Quick Details
Seward, Alaska Fishing Charter: Salmon, Halibut, Rock Fish & Ling Cod
Head out into the stunning Gulf of Alaska and experience a truly Alaskan Charter with Miller’s Landing. These are our most popular charters offered during the peak of the fishing season, June 20 – September 8, when the silvers are readily accessible.
Our catch records stand among the best in the Seward area. While other outfitters may market halibut/rockfish combos, salmon/ling cod combos, or halibut/salmon combos as specific species trips, this Miller’s Landing combination charter targets all of the sport fish caught in our region, all day long. Our combination halibut and salmon fishing charters from Seward, AK, target everything that is in season at the time and include fishing for salmon, yelloweye and all manner of rockfish, as well as ling cod and halibut. (Ling cod may only be harvested on charters taken after July 1.) So join us for an amazing fishing experience with our talented captains, where you may also enjoy the amazing Alaskan landscape, their local knowledge, marine wildlife, and fishing stories that will be told for years to come.
Non-Halibut Wednesdays
Note that Halibut fishing is closed to commercial operators on select days during the season, and we receive the new regulations in March each year. We will update this page as we learn more. If you’re planning to visit during these dates, or hoped to go fishing on a Wednesday, a common closure day, the Best of Alaska fishing/sightseeing/kayaking tour or half day salmon/rockfish tours are other great options!
How do we fish with the Miller’s Landing charter boats?
We drift fish as well as anchor and chum.
When anchored, we set up near the structure depending on the direction of the current, and then keep the scent trail moving by chumming and maintaining fresh bait on hooks. We work hard and fast to maximize our drift in order to spend as much time catching as possible. During the peak season of June 24 – August 7, all of our Seward fishing charters are combination charters. Unless the whole boat agrees to target a single species (if everybody just wants to hunt for a huge ling cod, for example), we target the entire variety of species!
We are happy to find a boat for you to fish from – however large or small your group is, and whatever your fishing interests are, just ask!
We mooch for our salmon on a drift, which is very productive and popular in our area among all operators. Our method of fishing is often different from other charters, and it’s worked well for us for over 35 years; most of our clients find this to be a highly rewarding and engaging experience. Once we find the fish, salmon can literally pour over the side of the boat — we’ve had days where we’ve limited out in under 30 minutes (that’s eight limits of fish, 1.6 salmon per minute!) and of course, we have days when they are jumping everywhere and not touching a hook for hours. With our drifting method, often the result of our extra effort is your ability to catch fish all day long!
All of our species of fish feed around tide changes, and your guide works hard to structure your combo charter around the species most active at the time. Our main targets, unless requested by the clients, are always salmon and halibut; however, we also actively target rockfish and ling cod on our combination charters; it is rare that we do not come back with all species.
Where do you catch halibut and salmon?
Generally, we fish between 100 and 450 feet for bottom fish, with an average of 200 to 300 feet. We typically target silver salmon between the surface and 80 feet; however, sometimes we find the salmon laying right on the bottom in water deeper than one might expect. It usually takes about an hour and a half to two hours, weather depending, to get to the best fishing grounds, and we often travel west when most of the charter fleet heads east. This allows for fast travel to the grounds, often a more diverse catch, and more protected locations to fish if the weather comes up with less competition and gorgeous scenery.
The Kenai Fjords National Park is accessed only 30-45 minutes from where we typically fish. We often encounter whales and other sea life while fishing, and we always slow the boat down to take a closer look at wildlife if we encounter it while traveling. It is an absolutely stunning environment in which to spend your day fishing, rain or shine.
Fuel Surcharge:
Please know that fuel is the largest expense we have as charter operators. Our prices reflect the price of fuel at the time of publishing. In previous years we have not added a fuel surcharge, however, due to the volatile and uncertain nature of fuel prices, Millers Landing reserves the right to add a fuel surcharge to the trip rates.
A fuel surcharge will only be applied in the event of soaring fuel prices based on the price of fuel at the time of your charter. Should the price of marine fuel remain under $4.50 per gallon there will be no additional charge.
This will ensure that we are able to take you to the best fishing grounds without regard for the cost of fuel or how far we must travel. By adding a fee schedule we can mitigate that concern, and provide you the ultimate fishing experience.
| PRICE OF FUEL | FUEL SURCHARGE |
|---|---|
| UNDER $4.50 PER GALLON | NO SURCHARGE |
| $4.51 – $5.00 PER GALLON | $10 PER PERSON PER DAY |
| $5.01 – $6.00 PER GALLON | $20 PER PERSON PER DAY |
| $6.01 – $7.00 PER GALLON | $30 PER PERSON PER DAY |
| $7.01 – $8.00 PER GALLON | $40 PER PERSON PER DAY |
More Information
Get ready for a day full of stunning views, good company and a true Alaskan fishing experience that will leave you with several great fishing stories. Departure is at 6 a.m. daily. Our specially designated custom landing craft catamaran, the Fox Willie, departs at 6 a.m. and fishes 10. We also often use this vessel to drop off kayakers in the national park — this is the reason for the later return and does not cut into your fishing time, nor does it affect where we fish. Our 6-person landing craft, Thomasea, departs at 6 a.m. and returns at 5 p.m.
Below is more information about our itinerary, fishing regulations, and competitions.
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We have 2 full day charter platforms – Both are custom built landing craft and load directly off the beach either in front of Miller’s Landing or nearby at a public beach if the tide is excessively low (transportation is provided if this is the case). Both boats include a captain and deckhand, a marine toilet, full bottom fishing and salmon fishing gear, heated indoor seating, and all safety equipment.
The store facility opens at 5AM each morning, and fishing licenses should be purchased well before the departure times listed below for each trip – they can be purchased online and printed out these days which makes it a lot easier. The store sells them as well – plan ahead – check in early!
Free coffee is available at the store for your enjoyment, and there are small snacks, but lunch and drinks should be planned. (Please refrain when packing meals from bringing alcohol aboard the vessel, as the official policy of Miller’s Landing for the safety of everyone is that no alcohol be consumed while aboard).
The Fox Willie departs at 6AM and returns by ~6PM and provides a fishing charter platform for up to 10 for an all day excursion, with the ability to carry 6 additional clients (friends and family of the crew or other passengers) in the capacity of a water taxi to the Fjords for guided kayaking among the glaciers.
The boat is comfortable and beamy at 36×13′ length overall. There’s room for everyone to sit inside during transit, and while the boat could be packed with 16 fishing passengers, the taxi portion allows us to let those extra people off, and open the whole boat up for 10. With over 30′ of rail space on each side of the boats full walk around cabin, it allows a generous fishing space for 5 on each side to utilize.
The kayaking excursions are offered to those booking the charter at a discount – if those in your family are interested in going on a kayaking/sightseeing tour, we can take them on the same departure and return.
The boat will load everyone at the same time, depart at 6am, drop off crew (when aboard) by 8am, and will be within minutes of the fishing grounds and ready to start. The earlier departure time affords 1 hour additional boat time at no extra charge. I.E: When no such kayaking/taxi exists, the fishermen have the boat for the additional 1 hours to fish (if necessary) at no additional charge.
The early departure time is intended to be value added to the fishing crew at all turns – whether it’s having the opportunity to see a glacier or having an extra hour to fish, or just being able to keep the family or group with different interests together on the same day trip. The vessel’s high tunnel catamaran design allows for fast travel through choppy weather, as well as high initial stability for those who dread the sea sickness.
The Thomasea departs at 6AM and returns by ~5PM and provides a fishing charter platform for up to 6 on an all day excursion, with the ability to land on the beach as well for loading and unloading with its landing craft design. The vessel is 32×11′ length overall, and is very capable in seas. The full walk around house provides plenty of deck space for the fishing crew, while it’s cabin is cozy and dry during transit times or to make a snack. The 6 person capacity allows for a more private experience while out and about. Trips are due to return by 5pm.
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Fishing regulations change each year- for the most up-to-date information, please see the ADF&G website, at www.adfg.alaska.gov and the Southcentral Region, specifically linked HERE.
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Buy your fishing and hunting license online at: https://www.millerslandingak.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3698/2018/05/badge-alaska-fish-game.png?auto=compress%2Cformat& these can be printed out ahead of time, but must be on your person whenever you fish!
*2021 Fishing Regulations Online – Full Sport Fishing Regulations for State of Alaska
*2021 Fishing Regulations Online – Sport Fishing Regulations for Seward Area (North Gulf Coast) -
The Seward Halibut Derby has been discontinued until further notice.
The Seward Silver Salmon Derby runs the second Saturday of August every year and is not only Alaska’s oldest fishing derby, but it’s also the highest-dollar cash prize fishing derby in Alaska. You can buy tickets right at the store, and it’s a blast!
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Make sure you have comfortable shoes and warm layers for fishing outside on the bow, good rain gear is also essential. The boat is heated inside with comfortable seating so don’t worry, there is always a space for you to crash. We also recommend lunch, snacks, and water.
Don’t forget medical necessities, and if you get seasick and are using Dramamine, to take it an hour before departure.
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Enjoy world-class fishing for all species using Thrasher and Seeker rods, Avet and Shimano reels, and hand-tied gear using top-end components! Read more about our equipment here!
We have 2 full day charter platforms – Both are custom built landing craft and load directly off the beach either in front of Miller’s Landing or nearby at a public beach if the tide is excessively low (transportation is provided if this is the case). Both boats include a captain and deckhand, a marine toilet, full bottom fishing and salmon fishing gear, heated indoor seating, and all safety equipment.
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- A $10 cancellation fee is imposed for all reservations canceled.
- Cancellations must be received by email only to reservations@millerslandingak.com. The cancellation notice date is the date the email was received at reservations@millerslandingak.com. Phone cancellations will not be accepted.
- Cancellations received by email 30 days prior to the first day of the reservation are charged a $10 cancellation fee and you will receive a refund of 90% of the total amount of the reservation.
- Cancellations received by email 15 to 29 days prior to the first day of the reservation are charged a $10 cancellation charge and you will receive a 75% refund of the total amount of the reservation.
- Cancellations received by email 14 days to zero days prior to arrival are charged a $10 cancellation fee and you will receive a 50% refund only if we are able to rebook your camping, cabin, fishing, kayaking, water taxi, shuttle, lunch, or activity. If we are not able to rebook your reservation, then no refunds will be issued and you will also be charged a $10 cancellation fee to your credit card.
- In some situations, a raincheck worth 75% of your reservation may be issued at the discretion of Miller’s Landing management instead of the applicable cancellation charge. If this option appeals to you, please suggest this at the time of cancellation. Rainchecks are good for one year and may be used for activities, camping, or lodging owned by Miller’s Landing or towards the cost of hats, T-shirts, gifts, etc. sold in the Miller’s Landing store or items sold online. For items purchased online, the customer is expected to pay for the cost of postage. Rainchecks may NOT be transferred to another person.
- A 100% refund will be issued for any activity that was canceled due to weather by Miller’s Landing. Miller’s Landing reserves the right to determine weather cancellations. Rain does not constitute a cancellation.
Please note: Miller’s Landing encourages only guaranteed prepaid reservations. Unlike many other states, Alaska has a very short tourist season, which can make it difficult for us to rebook when we have cancellations without ample notice.
If you are booking a charter and lodging and your charter, water taxi, or kayaking is canceled due to weather, you are still responsible for the lodging or camping reservations and the normal cancellation policy applies. All of our activities are possible during rain, so rain does not constitute a cancellation. Miller’s Landing is not responsible for vehicle break downs, personal emergencies, flight delays, health issues or other unforeseen hardships. We will try very hard to work with you, but the cancellation policy will need to be applied if we cannot issue a raincheck or find an alternative solution that appeals to both parties.
Please understand that Miller’s Landing also incurs a hefty financial merchant fee from our bank for the cost of charging your credit card and again for the cost of refunding it, and there is also a cost involved for the time involved in processing and refunding your reservation in employee costs. Our goal when taking your reservation is to have a solid, guaranteed prepaid reservation. We strongly discourage the practice of making reservations without having an airline ticket or making tentative reservations. Thank you for your understanding.