidal current flowing through Clarence Strait accelerates around the point, which concentrates feeding activity during slack and moving water.

Conditions here are exposed. The point faces open water to the east, so wind and swell can build quickly. Boaters should carry weather radio, check forecasts before departure, and be prepared to move to more protected water if conditions deteriorate. Summer months (June through August) offer the most stable weather and longest daylight, though fishing remains productive into fall.

Key Takeaways

  • Mountain Point is accessible only by boat and sits in open water where Clarence Strait current accelerates, concentrating halibut and lingcod around rocky bottom.
  • Slack tide and the first hour of moving current are the most productive times to fish, as feeding activity peaks when current begins to flow.
  • Jigging with heavy spoons or bucktail patterns works well for lingcod and rockfish; halibut respond to live or fresh herring on the bottom.
  • Weather can change rapidly on exposed water, so carry a VHF radio, check forecasts before leaving Ketchikan, and know the location of nearby protected anchorages.
  • Charter operators based in Ketchikan regularly fish Mountain Point and can handle navigation, tackle, and fish handling if you prefer not to run your own boat.

Halibut fishing at the point

Halibut congregate on the rocky bottom surrounding Mountain Point, particularly on the deeper slopes where the point drops into 150 to 300 feet of water. The best approach is to anchor or hold position uptide of the rocky area and drop fresh herring or squid on the bottom. Use a sinker heavy enough to stay in place during current — typically 8 to 16 ounces depending on tide speed — and a two-hook spreader rig or a single large circle hook.

Slack tide is the ideal window. As current stops and reverses, halibut move into shallower water to feed, and your bait sits naturally on the bottom without constant adjustment. The first 30 to 60 minutes after slack is also productive; halibut feed aggressively as current begins to move. Once current reaches full speed, fishing often slows because bait drifts and halibut retreat to deeper structure.

Bring multiple rods if regulations allow, and rotate them to cover different depths. Halibut often hold at specific depths depending on time of year and water temperature. A sounder helps identify where fish are holding, but even without one, dropping your line and feeling for bottom gives you a starting point. Expect to lose some tackle to the rocky bottom — bring extra sinkers and rigs.

Lingcod and rockfish techniques

Lingcod and various rockfish species — including yelloweye, canary, and quillback — respond well to jigging with heavy spoons or bucktail jigs. The rocky structure at Mountain Point is ideal habitat for these species. Cast or drop your jig uptide of the rocks and work it with sharp, aggressive strokes to mimic wounded baitfish. Lingcod strike hard and fight with head shakes; rockfish are more subtle but equally willing.

Spoon sizes from 2 to 4 ounces work depending on depth and current speed. Bucktail jigs in white, chartreuse, or pink are equally effective. The key is keeping your jig in the strike zone — near the rocks where fish hide — and moving it enough to attract attention without snagging constantly. If you are losing jigs regularly, you are probably in the right spot; adjust your technique to work slightly shallower or uptide.

Lingcod have a closed season during spawning (December through March in Southeast Alaska), so confirm current regulations before you fish. Rockfish have no closed season, but size and bag limits apply. Check the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website or ask your charter operator for current rules.

Tidal current and timing

Tidal current through Clarence Strait accelerates around Mountain Point, creating a natural funnel where fish concentrate. The current runs roughly north and south with the tide cycle. During flood tide (incoming), current flows north; during ebb tide (outgoing), it flows south. The speed and direction matter because they determine where fish hold and how your bait or jig behaves.

Slack tide — the brief window when current stops between flood and ebb — is when most anglers fish. Halibut move shallow, feeding is aggressive, and you can hold position without constant adjustment. Slack typically lasts 20 to 40 minutes depending on the strength of the tide. Tide tables for Ketchikan are available through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) website or through most fishing apps.

The first hour of moving current can also be productive, especially for lingcod and rockfish. As current begins to flow, baitfish move and feeding activity increases. Once current reaches full speed (typically 2 to 4 knots at Mountain Point), fishing often slows because fish retreat to deeper structure and your bait drifts too quickly to stay in the strike zone.

Boat handling and safety considerations

Mountain Point is exposed to Clarence Strait and open water to the east. Wind and swell can build quickly, especially in afternoon hours. Check the National Weather Service forecast for Southeast Alaska before you leave Ketchikan, and monitor the VHF radio (Channel 16 for emergencies, Channel 1 or 9 for weather) while you fish. If conditions deteriorate, move to protected water immediately — there are no safe anchorages at the point itself.

Nearby protected water includes the area behind Pennock Island (south of the point) and various coves along the eastern shore of Revillagigedo Island. Know these locations before you fish so you can navigate to them if needed. Carry a paper chart or GPS unit with waypoints marked, and bring a VHF radio with a charged battery. Cell service is unreliable in this area.

The rocky bottom and strong current make anchoring challenging. Many boaters use a single anchor with plenty of scope (rope) and monitor position constantly. If you are uncomfortable anchoring in current, hire a charter operator who knows the point and can handle boat positioning while you fish.

Charter operators and guided options

Multiple charter operators based in Ketchikan fish Mountain Point regularly. A guide handles navigation, boat positioning, tackle setup, and fish handling, which removes the technical burden if you are unfamiliar with the area or uncomfortable running a boat in open water. Charters typically run 4 to 8 hours and include tackle and bait; you bring rain gear and seasickness medication if needed.

Charter costs vary, but expect to pay per person or per boat depending on the operator's pricing model. Ask whether the charter includes fish processing and whether they can accommodate dietary restrictions or specific species preferences. Most operators can tell you what is biting on the day you want to fish and adjust their location accordingly.

To find charter operators, contact the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau or search online for "Ketchikan fishing charters." Read recent reviews and ask about their experience at Mountain Point specifically. A guide who fishes the point regularly will know the best slack windows, where fish are holding, and how to handle the current and weather.

Regulations and seasons

Halibut, lingcod, and rockfish are managed by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Halibut has a statewide season (typically open year-round in Southeast Alaska, but check current regulations). Lingcod has a closed season during spawning (December through March). Rockfish have no closed season but are subject to daily bag limits.

Size limits vary by species. Halibut must be at least 32 inches; lingcod at least 24 inches; rockfish vary by species (yelloweye, canary, and quillback have different minimums). Bag limits also vary — typically one halibut per day, but confirm before you fish. Regulations change annually, so check the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website or ask your charter operator for current rules.

Fishing licenses are required for all anglers 16 and older. Resident and non-resident licenses are available through the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website or through local sporting goods stores in Ketchikan. A three-day non-resident license is available if you are visiting briefly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to fish Mountain Point?

June through September offers the most stable weather and longest daylight. Halibut and lingcod bite year-round, but summer months are safest for boating in open water. Fall (September and October) can be productive but weather becomes less predictable.

Do I need my own boat to fish Mountain Point?

No. Charter operators in Ketchikan fish the point regularly and handle all navigation and boat handling. This is the safest option if you are unfamiliar with the area or uncomfortable running a boat in open water.

What tackle should I bring?

For halibut: heavy sinkers (8 to 16 ounces), circle hooks, fresh herring or squid, and spreader rigs. For lingcod and rockfish: jigging spoons (2 to 4 ounces) and bucktail jigs in white, chartreuse, or pink. Bring extra tackle because the rocky bottom causes snags.

How far is Mountain Point from Ketchikan?

Roughly 12 miles north by boat, about 30 to 45 minutes depending on your vessel and sea conditions. Charter operators typically include travel time in their trip duration.

What should I do if weather turns bad while I am fishing?

Move to protected water immediately. Nearby coves along Revillagigedo Island and the area behind Pennock Island offer shelter. Carry a VHF radio and monitor the weather channel; do not wait for conditions to improve at the point itself.