What Rudyerd Bay offers anglers

Rudyerd Bay is a deep, narrow inlet on Misty Fiords National Monument's eastern edge, roughly 40 miles south of Ketchikan. The bay itself holds saltwater species — primarily halibut and rockfish — in waters that drop quickly from shore. The real draw for most anglers, though, is access to the streams that feed into it: Puncheon Creek, Rudyerd Creek, and smaller tributaries hold pink salmon (odd years), chum salmon, and cutthroat trout. The bay is a working landscape — you will see active fish traps and commercial operations — but the streams remain productive and lightly fished because reaching them requires a boat.

The bay's geography shapes how you fish it. Steep terrain and old-growth forest come down to the water's edge on both sides. Tidal flats and gravel bars appear at low tide near the stream mouths, creating staging areas for salmon moving upstream. The water is cold year-round and visibility is often poor due to glacial silt, which means you rely on structure — drop-offs, current breaks, and stream outflows — rather than sight-fishing.

Key Takeaways

  • Rudyerd Bay requires a boat to reach from Ketchikan; no road access exists, and charter services or private boats are your only options.
  • Pink salmon run in odd-numbered years (2025, 2027) in the streams; chum salmon are present most years but in smaller numbers than pinks.
  • Halibut fishing in the bay itself is year-round, with better conditions from May through September when weather is more stable.
  • Stream fishing for cutthroat trout and salmon requires wading and hiking; bring tide tables because stream access changes dramatically between high and low water.
  • Misty Fiords regulations apply: check current Southeast Alaska sport fishing rules for season dates, bag limits, and gear restrictions before you go.

Getting to Rudyerd Bay by boat

Ketchikan is your jumping-off point. The bay lies about 40 miles south, a run of roughly 90 minutes to two hours depending on sea conditions and which part of the bay you're heading to. If you own or have access to a boat, you need a vessel rated for open water — the crossing to Misty Fiords can be rough, and the bay itself is exposed to weather systems that move in quickly. Most anglers without their own boat use charter services based in Ketchikan; several operators run day trips and multi-day trips to Rudyerd Bay specifically.

Charter costs vary widely depending on group size, trip length, and whether the operator provides lodging. A day trip from Ketchikan typically runs eight to ten hours total, with four to six hours on the water fishing. Multi-day trips usually involve staying at a remote lodge or floating cabin within or near the bay. Weather is the limiting factor: Southeast Alaska's maritime climate means fog, rain, and wind can cancel trips or force early returns. Plan for flexibility in your schedule and confirm conditions with your charter operator before committing.

Fuel and supplies are not available in Rudyerd Bay itself. Stock up in Ketchikan before you leave — food, fresh water, rain gear, and any tackle or fly line you think you might need. Cell service is unreliable or absent once you leave town.

Saltwater fishing for halibut and rockfish

Halibut in Rudyerd Bay respond to the same tactics as halibut anywhere in Southeast Alaska: heavy jigging with large spoons or bucktail jigs, live herring when you can get it, and patience. The bay's depth — it reaches several hundred feet in the main channel — means you are working bottom structure rather than mid-water. Halibut bite year-round, but May through September offers the best combination of stable weather and active fish. Expect to spend time jigging the same productive spots repeatedly; halibut are not aggressive chasers, and you often need multiple passes to trigger a strike.

Rockfish — primarily black rockfish and yelloweye — school around rocky outcrops and kelp beds. They are easier to locate than halibut and bite more readily, making them a good option when halibut are slow. Smaller jigs and lighter tackle work well for rockfish. The downside is that rockfish are also more vulnerable to overfishing, so check current bag limits and size restrictions before you fish.

Tidal current in the bay is strong enough to affect your drift and jigging depth. Fish the incoming tide when possible; halibut and rockfish feed more actively as water moves. Slack tide — the brief window between tidal changes — is often slow.

Stream fishing for salmon and cutthroat trout

Puncheon Creek and Rudyerd Creek are the primary stream fisheries. Pink salmon enter these streams in odd-numbered years (2025, 2027, and so on), typically from July through September. Chum salmon are present most years but usually in smaller numbers and later in the season. Both species respond to small spoons, spinners, and flies; in tight stream conditions, a fly rod is often the most effective tool. Cutthroat trout inhabit the streams year-round and will take small flies, spinners, and even small spoons.

Stream access depends entirely on tide and water level. At high tide, some sections are impassable; at low tide, gravel bars and flats open up, allowing you to wade and fish. Scout the stream mouth at low tide to understand the layout, then plan your fishing around tidal windows. Bring a tide table or check tide predictions before you leave Ketchikan. Wading is often necessary, and the water is cold — wear a wetsuit or heavy waders and move carefully on slippery rocks.

The streams are short and steep, so fish don't travel far upstream. Concentrate your effort in the lower reaches and around the stream mouth where salmon stage before moving up. Cutthroat trout are more dispersed; you may find them in deeper pools and behind current breaks throughout the accessible stream length.

Weather, tides, and seasonal timing

Southeast Alaska's weather is unpredictable and often poor. Rudyerd Bay is exposed to storms that develop over the Gulf of Alaska, and conditions can change within hours. Rain is nearly constant during fall and winter; summer (June through August) offers the best weather window, though "best" is relative — expect rain, fog, and wind even in peak season. Plan multi-day trips for mid-June through mid-September when the odds of stable weather are highest.

Tides in Rudyerd Bay are extreme — the difference between high and low can exceed 20 feet. This affects where you can fish, how you access streams, and where your boat can safely anchor. Obtain tide tables for Ketchikan or Misty Fiords before you leave; they are available through NOAA and most charter operators provide them. Plan your stream fishing around low tide when flats are exposed, and your saltwater fishing around tidal current changes.

Pink salmon runs are the main draw for many anglers, but they only occur in odd years. If you are planning a trip specifically for pinks, confirm the year before booking. Chum salmon and halibut are available most years, making them more reliable targets if you cannot time a trip to a pink year.

Regulations and what to bring

Rudyerd Bay falls under Southeast Alaska sport fishing regulations. Bag limits, season dates, and gear restrictions change annually and vary by species. Before you fish, review the current Alaska Department of Fish and Game sport fishing regulations for the Ketchikan area. Halibut has a daily bag limit and minimum size; salmon limits depend on species and whether the stream is open; cutthroat trout have their own limits. Violations carry fines and can result in loss of fishing privileges.

Bring rain gear rated for heavy, sustained rain — a light jacket will not cut it. Waterproof bags for tackle and electronics are essential. A good headlamp or flashlight is useful because daylight hours vary dramatically by season; in June, it stays light until nearly 11 p.m., but in September darkness comes by 7 p.m. Bring more food and water than you think you will need, and pack a first aid kit. If you are wading streams, felt-soled boots or wading boots with good grip are worth the investment; rocks are slippery and a fall in cold water is dangerous.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Rudyerd Bay without a charter?

If you own or have access to a boat suitable for open water and are comfortable navigating Southeast Alaska's conditions, yes. Most anglers without their own boat use a charter service. Renting a boat in Ketchikan is possible but expensive, and you need experience with saltwater navigation and weather reading to do it safely.

What is the best time of year to fish Rudyerd Bay?

June through September offers the most stable weather and the widest range of fishing options. July and August are peak season for pink salmon (in odd years) and halibut. If you are targeting chum salmon or cutthroat trout specifically, September can be excellent and less crowded.

Do I need a guide to fish the streams?

No, but local knowledge helps. The streams are small and relatively straightforward to fish, but understanding tides and water levels is critical. Many charter operators include stream fishing as part of their service and can point you to productive spots. If you are going on your own, scout the stream mouth at low tide before you commit to fishing.

What size halibut can I expect to catch?

Halibut in Rudyerd Bay range from small "chickens" (under 20 pounds) to fish over 100 pounds, though most are in the 20- to 50-pound range. Larger fish are less common but possible. Check current size and bag limits before you fish; regulations change and vary by area.

Is Rudyerd Bay crowded?

No. The bay sees far fewer anglers than more accessible Southeast Alaska fisheries because it requires a boat to reach. You may see other charter groups or commercial operations, but you will not encounter the crowds found at roadside streams or popular saltwater destinations near Ketchikan.