What Whale Pass Offers Anglers

Whale Pass is a narrow tidal channel on Prince of Wales Island that connects Whale Inlet to Clarence Strait, roughly 40 miles north of Craig. The pass itself is short—maybe a mile—but it's a genuine saltwater fishery that holds halibut, lingcod, and seasonal runs of salmon. Most anglers reach it by boat from Craig or Klawock, a 45-minute to hour-long run depending on conditions and which ramp you leave from.

The pass works because tidal current funnels baitfish through a narrow space, and the depth changes fast—shallow flats on either end, deeper water in the middle. That structure holds fish year-round, though the season that matters most to visiting anglers is summer, when salmon move through and the weather is most stable. Winter fishing is possible but requires local knowledge and a boat operator comfortable in Southeast Alaska's rougher conditions.

Key Takeaways

  • Whale Pass is a tidal channel between Whale Inlet and Clarence Strait, accessible by boat from Craig or Klawock in 45 minutes to an hour.
  • Halibut and lingcod are year-round residents; salmon runs peak in summer and vary by species and year.
  • Tidal current is the engine of the fishery—slack tide and the first hour of incoming or outgoing current are the most productive windows.
  • You need a saltwater fishing license from Alaska and must follow state bag limits and size restrictions, which differ by species and season.
  • Most visiting anglers hire a charter boat rather than run their own, because local knowledge of tides, weather, and current patterns saves time and increases success.

How Tides Control the Fishing

Whale Pass is a tidal fishery, meaning the current that makes it productive also makes it difficult to fish for part of the day. During slack tide—the 20 to 40 minutes when current switches direction—fish feed actively and your bait or lure stays in the strike zone. Once current picks up, fishing slows because bait drifts too fast and halibut and lingcod stop feeding as aggressively.

The first hour of incoming or outgoing current can still be productive, especially if you're drifting and keeping your presentation moving with the water. But the peak of current—when water is moving fastest—is usually a time to move to a different spot, grab lunch, or wait it out. Local charter operators plan their day around tide tables, hitting Whale Pass during the windows when fishing is best and moving to other nearby water when it's not.

Tide tables for Southeast Alaska are published by NOAA and are free online. If you're hiring a charter, the operator will have them memorized or on their GPS. If you're running your own boat, download the tables before you leave cell service, because internet is spotty in the area.

Halibut and Lingcod: The Year-Round Fish

Halibut are the bread-and-butter target in Whale Pass. They're present all year, bottom-feeders that respond to live herring, squid, or jigged shiny lures. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game sets a daily bag limit and minimum size—these change year to year, so check the current regulations before you fish. Halibut over 32 inches are common in the pass, and fish in the 50 to 80-pound range show up regularly enough that charter operators keep heavy tackle rigged.

Lingcod are equally reliable and often easier to catch than halibut because they're more aggressive. They'll hit jigged lures, live bait, and even flies in shallow water. Lingcod have a different bag limit and size restriction than halibut, and the regulations are the same source: the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website, where you can download the current saltwater fishing guide.

Both species are bottom fish, so your technique is simple: drop to the seafloor, jig or hold your bait near bottom, and work the water column slowly. In Whale Pass, the depth ranges from 30 feet on the flats to 100-plus feet in the channel, so you'll adjust weight and technique depending on where you're fishing.

Salmon Runs and Seasonal Timing

Salmon move through Whale Pass on their way to spawning streams, and the timing depends on species. Pink salmon typically peak in July and August. Chum salmon follow a similar window. Coho salmon arrive later, usually August through September. Chinook salmon are present but less predictable and subject to stricter regulations—check the current rules before targeting them.

Salmon fishing in the pass is often done by trolling small spoons or casting near current breaks and structure. The narrow channel means you're fishing close to other boats during peak season, but the current and depth changes create enough good water that crowding is rarely a problem. Most visiting anglers fish for salmon in the morning and switch to halibut or lingcod in the afternoon, since salmon bite best at dawn and dusk.

Salmon seasons and bag limits change annually based on run strength. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game publishes updates in spring, and charter operators will know the current rules. If you're planning a trip, call a charter service in Craig or Klawock in advance—they can tell you what's biting and what the regulations allow.

Getting There and Hiring a Charter

Whale Pass is not accessible by road. You reach it by boat from Craig, the largest town on Prince of Wales Island, or from Klawock, a smaller community 15 miles north. Both have boat ramps and charter services. The run to Whale Pass takes 45 minutes to an hour depending on sea state and which ramp you leave from.

Most visiting anglers hire a charter boat rather than run their own. A charter operator knows the tides, the weather patterns, where fish are holding on any given day, and how to navigate the pass safely. Charter boats in Craig and Klawock range from small open skiffs to larger cabin cruisers, and prices vary by boat size and trip length. A half-day trip typically costs less than a full day, and full-day trips often include lunch and multiple fishing locations.

To find a charter, search online for "Craig Alaska fishing charter" or "Klawock fishing charter," or call the Craig Visitor Center or Klawock Ranger District office. Both can provide lists of licensed operators and help you match a boat to your skill level and target species. Book in advance during summer, especially July and August, because good boats fill up weeks ahead.

Regulations and Licensing

You need an Alaska saltwater fishing license to fish Whale Pass. Licenses are available online through the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website, at sporting goods stores in Craig and Klawock, and sometimes through charter operators. A non-resident short-term license (three days or one week) costs less than an annual license and is the standard choice for visiting anglers.

Bag limits and size restrictions vary by species and change annually. Halibut, lingcod, and each salmon species have their own rules. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game publishes a saltwater fishing guide every year—download it before your trip or ask your charter operator for a copy. Violating bag or size limits carries fines and can result in loss of fishing privileges, so take the regulations seriously.

Charter operators are required to know and follow all regulations, and they'll remind you of limits and size restrictions. If you're running your own boat, the responsibility is yours. Keep the current guide with you on the water.

Weather and Safety Considerations

Southeast Alaska weather changes fast. Whale Pass is exposed to Clarence Strait, which can build rough water quickly when wind picks up. Summer is the most stable season, but even in July and August, afternoon wind is common. Charter operators monitor weather constantly and will cancel or reschedule trips if conditions are unsafe.

If you're running your own boat, carry a VHF radio, a GPS, and current charts. Cell service is unreliable in the area. Tell someone on shore where you're going and when you expect to return. The nearest Coast Guard station is in Ketchikan, about 60 miles south. Wear a life jacket, carry extra fuel, and know how to operate your boat in current—Whale Pass's tidal flow is strong enough to surprise inexperienced operators.

Summer daylight in Southeast Alaska is long—the sun barely sets in June and July—which gives you more fishing time but also means it's easy to lose track of time and weather. Plan to be off the water by late afternoon, when wind typically picks up and visibility can drop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a fishing license if I hire a charter?

Yes. A charter operator's license does not cover you as a passenger. You must have your own Alaska saltwater fishing license. Some charter operators sell licenses or can direct you to where to buy one before your trip.

What's the best time of year to fish Whale Pass?

July and August offer the most stable weather, the longest daylight, and active salmon runs. Halibut and lingcod bite year-round, but summer is when most visiting anglers come. If you want fewer crowds and don't mind cooler weather, June and September are also productive.

Can I fish Whale Pass from shore?

Whale Pass itself is only accessible by boat. There are other saltwater fishing opportunities on Prince of Wales Island accessible from shore, but Whale Pass requires a boat. Ask a charter operator or the Craig Visitor Center about shore-accessible alternatives if you don't want to hire a boat.

How far is Whale Pass from Craig?

Whale Pass is roughly 40 miles north of Craig by water, a 45-minute to hour-long boat run depending on sea state and which ramp you leave from. Klawock is closer—about 25 miles—and the run from there is typically 30 to 40 minutes.

What should I bring for a day of fishing in Whale Pass?

Bring layers—Southeast Alaska is cool even in summer, and wind on the water makes it colder. Wear a life jacket, bring sunscreen and a hat, and pack snacks and water. If you're prone to seasickness, take medication before you leave the dock. Your charter operator will provide fishing tackle and bait, but confirm what's included when you book.