49th Fathom Charters
Independent · Juneau, Alaska
49th Fathom Charters is an independent fishing guide based in Juneau, Alaska, running nearshore trips for salmon and halibut on Southeast Alaska. You book directly with the guide, and Driftline takes no commission.
49th Fathom Charters fishes for salmon and halibut in the waters of Southeast Alaska near Juneau, running small groups on a vessel with a heated cabin, large deck, and onboard restroom.
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Charters here are sold by the seat rather than by the boat, at 4, 6 and 8 hour lengths, with a four person paid minimum before the boat leaves the dock and a six person cap. Parties of one to three may be paired with another group, and a party of six is automatically private. Captain Shelby runs the operation out of Juneau, and the vessel carries a heated cabin, a large fishing deck and an onboard restroom. Anglers choose salmon, halibut, rockfish, a whale watching run, or a combination, and the operator recommends the 6 or 8 hour lengths when combining the two. The charter fee covers fishing gear, tackle and bait, fish cleaning, snacks and drinks, arrangement of processing and shipping, and transport to and from the cruise ship dock for guests arriving that way; sandwiches come with the 8 hour trip. Alaska license, king salmon stamp, a 5 percent Juneau sales tax and a service fee are billed separately. Because current is often strong on this water, the operator notes that roughly four rods can be run at once, so anglers on a shared boat may take turns. Fish processing is handled by a Juneau partner at a published per pound rate, with shipping or local pickup afterward. Water taxi runs to points around Southeast Alaska are offered by the hour.
WatersSoutheast Alaska
Tripsnearshore
Rates$375 per person for a 4 hour charter, $450 per person for 6 hours and $525 per person for 8 hours; whale watching is $225 per person for 2.5 hours
Good to know
What waters does 49th Fathom Charters fish?
49th Fathom Charters guides Southeast Alaska, out of Juneau, Alaska. Trips are matched to water conditions and the season, so the exact stretch depends on when you fish.
What fish can you catch with 49th Fathom Charters?
On 49th Fathom Charters's trips you're targeting salmon and halibut. What's biting shifts through the year, and the guide sets the day around what's fishing best on their home water.
What kind of trips does 49th Fathom Charters run?
49th Fathom Charters runs nearshore trips on Southeast Alaska. Reach out for exact trip lengths, group sizes, and what's included. The guide sets those directly.
When is the fishing season with 49th Fathom Charters?
No salmon charters run before June 1 because of local rules on king salmon retention. For 2026 the operator lists Area 2C halibut at one fish per person per day, either 34 inches and under or 80 inches and over, with no halibut retention on Thursdays between June 18 and September 10, when catch and release is the only Thursday option.
Do I need a fishing license to fish in Alaska?
Yes: everyone fishing Alaska waters needs a valid Alaska fishing license. You buy your own; get it from Alaska Department of Fish and Game. 49th Fathom Charters can point you to the right one for your trip.
How do I book a trip with 49th Fathom Charters?
You book directly with 49th Fathom Charters: through their website at 49thfathom.com or by phone. Driftline lists the guide but takes no commission and no booking fee, so the price you get is the guide's own.
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Listings are free. Send a correction, add your logo, or ask us to take the page down. Driftline also builds and runs marketing for guides; separate thing, never required.