What Knudson Cove offers and how to fish it

Knudson Cove sits about 4 miles north of downtown Ketchikan and holds some of the most reliable halibut and rockfish water in the immediate area. The cove is shallow and protected, making it accessible even when outside waters run rough. You can reach it by boat in 10 to 15 minutes from the Ketchikan waterfront, or by floatplane if you want to land directly on the water.

The bottom is mixed sand and rock, which holds both species year-round. Halibut fishing peaks from May through September, with June and July typically the strongest months. Rockfish — mostly black, yellow, and quillback — bite consistently throughout the season and are often easier to locate than halibut, especially for anglers new to the area.

The cove's main advantage is its proximity to town and its forgiving conditions. Tides run moderate, and the water rarely gets as rough as the open sound. That makes it a solid choice if you have limited time or want to avoid a long boat ride.

Key Takeaways

  • Knudson Cove is 4 miles north of Ketchikan and reachable by boat in 10 to 15 minutes, making it practical for a half-day trip.
  • Halibut fishing is strongest from May through September, with June and July producing the most consistent results.
  • Rockfish are present year-round and often easier to locate than halibut, especially for anglers unfamiliar with the cove.
  • The cove's shallow, protected water makes it fishable on days when outside waters are too rough for safe travel.
  • You will need a saltwater fishing license and must follow Alaska's current bag limits and size restrictions for both halibut and rockfish.

Halibut fishing in Knudson Cove

Halibut in the cove range from small fish in the 15- to 25-pound range to occasional 50-pounders, though most days you will encounter fish between 20 and 40 pounds. The best approach is to anchor on the deeper edges of the cove — roughly 80 to 120 feet — and fish the bottom with live herring or squid. Jigging with 8- to 12-ounce bucktail jigs also works, especially if you keep the jig moving rather than letting it sit dead on the bottom.

Timing matters. Fish the incoming tide when possible, as halibut tend to move and feed more actively during tidal movement. Early morning and late afternoon often produce better than midday, though halibut will bite throughout the day. Bring more tackle than you think you need — snags on the rocky bottom are common, and losing a rig to a rock is part of fishing here.

The cove can get crowded during peak season, especially on weekends. If you arrive and find other boats already anchored, move to a different section rather than crowding in. The cove is large enough that you can find open water without interfering with other anglers.

Rockfish and other species

Black rockfish dominate the shallower sections of the cove, typically in 40 to 80 feet of water. They respond well to small jigs — 2 to 4 ounces — tipped with squid or herring, or to small shrimp flies if you want to use a light rod. Quillback and yellow rockfish are also present, usually deeper than the blacks. All three species are excellent eating and make for fast action when halibut are slow.

Lingcod occasionally show up in the cove, particularly around rocky outcrops. They are aggressive and will strike large jigs or live bait meant for halibut. Lingcod have sharp teeth, so use a wire bite leader if you are targeting them specifically.

Kelp greenling are abundant in the shallower water and around structure. They are small — usually under 2 pounds — but they bite readily and are fun on light tackle. They are not worth targeting specifically, but they make good company when halibut are slow.

Tides, weather, and seasonal timing

Knudson Cove responds to the same tidal cycle as Ketchikan, with tides ranging from about 15 to 25 feet depending on the time of month. Incoming tide is generally better for halibut, though some anglers have success on the slack water between tides. Check the tide tables before you go — a tide running hard against you makes anchoring difficult and fishing frustrating.

Weather in Southeast Alaska changes fast. The cove is protected from most wind directions, but a strong southeast blow can make it uncomfortable. Check the marine forecast before leaving town. If the forecast calls for winds above 15 knots, consider waiting or fishing the cove's northern end, which offers more shelter.

May through September is the main season, with June and July offering the most consistent fishing and the most stable weather. August and September still fish well but see increasing rain and occasional storms. Winter fishing is possible but requires experience with rough water and cold conditions.

Getting there and what you need

Most anglers reach Knudson Cove by private boat or charter. If you have your own boat, head north from the Ketchikan waterfront and follow the coast. The cove is well-marked on charts and is easy to spot — it is the first major indentation north of town. Anchor in 60 to 100 feet depending on where you want to fish.

Charter boats operating out of Ketchikan regularly fish Knudson Cove and can have you there within 15 minutes of leaving the dock. Most charters provide tackle, bait, and instruction, which makes this a good option if you do not have your own boat or are unfamiliar with the area.

You will need a valid Alaska saltwater fishing license, available from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game or from most tackle shops in Ketchikan. Bring rain gear, a warm layer, and sunscreen — the sun reflects off the water and burns quickly, and rain is common even in summer. Bring more bait than you think you need; herring and squid are standard, and both are available in Ketchikan.

Tackle and technique for Knudson Cove

For halibut, use a medium-heavy saltwater rod — 6 to 7 feet — paired with a reel that holds at least 200 yards of 20- to 30-pound braided line. Attach a 50-pound monofilament leader about 3 feet long to reduce visibility. Rig a 3/0 to 5/0 circle hook on the leader and fish live herring or squid on the bottom, or use 8- to 12-ounce bucktail jigs in white, chartreuse, or pink.

For rockfish, a lighter setup works better — a medium rod with 15- to 20-pound line and 2- to 4-ounce jigs. Rockfish are not leader-shy, so you can tie directly to the line. Bring a variety of colors; black, white, and chartreuse are reliable, but local tackle shops often know what is working on any given week.

Jigging technique matters more than most anglers realize. Rather than dropping the jig to the bottom and leaving it, work it with short, sharp lifts of the rod tip, letting it flutter back down on a semi-slack line. This mimics the movement of injured baitfish and triggers strikes. Change your rhythm if you are not getting bites — sometimes a slow, steady lift works better than aggressive jigging.

Regulations and conservation

Alaska's halibut regulations change annually, so check the current rules before you fish. As of recent seasons, the daily bag limit for halibut in Southeast Alaska is typically one fish per person, with a minimum size of 32 inches. Rockfish limits vary by species — black rockfish usually allow 10 per day, while quillback and yellow rockfish have lower limits. Verify current limits with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game or ask your charter operator.

Catch-and-release is common for small halibut and for any fish you do not plan to keep. If you release a halibut, handle it carefully and return it to the water quickly. Halibut are hardy fish and usually survive release if handled gently.

The cove itself has no special closures or restrictions beyond statewide regulations. However, respect other anglers' space and follow standard boating courtesy — do not anchor directly on top of another boat, and keep noise to a reasonable level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Knudson Cove from shore?

Knudson Cove has limited shore access and is not practical for shore fishing. The best fishing is in deeper water away from shore, and you need a boat to reach it. If you do not have a boat, hire a charter out of Ketchikan.

What is the best time of day to fish Knudson Cove?

Early morning and late afternoon often produce better than midday, but halibut and rockfish bite throughout the day. Incoming tide is generally more productive than outgoing, so time your trip to fish the incoming if possible.

Do I need a guide to fish Knudson Cove?

No, but a guide or charter operator is helpful if you are unfamiliar with the area or do not have your own boat. Charters provide tackle, bait, and local knowledge, which reduces the learning curve significantly.

What should I do if I hook a large halibut?

Keep steady pressure and do not horse the fish — let the rod do the work. Halibut are strong and can break light tackle if you pull too hard. Bring the fish up slowly, and use a gaff or net when it reaches the boat. If the fish is larger than you can safely handle, consider releasing it.

Is Knudson Cove safe to fish in bad weather?

The cove is protected from most wind directions, but strong southeast winds can make it uncomfortable. If the forecast calls for winds above 15 knots, consider waiting or fishing the northern end of the cove, which offers more shelter. Always check the marine forecast before heading out.