Mountain Point is a rocky shoreline with deep water access and strong tidal movement
Mountain Point sits on the northern tip of Gravina Island, directly across Tongass Narrows from Ketchikan. The location is defined by steep rock faces that drop into deep water, a setup that concentrates salmon and halibut during their seasonal movements. The tidal current here runs hard—sometimes 3 to 4 knots at peak flow—which means the fish feed aggressively during slack water and the hour or two on either side of it.
Access is by boat only. Most anglers run from Ketchikan's downtown docks or the Settler's Cove boat launch, a trip of roughly 10 to 15 minutes depending on your vessel. The point itself has no landing; you fish from a boat anchored in the deeper water offshore or drift the current line where the rocky bottom transitions to sand and mud.
The species mix changes with the season. Summer brings coho and pink salmon, along with halibut that move into shallower water as the season progresses. Fall coho runs can be strong, and Dolly Varden char are present year-round in the deeper channels nearby. Winter fishing is possible but weather-dependent; the narrows can turn rough quickly.
Key Takeaways
- Mountain Point requires a boat; there is no shore access, and you will need to anchor or drift in open water.
- Tidal current is the main feature—fish feed most actively during slack water and the transition periods around it.
- Summer coho and pink salmon are the primary target, with halibut available in deeper water and fall months.
- Ketchikan boat launches and charter services can get you there in 10 to 15 minutes, and many local guides fish this location regularly.
Timing your visit around the tidal cycle
The tidal swing in Tongass Narrows is substantial—often 15 to 20 feet between high and low tide. Mountain Point fishes best during the slack water window, roughly 30 to 60 minutes when the current stops before reversing. During this window, salmon hold in the deeper pockets and feed more predictably. The hour leading into slack water can also be productive, especially if you are drifting live herring or small baitfish.
Once the current picks up after slack, fishing becomes harder. The water moves fast enough that your bait or lure sweeps through the zone too quickly, and the fish are less inclined to chase. Many anglers use this time to reposition, check other nearby spots like Clover Pass or the mouth of Ketchikan Creek, or prepare tackle for the next slack window.
Tide tables for Ketchikan are published by NOAA and are available through most fishing shops in town, as well as online. Plan your trip so you arrive at Mountain Point 30 minutes before slack water begins. This gives you time to anchor and get your first casts in as the current weakens.
What tackle and bait work best at Mountain Point
Live herring is the standard bait for coho and halibut here. A 3 to 4-inch herring on a single hook or a small spreader rig will work in most conditions. For halibut, many anglers use a heavier sinker to keep the bait near bottom, where the fish hunt. Jigging with small spoons and shrimp-pattern soft plastics also produces, especially for coho during the incoming tide.
Rod and reel choice depends on your target. A medium-action saltwater rod rated for 15 to 20-pound line handles coho well and gives you sensitivity for halibut bites. If you are specifically targeting halibut, a heavier setup—20 to 30-pound class—is more practical, since halibut often run 20 to 40 pounds in this area and can be stubborn on the way up. Bring a gaff or net; the rocky bottom and current make hand-lining risky.
Lures work too. Small chrome spoons in the 1/2 to 3/4-ounce range mimic the baitfish that salmon chase. Cast toward the rocks and work the lure back with a steady retrieve or a jigging motion. The strike often comes as the lure drops, so pay attention during the pause.
Seasonal patterns and what fish are present when
Summer (June through August) is the most reliable season. Coho salmon move through the narrows on their way to spawning streams, and the population is dense. Pink salmon arrive in July and August, often in large numbers. Halibut are present but tend to stay deeper; you will catch them, but they are not the primary focus for most anglers during peak summer.
Fall (September and October) shifts the balance. Coho runs intensify as fish move into their final spawning phase, and they feed more aggressively. Halibut move into shallower water as the season cools, making them easier to target. This is often considered the best time to fish Mountain Point if you want a mix of both species.
Winter (November through March) is possible but weather-dependent. Dolly Varden char are active, and some halibut remain, but the narrows can be rough, and daylight is limited. Spring (April and May) sees returning coho and the start of the summer season, though numbers are lower than summer peaks.
Getting to Mountain Point from Ketchikan
If you have your own boat, launch from Settler's Cove, about 2 miles north of downtown Ketchikan. The launch is maintained by the city and has parking and a loading dock. From there, head north across Tongass Narrows toward Gravina Island. Mountain Point is the northern tip; you will see the rocky shoreline and steep terrain. Anchor in 40 to 80 feet of water, depending on the tide and your comfort level.
If you do not have a boat, charter services in Ketchikan offer half-day and full-day trips to Mountain Point and nearby locations. Most charters depart from downtown docks and include tackle, bait, and guidance. The cost varies, but expect to pay between $200 and $400 per person for a half-day trip. Guides know the tidal patterns and can position you for the best fishing windows.
Weather can change quickly in Southeast Alaska. Check the marine forecast before you go, and bring rain gear and a warm layer regardless of the season. The water is cold year-round, so wear a life jacket and tell someone on shore where you are headed and when you expect to return.
Regulations and catch limits in the Ketchikan area
Alaska Department of Fish and Game sets the rules for saltwater fishing in Tongass Narrows. Coho salmon have a daily limit of 3 fish per person during the open season, which typically runs from June through September but varies by year. Pink salmon limits are often higher—sometimes 6 per day—but check the current regulations before you fish. Halibut has a daily limit of 1 fish per person, with a minimum size of 32 inches.
Dolly Varden char are not limited in saltwater, but there are size and season restrictions in freshwater streams. If you plan to fish both salt and fresh water during your trip, carry a copy of the current regulations or download the Alaska Fish and Game mobile app, which has up-to-date information.
A valid Alaska fishing license is required for all anglers 16 and older. Nonresidents can purchase a 3-day, 7-day, or annual license. Licenses are sold at sporting goods stores in Ketchikan and online through the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website.
Other nearby spots if Mountain Point is crowded or slow
Clover Pass, just north of Mountain Point, has similar structure and current patterns. It is slightly shallower and can be good for coho when Mountain Point is slow. The mouth of Ketchikan Creek, on the mainland side of the narrows, concentrates salmon during the summer run and is a reliable backup when the tide is not ideal at the point.
Gravina Island's eastern shore has several coves and rocky points that hold fish during different tidal phases. If you have a guide or local knowledge, exploring these secondary spots can pay off, especially if the main location is crowded or the bite has slowed.
The narrows itself—the open water between Gravina and the mainland—can be productive for drifting. This is a good option if you want to cover more water or if the current is too strong to hold position at a single point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a guide to fish Mountain Point?
No, but a guide is helpful if you are unfamiliar with the tidal patterns and the location. Local guides know the best anchoring spots, the timing of the slack water window, and where to position yourself for different species. If you have saltwater fishing experience and can read a tide table, you can fish it on your own.
What is the best time of day to fish Mountain Point?
The best time is during slack water, which occurs twice daily. The exact timing changes with the date and the lunar cycle. Check the NOAA tide tables for Ketchikan to find the slack water windows for your planned fishing day, then arrive 30 minutes early to set up.
Can I keep halibut and salmon on the same trip?
Yes. You can keep up to 3 coho salmon and 1 halibut per day, provided both are in season and you have a valid license. Some anglers target both species during a single outing, especially in fall when both are active.
What should I do if the weather turns bad while I am fishing?
Head back to Ketchikan immediately. The narrows can go from calm to rough in 20 to 30 minutes. Wear a life jacket at all times, and do not hesitate to cut your trip short if the wind picks up or the water gets choppy.
Is Mountain Point good for beginners?
It can be, but the current and the need for a boat make it more challenging than some other Ketchikan locations. If you are new to saltwater fishing, consider a guided trip first to learn the patterns. Once you understand the tidal cycle and how to position your boat, it becomes more manageable.