Ankau Lagoon is a shallow, remote saltwater basin in Southeast Alaska with seasonal runs of salmon and halibut, accessible mainly by floatplane or boat

Ankau Lagoon sits on the west side of Chichagof Island in Southeast Alaska, roughly 60 miles southwest of Juneau. It is a tidal lagoon system—meaning water level and access change dramatically with the tide—that holds pink salmon, chum salmon, and halibut during specific seasons. The lagoon itself is small and shallow, rarely deeper than 20 feet in the main basin, which makes it unsuitable for larger vessels but ideal for skiffs, kayaks, and small drift boats.

The lagoon is not a destination for walk-up fishing. You will need a floatplane charter from Juneau or a private boat capable of the open-water crossing to Chichagof Island. Most anglers reach it as part of a guided trip or as a secondary stop on a longer Southeast Alaska fishing itinerary. The isolation is the point: few people fish here, and the fish pressure is light compared to more accessible streams and bays.

Key Takeaways

  • Ankau Lagoon is accessible only by floatplane from Juneau or by private boat, with floatplane charters typically costing $400 to $800 per person round-trip depending on group size.
  • Pink salmon arrive in July and August, chum salmon in August and September, and halibut are present year-round but most active May through September.
  • The lagoon is a tidal system where water level swings 15 to 20 feet, so timing your fishing around slack water or incoming tide is essential for safe navigation and fish activity.
  • A saltwater fishing license is required; Alaska issues non-resident licenses by the day, week, or year through the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
  • Weather in Southeast Alaska is unpredictable and can ground floatplanes for days, so build extra time into your schedule and have flexible dates.

Floatplane Access and Logistics from Juneau

Floatplane is the standard way to reach Ankau Lagoon. Several operators in Juneau offer charters, including Coastal Helicopters, Wings of Alaska, and Taquan Air. A round-trip charter for two to four people typically runs $400 to $800 per person, depending on group size and whether you are sharing the flight with other anglers. The flight takes 45 minutes to an hour each way.

Book your charter at least two weeks in advance during peak season (July through September). Floatplane operators will land you on the lagoon itself or on a nearby lake, depending on tide and weather. Confirm with your operator whether they provide a skiff or whether you need to bring your own small boat. Some charters include a guide; others drop you off and pick you up at a set time. Clarify the pickup time before you depart—missing your flight means a costly rebooking or an unplanned night in the field.

Weather is the wildcard. Southeast Alaska's maritime climate brings fog, rain, and wind that can ground floatplanes for 24 to 48 hours. Build at least one extra day into your schedule. If you are on a tight timeline, consider booking a longer trip so a weather delay does not ruin your fishing window.

Salmon Seasons and What Species to Expect

Pink salmon dominate Ankau Lagoon from mid-July through August. They are smaller than other Pacific salmon—typically 3 to 5 pounds—but they are aggressive and abundant. Pinks spawn in the small streams that feed the lagoon, so they concentrate in the lagoon mouth and lower channels as they move upstream. Fish them with small spoons, spinners, or flies in sizes 2 to 4. The bite is often fast and steady during incoming tide.

Chum salmon arrive in August and remain through September. Chums are larger than pinks—6 to 12 pounds on average—and they are less aggressive but more powerful. They prefer deeper water and slower presentations. Use larger spoons (sizes 3 to 5), plugs, or weighted flies. Chums are less predictable than pinks; some days the bite is excellent, other days you will see fish but few will strike.

Halibut are present year-round but most active May through September. They hold in the deeper channels and holes within the lagoon, typically 15 to 25 feet down. Fish live herring or squid on the bottom with conventional tackle or jigging rods. Halibut in the lagoon average 15 to 30 pounds, though larger fish are possible. Early morning and late evening are most productive.

Tides, Water Levels, and Safe Navigation

Ankau Lagoon is a tidal system with a range of 15 to 20 feet between high and low water. At low tide, much of the lagoon becomes impassable mud flats. At high tide, the lagoon opens up and fish move into shallow feeding areas. Plan your fishing around the tide cycle: incoming tide is usually most productive because fish are active and moving into the shallows.

Slack water—the period when the tide is neither rising nor falling—is the safest time to navigate narrow channels and shallow areas. Tidal current in the lagoon mouth can run 2 to 3 knots during peak flood or ebb, which can make small-boat handling difficult. Consult a tide table for your specific dates. The NOAA tide predictions for Juneau are close enough for planning; Ankau Lagoon follows the same tidal cycle.

If you are unfamiliar with tidal navigation, hire a local guide. A guide will know the safe channels, the best fishing spots for each tide stage, and how to read the water. Guides based in Juneau or Petersburg can be booked through floatplane operators or through outfitters like Alaska Fishing Adventures.

Regulations and Licensing

Alaska requires a saltwater fishing license for all anglers 16 and older. Non-residents can purchase a one-day license ($20), a three-day license ($35), a seven-day license ($60), or an annual license ($145). Licenses are sold online through the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website, at sporting goods stores in Juneau, or through some floatplane operators.

Salmon bag limits in Southeast Alaska are typically two salmon per day, with species-specific rules. Pink salmon and chum salmon usually have a combined daily limit of two fish. Halibut has a separate limit: typically one halibut per day, with a minimum size of 32 inches. Regulations change year to year, so check the current Alaska Department of Fish and Game Sport Fishing Regulations before your trip.

Catch-and-release is not required, but it is common practice for species you do not plan to keep. If you keep salmon, you will need to arrange for processing or transport back to Juneau. Most floatplane operators can store fish in a cooler for the flight back, but confirm this when you book.

Gear, Tackle, and What to Bring

Bring saltwater-rated spinning or conventional rods rated for 8 to 15-pound line. A 7-foot rod is ideal for the confined space of the lagoon. Pack spoons in sizes 2 to 5 (Krocodile, Pixee, and Crippled Herring patterns work well), spinners, and small plugs. If you fly-fish, bring a 7 to 9-weight rod with floating and intermediate lines, and tie or pack small streamers (Clouser Minnows, Deceivers) in white, chartreuse, and black.

For halibut, bring jigging rods or conventional bottom-fishing rigs, live herring or squid, and 20 to 30-pound line. Bring a net or gaff if you plan to land larger halibut. Pack rain gear, a warm layer, and a hat—Southeast Alaska weather is cool and wet even in summer. Bring bug spray; mosquitoes can be heavy in July and August. Sunscreen and polarized sunglasses are essential for spotting fish in shallow water.

If you are flying in on a floatplane, weight limits apply. Confirm your luggage allowance with the operator. Most allow 50 to 75 pounds per person including gear. Pack light and prioritize tackle over extra clothing.

Best Time to Fish and Weather Patterns

July and August are the peak months for pink salmon and the most reliable for weather. Temperatures range from 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Daylight is nearly continuous—the sun sets around 10 p.m. and rises around 4 a.m.—so you can fish long hours. The trade-off is that more anglers are in Alaska during these months, so floatplane charters book up quickly.

September is excellent for chum salmon and halibut, with fewer crowds and more stable weather patterns. Temperatures drop to 45 to 55 degrees. Daylight shortens noticeably, so plan your fishing around sunrise and sunset. Rain is more frequent in September, but it rarely prevents fishing—it just makes you wet.

May and June are possible for halibut and early chum salmon, but weather is less predictable and floatplane delays are more common. October and later are generally too cold and stormy for comfortable fishing, though some anglers target halibut into November.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Ankau Lagoon without a guide?

Yes, but you need a floatplane charter and a way to navigate the tidal system safely. If you have experience with small boats and tidal water, you can fish on your own. If you are unfamiliar with the area, hire a guide through your floatplane operator or an outfitter. A guide costs $400 to $600 per day and is worth the money for your first trip.

What is the water temperature, and do I need a wetsuit?

Water temperature ranges from 45 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit depending on season. A wetsuit is not required for fishing from a boat, but if you plan to wade or kayak, a 3mm neoprene wetsuit or drysuit is recommended. The air temperature is cool enough that you will be uncomfortable if you fall in without protection.

How many fish can I realistically catch in a day?

On a good day with pink salmon, you might land 10 to 20 fish. Chum salmon are fewer but larger—expect 3 to 8 fish. Halibut are unpredictable; some days you will hook several, other days none. Much depends on tide, weather, and how active the fish are. Plan for a full day of fishing and be pleasantly surprised if the bite is hot.

What happens if the floatplane cannot pick me up on schedule?

The operator will reschedule your pickup for the next available weather window, usually within 24 to 48 hours. You will need to camp or shelter in place. Most floatplane charters include a basic shelter or cabin at the landing site. Bring extra food, water, and a sleeping bag rated for cool weather. Delays are rare but possible, so budget extra days into your schedule.

Is there cell service at Ankau Lagoon?

No. There is no cell service, internet, or radio communication unless your floatplane operator provides a satellite communicator or emergency beacon. If you need to stay in contact with someone on the mainland, arrange a check-in schedule before you depart and bring a personal locator beacon if you are concerned about safety.