Saturday, February 22, 2014

Ketchikan Salmon Fishing Vacations Are For Everyone

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By Krystal Branch


Ketchikan salmon fishing vacations are not just about fish. This Alaskan resort area is so rich in history, culture, natural beauty, and exciting things to do that it might be hard to fins time for fishing. However, for those who come for that reason, Ketchikan Creek and near-by lakes offer an almost too-good-to-be-true experience.

Meanwhile, other members of the group can learn local history, watch for wildlife, hike through national forests and state parks, explore the waterfronts, shop for souvenirs and fine art, or just enjoy resort amenities too numerous to list here. This Alaskan resort area makes a wonderful, memorable vacation spot for the whole family.

It's an adventure just getting around in this wilderness. There are places guests can access by vehicle, but many places require a boat or plane ride or a long hike along a forest trail. Black and brown bears, mountain goats, deer, and moose are often seen on land, while sea lions, seals, porpoises, and whales frolic in the water. Bird watchers will find many sea birds and land birds from hummingbirds to Bald Eagles.

Chartered trips for a half a day up to as many as you have to spend offer the best spots to catch salmon. There are five species of this great, delicious fish which come from the open ocean to spawn in great numbers, dramatically fighting their way upstream. All have both common and local names: King (Chinook), Silver (Coho), Red (Sockeye), Pink (Humpy), and Churn (Dog).

There are also five species of trout in the lakes and streams, including Rainbow, Cutthroat, and Steelhead. Those who want even more can go after halibut, cod, and Red Snapper. The town, once known as 'the salmon capital of the world', was an ancient fishing camp for the Tingit natives, who spent their summers there collecting food for the long winters. The town was founded in 1900 by commercial fishermen and canneries once were the main industry.

While the fish take some members of the party away for half a day, a whole day, or many days, the non-fishers will find many exciting options. They can schedule a tour of a vintage cannery, a visit to the tribal hatchery to see baby fish and rehabilitated raptors, a hike in a national or state forest, a tour of the rainforest or the unspoiled waterfront, or a whale watch. The museums and visitor's center have exciting video presentations that explain local history, culture, and attractions.

The younger members of your party should love the collection of 19th century totem poles rescued from abandoned native villages and brought to the Totem Heritage Center for preservation. They should quite enjoy Creek Street, the renowned boardwalk lined with museums, gift shops, restaurants, and art galleries. There are workshops that teach native crafts, exhibits of local photography, painting, and carving, and live theater and music for afternoon and evening hours.

A vacation that includes Ketchikan salmon fishing and all the other activities and attractions of this Alaskan resort town will make memories for people of all ages. Go for the fish, the wildlife, the Tingit culture, or a taste of the wild.




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