What Clover Pass Offers

Clover Pass is a tidal waterway near Ketchikan in Southeast Alaska, roughly 15 miles north of the city. It connects to Clarence Strait and holds a mix of salmon species, halibut, and rockfish in a setting shaped entirely by tide and current. The pass itself is narrow and fast-moving during tidal exchanges, which concentrates fish and creates both opportunity and hazard for anglers.

The pass is most productive during the summer months when salmon are moving through on their way to spawning streams. Chinook (king) salmon, coho (silver) salmon, and pink salmon all pass through, along with chum salmon in their season. Halibut fishing is year-round but peaks in late spring and early fall when the water is calmer and visibility better.

Access is by boat only. There is no road to Clover Pass, and no developed shore access. Most anglers fish from charter boats based in Ketchikan or run their own skiffs from the Ketchikan waterfront. The pass is exposed to weather and tidal current, so it is not a beginner's destination if you are running your own boat.

Key Takeaways

  • Clover Pass is a tidal waterway 15 miles north of Ketchikan that holds chinook, coho, pink, and chum salmon, plus halibut and rockfish.
  • Summer is peak season for salmon; halibut fishing is best in late spring and early fall when tidal current is less severe.
  • Access is by boat only—charter services operate from Ketchikan, or you can launch your own skiff if you are comfortable in tidal current.
  • Fishing the pass requires understanding tide tables and current direction, as the narrow channel concentrates fish but also creates strong water movement.
  • Alaska fishing regulations apply; you need a valid fishing license and must follow species-specific bag and size limits that change by season.

Salmon Species and Seasons

Chinook salmon enter Clover Pass from late May through July, with peak numbers usually in June. These are large fish—20 to 40 pounds is common—and they hold in deeper water and current breaks within the pass. Jigging with heavy spoons or live herring works well when the tide is running hard. Early morning and late evening, when light is low, often produce better than midday.

Coho salmon follow in July and August, smaller than chinook but more aggressive. They respond to smaller spoons, spinners, and fly patterns. Coho are also more likely to be caught in shallower water and along the edges of the pass where current is less intense.

Pink salmon arrive in July and August in odd-numbered years (2025, 2027, etc.). They are smaller—3 to 5 pounds—but abundant when they run, and they take small spoons and spinners readily. Chum salmon move through in August and September but are less commonly targeted by sport anglers.

Halibut and Other Species

Halibut fishing in Clover Pass is steadiest from May through June and again in September and October. The pass has good halibut habitat—rocky bottom and depth changes that hold fish—but the tidal current makes it challenging to keep bait or jigs on the bottom. Heavier jigs (8 to 16 ounces depending on tide strength) and live herring or squid work best. Slack tide—the brief period when current reverses—is the easiest time to fish the bottom.

Rockfish (lingcod and various rockfish species) are present year-round and are often caught incidentally while halibut fishing. They are aggressive and take jigs readily. Lingcod can be large and strong; they are good eating and a welcome bonus when you are targeting halibut.

Understanding Tides and Current

Clover Pass is a tidal pass, meaning water flows in and out with the tide cycle. During flood tide (incoming), water pushes north through the pass; during ebb tide (outgoing), it flows south. The current can exceed 3 knots during peak tide, which concentrates fish but also makes fishing difficult if you are not prepared.

Slack tide—the 20 to 40 minutes when current reverses—is the easiest time to fish, especially for halibut. During slack, you can hold bottom and feel what is there. Many charter captains time their fishing around slack tide for this reason. If you are running your own boat, tide tables are essential. The NOAA Tide Predictions website has predictions for Ketchikan and nearby stations; Clover Pass follows the same general pattern as Ketchikan but with slight variations depending on exact location within the pass.

Strong current also means fish are concentrated in specific spots—current breaks, deeper holes, and the edges of the channel where water slows. Learning to read the water and position your boat in these zones is the difference between a productive day and an empty one.

Charter Services and Boat Access

Charter boats based in Ketchikan regularly fish Clover Pass. A typical half-day charter (4 to 5 hours) costs between $300 and $500 per person, depending on the operator and season. Full-day charters run longer and cost more. Charter captains know the pass, understand the tide, and have the equipment and experience to fish it safely. This is the best option if you do not have your own boat or are unfamiliar with Alaska tidal waters.

If you have your own skiff or can rent one in Ketchikan, you can launch from the Ketchikan waterfront and run to Clover Pass in about 30 minutes in calm conditions. The pass is exposed to weather and open water, so a seaworthy boat and good weather are essential. Fog is common in Southeast Alaska, even in summer, so navigation equipment and local knowledge matter.

Regulations and Licenses

You need a valid Alaska fishing license to fish Clover Pass. Non-resident licenses are available for 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, or a full year. You can purchase them online through the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website or at sporting goods stores in Ketchikan.

Bag limits and size limits vary by species and change throughout the season. Chinook salmon typically have a daily limit of 1 fish with a 24-inch minimum size. Coho salmon are usually 2 per day with a 16-inch minimum. Pink salmon often have higher limits (3 to 5 per day) when they are running. Halibut has a daily limit (typically 1 fish per day in Southeast Alaska, though this can change) and a minimum size of 32 inches. Check the current regulations on the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website before you fish, as limits change and vary by area.

When to Fish Clover Pass

Summer—June through August—is peak season. Salmon are moving through, weather is most stable, and charter services run daily. July is often the busiest month. If you prefer fewer anglers and are comfortable with slightly cooler weather, May and early June offer good chinook fishing with less crowding.

Fall (September and October) is excellent for halibut and coho salmon, with fewer boats than summer. Winter and spring are possible but less common for sport fishing. Weather is rougher, days are shorter, and charter availability drops.

What to Bring and Expect

Bring layers and rain gear—Southeast Alaska weather changes fast, and you will be on the water. Sunscreen and sunglasses are essential even on cloudy days; the water reflects light and glare is intense. If you are prone to seasickness, take medication before you leave the dock; the pass can be choppy, especially during strong tidal current.

Expect to spend time waiting for slack tide or the right tide stage. Fishing is not constant; there are periods of activity and periods of waiting. Bring snacks and water. If you are on a charter, the captain will provide tackle and instruction, but bring your own if you have preferences or are running your own boat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need my own boat to fish Clover Pass?

No. Charter boats operate daily from Ketchikan during summer and can reach Clover Pass in 30 minutes. A charter is the most common way to fish the pass, especially if you are not familiar with Alaska tidal waters. You can also rent a skiff in Ketchikan if you have boating experience and are comfortable navigating open water.

What is the best tide to fish Clover Pass?

Slack tide is easiest for halibut and bottom fishing. For salmon, the hour or two before and after slack tide often produces well because fish are moving and feeding. Avoid peak tide (1 to 2 hours into flood or ebb) unless you have heavy tackle and experience fishing strong current.

Can I fish Clover Pass in winter?

Yes, but it is uncommon. Winter weather is rough, days are short, and charter availability is limited. Halibut fishing can be good in winter, but you need a seaworthy boat and experience in cold-water conditions. Most anglers fish Clover Pass from May through October.

What size fish should I expect to catch?

Chinook salmon average 20 to 40 pounds. Coho salmon run 8 to 15 pounds. Pink salmon are 3 to 5 pounds. Halibut vary widely but 20 to 40 pounds is common; larger fish are possible. Rockfish are usually 2 to 8 pounds.

How far is Clover Pass from Ketchikan?

Clover Pass is about 15 miles north of Ketchikan by water. A boat running at cruising speed takes 30 to 45 minutes to reach it, depending on conditions and exact location within the pass.