top of page
Juneau Fishing Charters & Whale Watching FAQs
Planning the perfect Alaskan adventure can bring up a lot of questions, but we are here to help make the process as seamless as possible! Whether you are looking to book a private Juneau salmon fishing charter, an unforgettable whale watching tour, or a breathtaking sightseeing excursion to Tracy Arm Fjord, we've compiled the answers to our most frequently asked questions. Read on to learn everything you need to know about our family-owned, private boat tours, what you should pack, and how we guarantee a truly personalized experience on the water.
Frequently asked questions
Yes! We pride ourselves on offering 100% private and personalized tours. We never add additional groups or individuals to your trip. When you book with Local Guy Charters, the boat belongs exclusively to you and your party, ensuring everyone gets the best seat and the best view.
To provide a safe, comfortable, and highly personalized experience, we limit the number of guests to a maximum of six passengers per adventure.
We are proud to be the only charter boat in Juneau equipped with a Seakeeper stabilizer! This incredible technology eliminates up to 95% of boat roll, drastically reducing the danger, fatigue, anxiety, and seasickness that often come with being on the ocean.
We offer customizable 4, 6, and 8-hour fishing trips targeting Alaska's world-renowned Salmon, Halibut, and Rockfish. You can also book combo trips that mix fishing with our premier whale watching experiences.
King (Chinook) Salmon: Best from June 1st through mid-July.
Pink and Chum Salmon: Highly active from early July through mid-August.
Silver (Coho) Salmon: Typically arrive in late July and can be caught through early October.
(Note: We do not offer Salmon fishing between April 1st and May 31st per local regulations).
Halibut fishing typically starts around May 20th, but optimal success usually occurs from early June through mid-September. Keep in mind that Halibut retention is strictly regulated (e.g., closed on specific weekdays like Thursdays or Tuesdays depending on the season), but we also offer fantastic Catch and Release Halibut trips on those days!
Yes. All anglers need a 1-day fishing license ($15). If you are fishing for King Salmon, you need a King Salmon stamp ($10 for residents, $15 for non-residents). If you are 18 or older and intend to retain a Halibut, you will also need an RQE Halibut stamp ($20), which must be purchased at the time of booking. Licenses can be bought online at the Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game's website.
Fish processing and shipping are not included in the booking price. We use JC's Processing ($5 per pound for processing). Shipping prices vary based on the final weight of your fillets and your location within the United States.
The waters around Juneau are teeming with life! While on our tours, you have a great chance of spotting Humpback Whales, Killer Whales (Orcas), Steller Sea Lions, Harbor Seals, Dall's Porpoises, Bald Eagles, and occasionally even Black or Brown bears along the shorelines.
Because we are dealing with wild animals in their natural habitat, we cannot guarantee specific catches or wildlife sightings. However, our expert guides have an incredible knack for finding wildlife—in fact, we haven't had a single whale watching trip without a sighting yet! What we do guarantee is top-tier Alaskan hospitality and an experience you won't get on a crowded cruise ship.
We strictly adhere to NOAA's marine mammal conservation regulations. We will not approach within 100 yards of any marine mammals, we will not place our vessel in the path of oncoming whales, and we limit our viewing time to 30 minutes to minimize disturbance to the wildlife.
Alaska's weather can be unpredictable. We highly recommend bringing rain gear, waterproof footwear, a warm hat, sunglasses, and layered warm clothing. Don't forget your camera and extra batteries! Water and snacks are provided on all tours, and an additional small meal is included on our 8-hour trips.
100% Refund: With 30 days or more notice.
50% Refund: With 10–29 days notice.
No Refund: With less than 10 days notice.
Weather: If our Captain determines the weather is unsafe to travel, we will not go out, and a full refund will be given.
We highly recommend purchasing our "Trip Protection," which extends your full refund window up to 48 hours before the trip, including last-minute cruise ship cancellations.
Absolutely no illegal drugs, including marijuana, are permitted on board. While marijuana is legal in the state of Alaska, the waters are federally regulated by the United States Coast Guard. If illegal substances are found, the trip will be terminated immediately.
Yes, we do! We proudly offer a 5% discount for local residents and a 10% discount for Active Military and Law Enforcement (ID/badge required). We also have special rates for Law Enforcement officers injured in the line of duty—just give us a call.
Transportation to our boats at Andrews Marina is not included. We highly recommend calling Juneau Taxi in advance to schedule your ride to and from the docks.
Yes! We offer a breathtaking 8-9 hour private sightseeing and photo excursion to Tracy Arm Fjord for $3,600 (for the whole boat, 1-6 guests). This trip includes stunning glacier views, immense wildlife viewing opportunities, a meal, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages.
We do offer private water taxi services to help you explore the surrounding waters or get to remote locations. The cost is $375 per hour (for the entire boat) with a 2-hour minimum. Wait time is billed at $50 per hour. Please note that water taxi services cannot be used as a substitute for standard sightseeing or whale watching tours.
bottom of page