King Salmon is the big draw at Steamboat Bay. It always has been.
But halibut adds another dimension to the experience.
Pacific halibut hold deep along ledges, gravel flats, and bottom structure where currents move bait across the ocean floor. Unlike salmon that travel defined migration routes, halibut settle into feeding zones and wait with intention.
Fishing for them is different.
It is slower. More deliberate. Guided by tide movement and depth control. Our captains position the boat along transitions where current meets structure, adjusting presentation to stay in the strike zone as conditions shift.
The bite builds gradually. A steady pull. Increasing weight. Then the unmistakable resistance of a powerful fish determined to stay down.
Halibut fishing requires patience and feel. When a large fish rises from the depths beside the boat, it delivers a kind of satisfaction entirely its own.
While King Salmon may define the trip, halibut rounds it out. Available throughout the season, it provides consistency and variety across every stay.
For guests planning 2026, combining salmon and halibut creates a well balanced, fully realized Alaska experience.