A trip to the magnificent Inside Passage isn't complete if you haven't wet a line in Southeast Alaska's rich waters or hiked a trail through the old-growth forests of the Misty Fjords National Monument.

With a world-renowned abundance of game fish, your lakeside, streamside or even seaside fishing experience is only minutes away. Fishing in these parts is always a memorable pursuit, but knowing where and at what time and just how to fish these waters is what will separate a great experience from one that will produce a once-in-a-lifetime memory and maybe even a trophy catch.

Southeast Aviation pilots have each flown over some of the area's most spectacular and productive fishing spots in the Misty Fjords for the past 25 years and are among the best when it comes to picking what's "hot" and what's not. Whether it's a 20-minute flight to the other side of Revillagigedo Island, or a 45-minute trip across Clarence Strait to Prince of Wales Island, these are world-class "fishing holes" that produce five species of salmon - king, silver, red, pink and chum - four species of trout - rainbow, dolly varden, cutthroat and steelhead - arctic grayling and even saltwater choices such as halibut, rock fish, ling cod, snapper and more.

Bring your own equipment, or let Southeast Aviation make arrangements for gear to be waiting for you upon arrival at our dockside headquarters. With our "Pilot's Choice" option, we'll select a fishing spot based on your request and the time of season, we'll fly you onto your very own fishing waters and can even arrange for a personal guide to spend the day with you.

Seaplane & Salmon Rendezvous This fisherman's excursion combines the bird's-eye-view fun of a seaplane tour with some of the area's world-class salmon fishing - a fly-and-fish opportunity that's a great catch and has been designed to treat visitors to a real Alaska experience!

Your fly-and-fish adventure begins with a half-hour flight to the rich waters of Knudson Cove. Taxi down the bustling waterway of the Ketchikan waterfront and take off on a tour of the busy harbor, fly over Saxman Totem Park and climb above the dramatic Ketchikan Alps, better known as the "mini-Misty Fjords" where sheer cliffs, 1,500-foot waterfalls and icy-blue lakes will take your breath away.

Your flight comes to an end with a graceful landing at Knudson Cove Marina where you will be met by a charter boat captain, who will take you on a three-hour salmon fishing excursion in some of the most productive waters in Alaska. The king salmon run begins in May, Silver and chum salmon show up in June, followed by pinks and one more silver run in late July through September.

Knudson Cove charter boats range from 24 to 30 feet, and a light snack of crackers, smoked salmon spread, cookies and coffee or soft drinks are available on board.

Seaplane and Salmon Rendezvous passengers 16 years and older must have a fishing license (1 day/$10) and king salmon stamp ($10), which can be purchased from your charter boat captain.

Knudson Cove Marina will gladly process your catch for shipment home (fee applies). Ground transportation to downtown Ketchikan takes about 30 minutes and affords another view of life in the Ketchikan area.
Time: 4 hours, 30 minutes. Cost: $299

Fly-Out Hiking:
If something a little more strenuous than casting a line is what you are looking for, Southeast Aviation is ready to put its expertise to work for you, as our pilots boast a working knowledge of the myriad trails that wind back and forth and up and down around Ketchikan and the surrounding area. From easy, short hikes that cover hundreds of years of history to more taxing walks in the woods that take you around alpine lakes and across mountain streams, Southeast Aviation has a wide list of recommendations for every type of hiking enthusiast.

Hiking is a great way to experience Southeast Alaska at eye level. The majestic Misty Fjords National Monument - a vast 2.3-million acre wilderness wonderland - has no less than 10 established, moderately easy-to-travel hiking trails. Prince of Wales Island, at 2,231 square miles the third-largest island under the American flag, features a vast network of trails in and around four small communities built on logging, fishing and mining. The hiking opportunities and the landmarks that each trail offers are as vast as the land itself.

Our Southeast Aviation pilots know the country and its trails and welcome the chance to develop an itinerary perfectly suited to you and your hiking interests. For information and maps of hiking trails, visit the Tongass National Forest Recreation Hiking Guide.

Many of the trails in and around Ketchikan offer great fishing opportunities as well, and our pilots will gladly put together a plan for you that combines the very best of both in one unforgettable trip.