Ketchikan is a wonderful fishing town located in extreme Southeast Alaska.
Ketchikan is known by two titles: Alaska’s First City and as the Salmon Capital of the World.
Ketchikan is known as Alaska’s First City because it is the first town in Alaska that you arrive at when coming up the coast from Canada or the lower forty-eight.
Ketchikan is also known as the Salmon Capital of the World with year round salmon fishing. All five Pacific salmon species can be found in the Ketchikan area. The best salmon fishing is from May to September. Ketchikan is the dream destination of salmon fishermen from around the world. In addition to salmon there are many other saltwater species available in the area, the most notable of which is halibut.
Ketchikan is also one of the oldest towns in Alaska. The history of Ketchikan started in 1883 when the first salmon saltery was built. By 1900 the population had grown to 800 and the city was incorporated. Ketchikan has continued to grow; now having a population of around 8000. Not a large city by lower 48 standards but the fourth largest city in the state of Alaska.
In addition to fishing there are many activities in and around Ketchikan. There is an excellent walking history tour, hiking trails into the surrounding forest and mountains, and a busy shopping district downtown. Ketchikan is home to one of the largest collection of totem poles in the world. There are many on public display throughout the area. An area of special interest to most is Creek Street board walk in the old “red light district”. This a collection of museums, shops, restaurants, and the famous Dolly’s House from the red light district days.