Imagine yourself gliding across the glassy waters of Icy Strait, the salty Alaskan air whipping through your hair, when suddenly a chorus of deep, guttural barks echoes from a rocky outcrop. That’s the unmistakable sound of Steller sea lions, the charismatic giants that call the waters around Gustavus, Alaska, their home. Nestled at the gateway to Glacier Bay National Park, Gustavus isn’t just a quiet town of about 500 people—it’s your front-row ticket to some of the most vibrant marine life in the Last Frontier. Let’s dive into the world of these fascinating creatures: how often you’ll spot them, their cheeky habit of snatching fish from fishermen, the vital role they play in the ecosystem, and why they’re a photographer’s dream. Whether you’re planning to kayak or hop on a boat tour, this guide will prep you for an unforgettable Alaskan adventure.

Planning a 5-day guided fishing trip to Gustavus, Alaska, is gearing up for the adventure of a lifetime. 

Nestled near Glacier Bay National Park, Gustavus is a small town with big fishing opportunities—think salmon, halibut, and maybe even some Dolly Varden if you’re lucky. But with Alaska’s unpredictable weather and the desire to bring home your catch, packing smart is key. You want to pack light to leave room in your luggage for those prized fish fillets, but you also need to be prepared for everything from chilly mornings to buggy afternoons. 

Congratulations on scoring that box of frozen halibut fillets from southeast Alaska! There's nothing quite like the thrill of hauling in a fresh catch from those pristine waters around Gustavus, then flying it home to savor over the months ahead. 

If you're planning a trip to Southeast Alaska, especially the town of Gustavus, you're in for a treat. Nestled right on the edge of Glacier Bay National Park, this spot is a gateway to some of the most breathtaking wilderness on the planet—think towering glaciers, lush rainforests, and crystal-clear waters teeming with wildlife. But let's be real: one of the stars of the show here isn't just the scenery; it's the bears.

So, you had a great visit with us at Eagle’s Nest Lodge, and you brought back a a 50-pound box of frozen silver salmon fillets! 

Those coho salmon, with their bright silver scales and that rich, buttery flavor when cooked just right, are a true prize from the wild waters around Gustavus. 

Alaska, often called the Last Frontier, is a paradise for fishermen, that offers unparalleled opportunities to cast lines in pristine waters teeming with diverse marine life. For anglers seeking adventure, breathtaking scenery, and a chance to reel in trophy catches, Alaska is a must-visit destination. Among Alaska’s many fishing hotspots, Gustavus, a small coastal community in Southeast Alaska, stands out as a premier destination for catching the best assortment of Alaska’s piscatorial assortment

Southeast Alaska, with its pristine waters, rugged coastlines, and abundant marine life, is a world-renowned destination for anglers seeking Pacific salmon. The region, encompassing areas like Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau, and Prince of Wales Island, is home to all five species of Pacific salmon: Chinook (king), Coho (silver), Sockeye (red), Chum (dog), and Pink (humpy). Each species has unique characteristics, spawning behaviors, and optimal fishing seasons. Understanding the best times to target these fish, along with the advantages of catching them in the ocean before their spawning runs, can elevate your fishing experience. This article explores the seasonal patterns for each species, the benefits of ocean fishing, and concludes with two delectable salmon recipes.

When it comes to the best Alaska halibut fishing, Gustavus stands out as a hidden gem that every angler dreams of visiting.

Nestled in the heart of Southeast Alaska, about 35 miles west of Juneau, this small coastal town is a gateway to some of the most productive halibut fishing grounds in the world. If you’re chasing the thrill of landing a trophy halibut, Gustavus offers an unmatched combination of calm waters, abundant fish, and a pristine wilderness setting that makes every trip unforgettable.

In August 2025, a federal grand jury in Alaska indicted five southeast Alaska commercial fishermen—Jonathan Pavlik, Vincent Jacobson, Kyle Dierick, Michael Babic, and Timothy Ross—for conspiring to illegally harvest halibut, violating the Lacey Act. The charges stem from activities between 2019 and 2023 near Yakutat, where the defendants allegedly landed halibut without being aboard the fishing vessel at all times during fishing trips, a violation of federal regulations. Court documents claim the group illegally harvested tens of thousands of pounds of halibut, with one instance involving over 10,000 pounds of illegal catch. One defendant, Pavlik, was separately sentenced to six months in prison for falsifying fishing records, further highlighting the severity of the violations. These charges underscore ongoing efforts by authorities to combat illegal fishing practices that threaten Alaska’s tightly regulated halibut fishery.

Picture this: You’re standing on the deck of a sturdy fishing boat, the crisp Alaskan air filling your lungs, surrounded by the jaw-dropping beauty of Glacier Bay’s rugged coastline. The water’s calm, the mountains loom in the distance, and you’re about to reel in a massive king salmon—or maybe a barn-door halibut that’ll have your buddies back home green with envy. If you’re an average American angler dreaming of an unforgettable fishing trip, Gustavus, Alaska, is your ticket to the adventure of a lifetime. Let’s dive into why a fishing trip to Gustavus for salmon, halibut, rockfish, lingcod, and black bass is the ultimate bucket-list experience and how to make it happen in 2025.