What Red Bay offers anglers

Red Bay sits on the west side of Prince of Wales Island in Southeast Alaska, about 40 miles south of Craig. The bay holds Pacific halibut and salmon — primarily pink and chum runs — in waters that stay relatively protected even when the Gulf of Alaska turns rough. The halibut fishing runs year-round, with the strongest bite from May through September. Salmon seasons depend on the run timing and state regulations, which shift annually.

The bay itself is shallow and rocky in places, deep and open in others. That mix means you can fish structure for halibut in the morning and move to flats or current breaks for salmon in the afternoon. The real advantage of Red Bay over more crowded Southeast ports is solitude — you will see far fewer boats than at Ketchikan or Craig, and the fish respond to that pressure difference.

Key Takeaways

  • Red Bay holds halibut year-round and salmon during spring and summer runs, with May through September offering the most consistent fishing.
  • Access requires a boat; there is no road to Red Bay, and charter services operate from Craig, about 40 miles north.
  • You will need a current Alaska fishing license and must follow state saltwater regulations, which vary by species and season.
  • Halibut fishing works best over rocky bottom and drop-offs; salmon respond to current breaks and near-shore structure.

Getting to Red Bay

Red Bay has no road access and no developed dock. Most anglers reach it by charter boat from Craig, which sits on the same island about 40 miles north. Charter operators in Craig run half-day and full-day trips to Red Bay regularly during the season. The ride takes roughly 90 minutes to two hours depending on sea state and which part of the bay you are targeting.

If you have your own boat, you can launch from Craig's public ramp and make the run yourself. The route crosses open water, so check weather and tide forecasts before heading out. Many anglers also base themselves at lodges on Prince of Wales Island and arrange bay access through their accommodations.

Halibut fishing in Red Bay

Halibut in Red Bay respond to the same tactics as halibut anywhere in Southeast Alaska: heavy jigs (8 to 16 ounces depending on depth and current), live herring, or squid. The bay's rocky bottom and scattered drop-offs hold fish in 80 to 300 feet of water. Early morning and the last two hours before dark are most productive, though halibut bite throughout the day if you are on structure.

Drift fishing works well when the tide is moving; anchor fishing works better during slack water. Many anglers use a combination — drift until you mark fish on the sounder, then anchor and work the spot thoroughly. The halibut here run smaller on average than in some other Southeast bays, but 20- to 40-pound fish are common, and larger ones show up regularly.

You will need a current Alaska fishing license and must follow state halibut regulations, which include daily bag limits and size restrictions. Check the current rules before you fish; they do not change often, but they do change.

Salmon fishing in Red Bay

Pink salmon arrive in Red Bay in July and August, with the peak usually in mid-July. Chum salmon run later, typically August through September. Both species respond to small spoons, spinners, and flies in the 2- to 4-inch range. Fish the current breaks where the bay's main channel meets shallower water, and work near-shore structure — rocky points, kelp beds, and creek mouths.

Trolling works for salmon in Red Bay, but casting from an anchored or drifting boat is often more effective in the shallower areas. Fly anglers find good opportunities in the 15- to 40-foot zone, especially near creek outflows where salmon stage before moving upstream. The salmon here are strong and aggressive, and the smaller crowds mean less pressure on the fish.

Tackle and technique for Red Bay conditions

Bring heavier halibut gear than you might use in a river or stream — 20- to 30-pound class rods with level-wind reels or conventional setups. Halibut jigs need to stay on bottom in current, so weight matters. For salmon, medium spinning or fly gear works fine; 8- to 10-weight fly rods are standard for Southeast saltwater.

Red Bay's rocky bottom means you will lose tackle. Carry extra jigs, leaders, and hooks. The water is cold year-round, so wear layers and bring a waterproof jacket even in summer. Tides in Southeast Alaska swing 15 to 20 feet, and Red Bay's tidal current can run hard; plan your fishing around slack water if you are new to the area.

When to fish Red Bay

May through September is the main season for most anglers. Halibut bite best from May through July, when the water is clearest and the fish are most active. Salmon runs peak in July and August for pinks, August and September for chums. Winter halibut fishing is possible but requires more experience with rough water and shorter daylight.

Spring tides (the biggest tidal swings) occur around the new and full moon. Many anglers prefer fishing the days just before and after slack water, when current is moderate and fish are feeding actively. Check tide tables for the Craig area — they apply to Red Bay as well — and plan your trip around favorable tidal windows.

Regulations and licenses

You must carry a current Alaska fishing license, available online through the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website or at sporting goods stores in Craig. Nonresident licenses are available for various periods — daily, 3-day, 7-day, and annual options. The cost varies by license type.

Halibut and salmon have separate bag limits and size restrictions. Halibut limits are typically two fish per day, but check current regulations before you fish. Salmon limits vary by species and season; pink salmon often have higher daily limits than chums. Regulations change year to year, so verify the current rules with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game or your charter operator before you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to hire a charter to fish Red Bay?

No, but most anglers do because there is no road access and no public dock. If you have your own boat and experience running open water in Southeast Alaska, you can launch from Craig and make the run yourself. Charters handle navigation, tackle, and often provide lunch, which simplifies the day.

What is the best time of year to catch halibut in Red Bay?

May through July offers the most consistent halibut fishing, with clear water and active fish. Halibut bite year-round, but winter trips require more experience with rough seas and limited daylight. Summer also coincides with salmon runs, so you can fish both species in the same day.

Can I fly-fish for salmon in Red Bay?

Yes. Fly anglers find good opportunities in shallow water near creek mouths and rocky points, especially during the peak of the pink and chum runs in July and August. An 8- to 10-weight rod with a saltwater reel works well. You will need a saltwater fly line and leaders rated for 10- to 15-pound fish.

What should I bring for a day trip to Red Bay?

Bring layers and a waterproof jacket, even in summer — the water is cold and weather changes fast. Pack sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a hat. Bring extra jigs and leaders because the rocky bottom claims tackle. Most charters provide lunch and coffee, but confirm with your operator before you book.

How far is Red Bay from Craig, and how long does the boat ride take?

Red Bay is about 40 miles south of Craig by water. The charter run typically takes 90 minutes to two hours depending on sea state and which part of the bay you are fishing. Expect to spend six to eight hours on the water for a full-day trip, including travel time and fishing time.