What You'll Find at Herring Cove

Herring Cove sits about 15 miles south of Ketchikan on Prince of Wales Island, accessible by skiff or charter boat. The cove is a shallow, protected estuary where pink and chum salmon stack up before moving into the creek system, making it one of the most reliable salmon fisheries in the area during the summer months. The water stays calm even when outside waters are rough, and the sandy bottom holds halibut that move in and out with the tide.

The cove's real advantage is its predictability. You know what species will be there and roughly when, which matters when you're planning a day trip from Ketchikan. The fishing window runs strongest from mid-June through August, though the exact peak depends on the year's salmon run timing.

Key Takeaways

  • Herring Cove holds pink and chum salmon concentrated in a small area, making it easier to find fish than in open water.
  • The cove's shallow, protected waters also hold halibut that feed on the bottom, especially during slack tide.
  • You need a skiff or charter to reach it from Ketchikan, and the trip takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on conditions.
  • Peak season runs June through August, with the strongest fishing typically in July when salmon are most concentrated.
  • The cove is small enough that it can get crowded on good-weather weekends, so early morning or weekday visits often produce better results.

Salmon Fishing in the Estuary

Pink salmon dominate the summer run at Herring Cove. They arrive in waves, and when a wave is in the cove, you can see them rolling on the surface. Fish them with small spoons (1/4 to 3/8 ounce) in silver or chartreuse, or with pink and white flies if you're throwing a fly rod. Cast near the creek mouth and along the edges where the freshwater meets the salt—that's where salmon pause before heading upstream.

Chum salmon show up alongside the pinks and are larger, heavier fish that take bigger spoons and flies. They're less likely to jump, but they fight hard and pull line steadily. Both species are aggressive in the estuary because they're not yet in freshwater, so they'll chase a moving lure more readily than they will once they're in the creek.

The tide matters more here than in open water. Fish the last two hours of the incoming tide and the first hour of the outgoing tide—that's when salmon are most active in the shallows. Slack tide is slower, and a hard outgoing tide can push fish out of the cove entirely.

Halibut on the Bottom

Halibut work the sandy bottom throughout the cove, and because the water is shallow—mostly 30 to 60 feet—you can fish them effectively with conventional gear. Use a 2 to 4-ounce jig tipped with herring or squid, or a live baitfish if you've brought one. Drop it to the bottom, work it slowly, and watch for the solid thump that means a halibut has it.

The best halibut fishing happens during slack tide, when your jig stays in the strike zone instead of drifting. Early morning slack tides often produce the largest fish. Halibut in the cove run smaller than those in deeper offshore grounds—expect fish in the 15 to 30-pound range, with occasional larger ones—but they're plentiful and they bite consistently.

Getting There and What to Bring

You'll need your own skiff or a charter boat to reach Herring Cove from Ketchikan. Several charter operators in Ketchikan run trips to the cove, and the boat ride takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on sea conditions and which dock you leave from. If you're running your own boat, follow the marked channel south from Ketchikan and watch for the cove opening on the west side of Prince of Wales Island. The entrance is straightforward, but the approach can get rough if the wind is up.

Bring more gear than you think you'll need. The cove is small, and if the salmon bite shuts down or the halibut aren't cooperating, you'll want options. Pack spoons, flies, jigs, and live bait if you can get it. Bring rain gear, a good knife for cleaning fish, and a cooler with ice. The weather can change fast, so wear layers and bring a jacket even if the morning looks clear.

Tides and Timing

Herring Cove is a tidal fishery, and the tide tables matter more than they do in deeper water. Incoming tides concentrate salmon in the cove as they wait to move upstream. Outgoing tides push them out, and a strong ebb can make the fishing difficult. Plan your trip around the tide calendar—a rising tide in the morning or a slack tide at midday usually produces better results than a falling tide.

The cove also drains significantly at low tide, exposing mudflats and reducing the fishable water. If you're planning to fish for halibut, avoid the lowest tides and aim for periods when there's at least 15 to 20 feet of water in the deeper holes where halibut hold.

Crowds and Alternatives

Herring Cove is popular, and on clear summer weekends you may find other boats already fishing. The cove is small enough that too many anglers can affect the bite. If you arrive and find it crowded, consider fishing the creek mouth itself if you have waders, or running to nearby Naha Bay or Salmon Lake, which hold similar species and are less pressured. Weekday mornings are almost always quieter than weekends.

The cove also fishes better early in the season (June and early July) when the salmon run is fresh and concentrated. By late August, the best fish have moved upstream and the remaining population is thinner.

Regulations and Practical Details

Alaska fishing regulations apply. You'll need a valid Alaska fishing license, and there are daily bag limits on salmon and halibut that change by year and region. Check the current regulations with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game before you go—limits and seasons shift, and Ketchikan area rules can differ from other Southeast Alaska waters.

The cove has no facilities, so plan accordingly. There's no dock, no shelter, and no fresh water. Bring everything you need for the day, including fuel if you're running your own boat. Cell service is spotty, so don't rely on it for emergencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best time of day to fish Herring Cove?

Early morning on an incoming tide produces the most consistent results. Salmon are most active in the first few hours after sunrise, and the incoming tide concentrates them in the cove. Slack tide at midday can also be productive, especially for halibut.

Can I fish Herring Cove without a charter boat?

Yes, if you have access to a skiff or small boat. The run from Ketchikan is straightforward, and the cove entrance is easy to find. If you don't have your own boat, charter operators in Ketchikan run regular trips to the cove and can drop you off or fish with you.

What size salmon should I expect?

Pink salmon typically run 3 to 5 pounds, and chum salmon run 8 to 15 pounds. Both are strong fighters in the estuary. Larger fish are possible but less common than in the creek itself.

Is Herring Cove good for beginners?

Yes. The water is protected, the fish are concentrated, and the fishing is straightforward. If you've never fished Southeast Alaska before, Herring Cove is a good introduction to the region's salmon and halibut fisheries.

What happens if the weather turns bad?

The cove itself stays relatively calm, but the boat ride from Ketchikan can get rough. If you're running your own boat, watch the forecast and be prepared to turn back. Charter operators know the conditions and will make the call about whether it's safe to go.