Closed Halibut Days – King Salmon & Rockfish Charter

King Salmon & Rockfish Fishing Trips ( Closed Halibut Days)

Experience an exciting day on the water targeting King (Chinook) Salmon and rockfish in the productive waters surrounding Seward. If you’ve never felt the power of a King Salmon on light tackle, this trip offers one of Alaska’s most memorable fishing experiences.

King Salmon are the largest salmon in the Pacific Ocean, commonly ranging from 15 to 25 pounds and much larger. Early in the season, we focus on feeder Kings as they move through local waters before the arrival of Silver (Coho) Salmon.

We target King Salmon by trolling—slowly moving the boat while fishing multiple depths using carefully selected lures or bait. Our captains have years of experience fishing these waters and adjust tactics daily based on conditions, tides, and fish behavior.

After trolling for Kings, we shift our focus to rockfish, providing additional fishing opportunities and a chance to bring home high-quality table fare. These trips are ideal on days when halibut fishing is closed, allowing you to enjoy a full and productive day on the water.

Daily limits for wild ocean King Salmon are typically one or two fish per person, depending on regulations and area fished.

If you’re looking for a dynamic fishing trip that combines powerful salmon action with steady rockfish fishing, this trip delivers a true Alaskan experience.

¾ Day Fishing Cod, Rockfish & Salmon Opportunities

Pacific Cod (or “P-Cod,” as we say locally)

When halibut fishing is closed, Puffin Fishing Charters turns its focus to some of Alaska’s most underrated—and most delicious—species.

Pacific cod is a high-quality whitefish that has long been overlooked, often dismissed as a nuisance while targeting halibut. Here at Puffin Charters, we see it differently. Pacific cod is outstanding table fare—mild, flaky, and versatile in the kitchen.

As halibut prices have risen, Pacific cod has earned the nickname “Grey Gold” in the highly regulated commercial fishery. Across Alaska, it appears on more menus every year, and for good reason.

• Pacific cod is the second-largest commercial groundfish fishery in Alaska and the United States
• In 2021, commercial harvest totaled 330.4 million pounds, valued at $86.5 million
• It offers fast-paced action, making it a favorite for anglers who enjoy steady bites and full fish boxes

There is a company limit of five Pacific cod per person, as responsible stewards of the sea, we encourage guests to take only what they can reasonably consume within the year.

Rockfish are a staple of Alaska’s nearshore fishery and provide a fun change of pace. Found along rocky structure, they offer:

• Strong fights on lighter gear
• Bright colors and variety of species
• Firm, flavorful fillets perfect for the grill or pan

Rockfish round out a day nicely, adding diversity to both the experience and your freezer.

When available, we’ll finish the day targeting silver salmon, which are typically present from July through August. Salmon adds excitement with aggressive strikes and powerful runs, making them a guest favorite and a great complement to bottom fishing.

On closed halibut days, Puffin Charters delivers a full Alaska fishing experience:

• Fast action on Pacific cod
• Quality rockfish fishing
• Salmon opportunities when in season

Different species, different techniques, and a cooler full of premium seafood—proof that halibut isn’t the only star in Alaska water

Button to book ¾ Day

What Is GAF (Guided Angler Fish)?

GAF, or Guided Angler Fish, is a program that allows us to offer halibut fishing on days when halibut retention is normally closed. Puffin Charters uses GAF to help guests whose only chance to fish falls on one of those closed days—so you still get a shot at landing a halibut.

Through the Catch Sharing Plan, commercial halibut quota is transferred to qualified charter operators and issued as GAF. This allows each angler to legally retain ONE halibut, even on closed days, under specific regulations in Area 3A.

GAF trips run on Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the season. Depending on the time of year, we’ll often round out the day by targeting rockfish, silver salmon, or king salmon, making for a full and exciting day on the water.