King Salmon / Chinook Salmon

These fish typically weigh between 20 and 75 pounds in our area. We aggressively fish for kings April 15th through September 15th. The outside waters of Prince of Wales Island boasts one of the longest king salmon fishing seasons in Alaska.

Silver Salmon / Coho Salmon

Silver salmon usually weigh 6 to 20 pounds in our area. We begin fishing for silvers in mid-June and continue to catch them through November 1st.

Pink Salmon / Humpies

Pinks can be found in our location between June 20th and September 15th. Pinks can weigh between 3 and 13 pounds; however we do not usually target them while ocean fishing. They arrive in such abundance that we will catch and release many each day. If guests would like to keep these pinks they are welcome to but after processing and freezing the pink salmon flesh becomes mushy and does not have the same salmon flavor that kings and silvers produce. Ocean pink salmon are an excellent fish to smoke.

Chum Salmon / Dogs

Chums typically weigh between 5 and 20 pounds and can be found in our area June 20th through September 15th. As the name dog salmon implies, these are not the best tasting salmon so this is not one of our target species. Often times while targeting kings and silvers we will pick up many incidental chum salmon. Chums put up a tremendous fight for their weight and are always fun to catch. Many of our guest anglers will keep several of these ocean chums as their oily, dense flesh is ideal for smoking.

Halibut

Halibut can weigh between 20 and 450 pounds in our area. We actively fish for them April 15th through November 1st. It is not unusual for us to catch a 200 or 300 pound halibut during a trip.

Red Snapper

Red snapper typically weigh 5 to 25 pound. We target these fish April 15th through November 1st.

Ling Cod

We fish for ling cod April 15th through November 1st. They weigh 5 to 80 pounds and are one of the best tasting fish we catch.

Black Bass & Other Rock Fish

We fish for black bass and other rock cod April 15th through November 1st. Most of these fish weigh 3 to 8 pounds and are also excellent to eat.

Once you reach your limits...

If everyone on the boat catches their limit, you have a few different activities to choose from. These choices include watching the sea lions, photographing the whales, feeding the eagles, exploring the caves, or combing the beaches. If everyone on the boat would like to go back to the lodge early to get a massage or just relax, that is always an option; however, we will not suggest it.

Ocean Fly Fishing

For the adventurous fly fisherman, Steamboat Bay Resort offers ocean fly-fishing for king, silver, sockeye, pink, and chum salmon. Other target species include halibut, ling cod, black bass and several different types of bottom fish on fly. One of the most exciting fish on fly is a true ocean-going king salmon. Keep in mind; this is not an estuary, or brackish water fish. Imagine hooking a king that dumps 150 yards of line straight down then turns and charges straight for the surface jumping 5 feet out of the water - and he is just getting started! These are true ocean migrating salmon that are not anywhere near their home stream. This is the fastest and strongest these salmon will ever be in their lifetime. A barn door halibut on fly is also something unique to add to your fly fishing, big game trophy list. If you just want to hook and fight multiple ocean fish on fly, pull out your 8 weight and rip one black bass after another on dries. This is a lot of fun with a group of four people hooking quads over and over. Ocean fly-fishing is often done in deep water and requires a 7 or 8 inch per second sink rate line. Once your fly gets down in the water column you strip line in quick 6-inch strips giving your fly action. This action will entice salmon of all types. At times some of these species feed on the surface giving you the opportunity to cast for them.

Our Boats

Our charter vessels are 24 to 27 foot Skagit Orcas and 22 foot Olympic cruisers. With enclosed cabins, large deck spaces and deep fiberglass hulls, our boats are designed as a serious fishing machine with comfort in mind. Each boat can comfortably accommodate four fishermen and is equipped with an enclosed cabin and toilet. All boats are also outfitted with up to date GPS units, chart plotters, Furuno fish finders, and Furuno radar. We use G-Loomis salmon rods and Diawa line counter reels while fishing. Our hooks are Owner and Gamakatsu brand hooks. We use Penn halibut rods and reels and braided Dacron line.

When we fish on the ocean, the day will be tailored to your needs. For example, if you have a tendency to get seasick, we will keep you in calm water by staying behind the numerous islands that protect us from the open ocean. We can keep you in flat calm water and still be productive.