Clover Pass is a narrow tidal channel between Revillagigedo Island and nearby islands, known for halibut, rockfish, and seasonal salmon runs

Clover Pass sits just north of Ketchikan and funnels tidal water between islands, creating a concentrated fishery where species stack up during tide changes. The pass itself is roughly two miles long and narrows to a few hundred yards at its tightest point. Halibut hold on the deeper edges and structure; rockfish scatter across the rocky bottom; and pink and chum salmon move through during summer and fall. The fishing here depends almost entirely on tide timing—slack water and the first hour of incoming tide are when most anglers fish, because the current can run 3 to 4 knots at peak flow.

Access is by boat only. Charter operators in Ketchikan run regular trips to Clover Pass, and the pass is close enough that private boats can reach it in 15 to 20 minutes from downtown. The water is cold year-round, and weather can change fast, so this is not a place to venture without proper gear and a working radio.

Key Takeaways

  • Fish Clover Pass during slack water or the first hour of incoming tide, when current is manageable and fish feed actively.
  • Halibut fishing is best in spring and early summer; rockfish are present year-round but most abundant in fall and winter.
  • Salmon runs (pink and chum) move through the pass in July through September, and timing depends on water temperature and spawning cycles.
  • Charter boats are the most practical option for most anglers, since the pass requires navigation through narrow channels and swift current.
  • Bring a rain jacket, layers, and a personal flotation device—weather and water temperature demand respect.

Halibut fishing in Clover Pass

Halibut in the pass are not large—most run 15 to 30 pounds, with occasional fish to 50 pounds—but they are abundant and willing. They hold on the deeper edges of the channel, particularly where the bottom transitions from sand to rock. The best approach is to anchor or hold position on the slack tide and fish straight down with heavy jigs or live herring. A 3- to 5-ounce jig tipped with squid or herring works well; let it drop to the bottom and work it with short, sharp lifts.

Spring and early summer (April through June) are peak halibut months. Water temperatures are still cold, and the fish are feeding hard before the summer warmth pushes them deeper. By July, halibut move to deeper water outside the pass, though you can still catch them in the early morning or late afternoon when the pass cools. Bring a gaff or net—halibut thrash on the way up, and the narrow boat space makes landing them tricky.

Rockfish and lingcod in the pass

Rockfish are the most reliable catch in Clover Pass, present nearly year-round and willing to hit small jigs, spoons, and live bait. Black rockfish, quillback rockfish, and yelloweye rockfish all live here, along with occasional lingcod. The rocky bottom structure holds them tight, so vertical jigging is the standard method. Drop a 2- to 4-ounce jig to the bottom, work it with steady lifts, and expect bites on the drop as often as on the lift.

Fall and winter (September through March) are best for rockfish, when water temperatures drop and the fish move into shallower structure. Summer fishing is slower because the fish retreat to deeper, cooler water. Lingcod are less predictable but show up year-round; they prefer larger baits and jigs and often hit aggressively. Keep a few larger jigs (5 to 7 ounces) in your box for lingcod, and be ready for a hard fight.

Salmon runs through Clover Pass

Pink salmon and chum salmon move through the pass on their way to spawning streams, creating a seasonal fishery that peaks in July and August for pinks and August through September for chums. The timing is not fixed—it depends on water temperature, stream conditions, and how many fish are returning that year. Some years the run is thick; other years it is sparse. Local charter captains know the current year's timing and can tell you whether the fish are in the pass or still offshore.

Salmon in the pass are often dark or partially spawned, so they are not ideal for the table, but they fight hard and are worth pursuing if you want action. Small spoons, spinners, and flies all work. The key is fishing the edges of the current where salmon rest between pushes through the pass. Early morning and late afternoon are usually best, when the light is low and the fish are more active.

Tides and timing at Clover Pass

Tide is everything at Clover Pass. At peak flood or ebb, the current runs so fast that holding bottom is difficult and fish stop feeding. The slack water window—the 20 to 40 minutes when current is minimal—is when most anglers fish. The first hour of incoming tide is also productive, because fish feed as water begins to move and visibility improves.

Tide tables for Ketchikan are available online through NOAA or through most fishing apps. Subtract 15 to 20 minutes from Ketchikan slack times to account for the pass's position north of town. If you are chartering, the captain will time the trip to hit slack water, so you do not have to calculate it yourself. If you are running your own boat, plan to arrive 30 minutes before slack and stay through the first hour of the incoming tide.

Getting to Clover Pass from Ketchikan

Charter boats are the practical choice for most anglers. Operators like Southeast Alaska Charters and Ketchikan Fishing Charters run regular trips to Clover Pass, usually half-day or full-day options. Half-day trips focus on the pass itself; full-day trips often combine Clover Pass with nearby waters like Behm Canal or the Clarence Strait. Prices vary, but expect to pay between $200 and $400 per person for a half-day charter.

If you have your own boat, the pass is accessible from Ketchikan's downtown harbor or from nearby launch ramps. The route is straightforward but requires navigation through narrow channels and awareness of other traffic. A GPS and a working radio are essential. The pass itself is marked on charts, and the current is strong enough that you will feel it as you approach.

Gear and safety for Clover Pass

Water temperature in Clover Pass stays between 45 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, so a wetsuit or drysuit is not optional—it is insurance. Wear layers underneath and bring a rain jacket. The weather can shift from calm to rough in 30 minutes, and the narrow pass can create confused seas when wind opposes the tide.

A personal flotation device is required by law and should be worn, not stowed. The current and narrow channels mean that if you go overboard, you will be swept away quickly. A working VHF radio is essential for safety and for coordinating with other boats. Bring a first aid kit, a flashlight, and extra batteries. If you are prone to seasickness, take medication before you leave the dock—the pass can be choppy, and there is nowhere to hide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to fish Clover Pass?

Spring and early summer (April through June) are best for halibut. Fall and winter (September through March) are best for rockfish. Salmon move through in July through September, depending on the year. If you want consistent action, plan for September through November, when rockfish are abundant and salmon are still present.

Do I need a charter, or can I fish Clover Pass on my own boat?

You can fish it on your own boat if you have navigation experience, a GPS, and a working radio. The pass itself is not difficult to navigate, but the current is strong and the channels are narrow. Most anglers use charters because the captain knows the tide timing and the best spots, and you avoid the risk of running aground or getting swept into rocks.

What kind of fish can I expect to catch?

Halibut (15 to 30 pounds, occasionally larger), black and quillback rockfish (1 to 3 pounds), lingcod (5 to 15 pounds), and seasonal salmon (pink and chum, 5 to 15 pounds). Rockfish are the most reliable; halibut are best in spring; salmon are seasonal.

How long does a typical Clover Pass fishing trip take?

Half-day charters usually run four to five hours, including travel time from Ketchikan. Full-day trips run seven to eight hours and often include multiple locations. If you are running your own boat, plan for 30 minutes travel time each way plus three to four hours of fishing time.

What should I bring for a Clover Pass trip?

Layers, a rain jacket, a personal flotation device, sunscreen, seasickness medication if you need it, and a camera. The charter provides rods, reels, and tackle. Bring your own if you prefer specific gear. Wear non-slip shoes and avoid loose items that can blow overboard.