Traitor's Cove is a protected saltwater pocket near Ketchikan where halibut, rockfish, and lingcod hold year-round

Traitor's Cove sits on the east side of Revillagigedo Island, roughly 12 miles south of downtown Ketchikan by boat. It is a small, sheltered bay with steep rocky walls and deep water close to shore — the kind of place where fish stack up because the structure funnels them into a tight space. The cove itself is maybe a quarter-mile across, and most productive fishing happens in 80 to 200 feet of water along the rocky drop-offs.

The name comes from early Alaska history, though the fishing story is what matters now. Halibut move through here on their seasonal migrations, and resident rockfish — mostly black and dusky — live on the rocks year-round. Lingcod show up in spring and stay through fall. Because the cove is protected from open-ocean swells, you can fish it on days when outside waters are too rough, which makes it valuable when weather windows are tight.

Access is by private boat only. There is no dock, no moorage, and no services at the cove itself. You launch from Ketchikan — either from the public ramp at Bar Harbor or from a private marina — and run south along the inside passage. The run takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on your boat speed and which launch you use.

Key Takeaways

  • Traitor's Cove holds halibut, black rockfish, dusky rockfish, and lingcod in deep water along rocky walls, with the best fishing in 80 to 200 feet.
  • The cove is sheltered enough to fish on days when outside waters are too rough, making it a backup option during poor weather windows.
  • You need a private boat to reach the cove; there is no public dock or moorage, and the run from Ketchikan takes 30 to 45 minutes.
  • Halibut season and rockfish regulations follow Alaska Department of Fish and Game rules, which change by year and sometimes by month.
  • Anchor in the center of the cove in 150 to 180 feet and fish the rocky slopes on both sides; the north wall and south wall both hold fish.

Halibut Fishing in Traitor's Cove

Halibut move through Southeast Alaska on a seasonal pattern. Spring and early summer — roughly April through June — brings the heaviest halibut traffic as fish move north from deeper winter grounds. Fall, from September through October, sees another push as fish move back south. Winter halibut fishing is possible but slower and requires colder-weather tolerance.

Halibut in the cove respond to live herring and large dead baits — squid, mackerel, and herring all work. Drop your bait to the bottom in 150 to 180 feet and work it slowly, lifting and dropping to create movement. Halibut are bottom feeders and will chase a bait that moves, but they are not aggressive strikers; you will feel a steady pull rather than a hard hit. Set the hook firmly when you feel weight.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game sets halibut seasons and bag limits by area. Ketchikan Gateway Borough waters have their own regulations, which typically allow one or two halibut per person per day, but the exact number and the open dates change year to year. Check the current regulations before you launch — the ADFG website lists the rules by management area, and Ketchikan charter operators and tackle shops can confirm what is open when you plan to fish.

Rockfish and Lingcod on the Rocky Walls

Black rockfish and dusky rockfish live on the rocks year-round and are the most reliable fish in Traitor's Cove. They school on the rocky slopes, especially where the bottom transitions from rock to sand or where crevices break up the wall. Fish the north and south walls by anchoring in the center and casting or jigging toward the rocks in 80 to 150 feet of water.

Rockfish respond well to small jigs — 2 to 4 ounces — tipped with squid or fished plain. Drop the jig to the bottom, lift it sharply, and let it fall on a slack line; rockfish strike on the drop. You can also use small live herring or dead bait fished on the bottom. The bite is usually steady rather than explosive, and you will often catch multiple fish from the same spot before they scatter.

Lingcod arrive in spring — typically April — and stay through fall. They are aggressive predators and will hit large jigs, live herring, and dead baitfish. Fish the same rocky areas as the rockfish but use heavier jigs and larger baits. Lingcod often hold deeper than rockfish, in 150 to 200 feet, and they fight hard on the way up. Alaska allows one lingcod per person per day in most years, but confirm the current limit before you fish.

Anchoring and Navigation in Tight Water

Traitor's Cove is small and rocky, so anchoring requires care. The center of the cove in 150 to 180 feet is the safest holding ground — mud and sand mix that sets an anchor well. Avoid anchoring too close to the rocky walls; the bottom is uneven and your anchor may not hold, or you may foul on rocks when you try to retrieve it.

Use a GPS chart plotter or paper chart to navigate to the cove entrance. The approach is straightforward — follow the inside passage south from Ketchikan and turn into the cove when you see the rocky headlands. Once inside, stay in the center until you find your fishing depth. The cove has no hazards in the center, but the edges are rocky and shallow in places, so keep your sounder on and watch your depth.

Tidal current in the cove is mild compared to outside waters, but it does run. Fish the slack water around high and low tide if you want the easiest anchoring and drifting. If you are anchored and the current picks up, you may swing into shallower water; watch your depth and be ready to reset your anchor if needed.

Weather and Seasonal Timing

Traitor's Cove is protected from the open ocean, but it is not immune to weather. Southeast Alaska storms can push swells into the cove, and wind can make it uncomfortable even when outside waters are worse. Spring and early summer — April through June — offer the most stable weather and the longest daylight hours. Fall fishing is good but weather windows get shorter as the season progresses.

Winter fishing is possible but requires a hardy crew and a boat that handles cold water well. Daylight is limited, and storms are frequent. Most recreational anglers fish the cove from April through October. If you are planning a trip, check the marine forecast for Southeast Alaska and plan for a backup day in case the cove gets too rough.

Tides in Ketchikan Gateway Borough run 15 to 20 feet, and they affect fishing. High tide brings more water into the cove and can push fish into shallower areas. Low tide concentrates fish in the deeper holes. Many anglers prefer fishing the hour or two before and after slack water, when the current is weakest and fish are more likely to bite.

Tackle and Technique for Cove Fishing

Bring a medium-heavy saltwater rod rated for 20 to 30-pound line and a reel with at least 200 yards of capacity. Braided line holds up better in rocky water and gives you better feel for the bottom and for bites. A 40 to 50-pound monofilament leader protects against abrasion on the rocks.

Jigs are the most efficient tool in Traitor's Cove. Carry a range from 2 to 8 ounces depending on the depth and current you encounter. Squid strips, herring, and mackerel are the standard baits. Bring extra of each — you will lose jigs on the rocks, and having backups saves time.

Vertical jigging is the primary technique. Drop your jig to the bottom, feel for the rocks, and work the jig with sharp lifts and controlled drops. Rockfish and lingcod strike on the drop, so keep your line relatively tight and watch for the weight change that signals a bite. Halibut fishing is slower — drop your bait and wait, checking the bottom every few minutes to make sure you are still in the zone.

Getting to Ketchikan and Launching Your Boat

Ketchikan is accessible by Alaska Marine Highway ferry from Juneau, Sitka, and Prince Rupert, British Columbia. If you are flying in, Ketchikan International Airport has daily service from Seattle and other West Coast cities. Once in town, you can rent a boat from several charter and rental operators, or launch your own if you are bringing one.

The Bar Harbor public boat ramp is the main launch for recreational anglers. It has parking, a concrete ramp, and a fuel dock nearby. Private marinas in Ketchikan also offer launch services and moorage if you need to leave your boat overnight. Call ahead to confirm ramp hours and any launch fees — they can change seasonally.

Fuel up before you leave Ketchikan. There are no fuel docks or services south of town, and Traitor's Cove is far enough that you want a full tank for the round trip plus a safety margin. Most boats running to the cove use 10 to 20 gallons depending on speed and sea state.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to fish Traitor's Cove?

Spring and early summer — April through June — offer the most stable weather and the heaviest halibut traffic. Fall fishing from September through October is also good, with fewer crowds and cooler water. Winter is possible but requires cold-weather experience and a sturdy boat.

Do I need a charter to fish Traitor's Cove, or can I go on my own?

You can fish on your own if you have a private boat and are comfortable navigating Southeast Alaska waters. Many anglers hire a charter captain instead, especially if they are unfamiliar with the area or do not have their own boat. Charter operators in Ketchikan know the cove well and can handle navigation and anchoring.

What is the difference between black rockfish and dusky rockfish?

Black rockfish are darker and slightly larger, usually 12 to 16 inches. Dusky rockfish are smaller and lighter in color. Both live on the same rocks and respond to the same techniques. Regulations may differ between species, so check the current rules before you fish.

How deep is Traitor's Cove, and where should I anchor?

The cove ranges from 80 feet near the edges to over 200 feet in the center. Anchor in 150 to 180 feet in the middle of the cove for the best holding ground and access to fish on both the north and south walls. Avoid anchoring near the rocky edges where your anchor may not set.

What should I do if I hook a large halibut and my line breaks?

Halibut over 50 pounds will test your tackle and your technique. Use heavy enough line and a solid rod, and keep your drag set so the fish can take line without breaking it. If you do break off, it happens — reset your anchor and keep fishing. Many anglers in Southeast Alaska lose fish to tackle failure; it is part of the game.