Alaska fishing jobs are varied and as diverse as the fisheries in the Greatland. In the remote lodge business across Alaska, guides, chefs, pilots, maintenance staff, hospitality workers, and managers are all part of the machine that powers a vibrant sport fishing industry. In the saltwater charter operations spread throughout southcentral and southeast Alaska, Coast Guard licensed captains, deckhands, and fish processors are all in demand. There are many available Alaska fishing jobs and the purpose of this section of our website is to give you an overview of the opportunities out there and to bring many of these job openings to one place so you can quickly and easily see what’s available to you.
We’ve heard repeatedly from our lodge and charter clients that they are in need of employees. Have you ever wanted to work in the Alaska sport fishing industry? If so, now is a great time! Events of the last few years have created a situation where people are eager to travel to Alaska and this boom in sport fishing tourism has necessitated increased manpower across the board.
Where to start?
Perhaps you are feeling like you don’t know where to start to find an Alaska fishing job? The landscape can be a little daunting when you consider that you are traveling a long way into unfamiliar territory to work in a remote location. Well that’s where we come in. Fish Alaska’s Alaska Fishing Job Board will highlight jobs from reputable lodges, charter operations and sport fishing businesses that work with us. With over 20 years of producing Fish Alaska magazine and traveling around Alaska, we have met many good people who run outstanding operations. We can help guide your search towards successful businesses who treat their clients and employees with care and respect.
Certifications/Licensing
Certain Alaska fishing jobs require certification from government agencies. Captains of motorized vessels need to be licensed through the US Coast Guard. Guides need to obtain an Alaska Department of Fish and Game Guide License. Guides on the Kenai River need to complete the Kenai River Guide Academy training course approved by Alaska State Parks. Pilots need to be licensed by the FAA. And it’s a good idea for anyone working in the fishing industry to get basic first aid and CPR certification. Lodge and charter owners are looking for quality guides and captains who are fully licensed, so we advise that you research what licenses and permits are required and obtain them before responding to a job opening.
Alaska Fishing Jobs Geographic Considerations
At a typical high-end western Alaska lodge in Bristol Bay, clients enjoy comfortable accommodations, gourmet dining and outstanding angling. Many base their lodges on productive home water like the Naknek, Nushagak, Kvichak, Alagnak, Togiak, or Kanektok and some offer flyouts to other blue-ribbon streams like Moraine, Talarik, American, Brooks, Funnel, Battle, Agulowak, and Nonvianuk, just to name a few. All five salmon species, trophy rainbow trout, abundant char and grayling, and unspoiled wild spaces are all part of the package. If this sounds like your idea of a great opportunity to visit Alaska, experience some of it’s amazing angling, and to be part of the Alaska fishing job industry, read on!
Saltwater charters in southcentral and southeast Alaska enjoy an abundance of bottomfish, which includes halibut, lingcod, and rockfish, as well as king and silver salmon fisheries. Multi-species hauls are common, with plenty of action and lots of success across southeast ports like Yakutat, Gustavus, Sitka, Wrangell, Pelican, and Hoonah. Marine mammal spottings are common, including humpback whales, orcas, porpoise, seals, sea lions and sea otters. If these types of adventures on the high seas calls your name, then read on!
Types of Fishing Job Positions
In addition to the standard positions you would think about in the sportfishing industry like captains and deckhands, there are many support staff, maintenance, culinary and other administrative jobs available as well. Check back frequently as we update job listings.
Alaskan Adventures Fishing and Hunting Guide
Alaskan Adventures is hiring fishing guides for the 2022 season. Must have some experience, especially with boats. A six-pack license is not required. The ideal candidate would have experience with fly fishing, trolling and conventional tackle. If you would like to become a hunting guide as well as a fishing guide, we are very interested in speaking with you. Our season starts end of May and continues to Sept 10th or 24th depending on your role.
Alaska Sea Otter Sound Charter Skipper
Alaska Sea Otter Sound Lodge is a family-owned, high-end, self-guided fishing lodge in southeast Alaska. We accommodate 20 guests. We have one charter boat that is for guests that want to spend a little time on the big water. We do half-day, bottomfishing excursions. The charter boat will come back to the lodge at noon and the guests will spend the remainder of the day salmon fishing from their self-guided boat. We average 34 of these half-day charters per season.
Alaska Wildland Adventures is seeking a full-time fishing guide for our season on the Kenai River at Kenai Riverside Lodge in Cooper Landing, AK. All applicants with previous guiding, rowing, powerboating, and fishing experience will be considered. Requirements: currently hold or ability to obtain a six-pack license; Wilderness First Aid certification (minimum); cheerful and enthusiastic attitude during long work days, and ability to work within a team structure. Preferred: Kenai River Guide Academy certified. We offer full day trips for rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, sockeye salmon and silver salmon in both motorized and non-motorized sections of the Kenai River. Food and housing are provided to employees free of charge. Compensation is salary and depends on experience. Applicants must be available as early as mid-May (or early June if experienced) through September 1.
Alaskan Fishing Adventures Deckhand
Alaskan Fishing Adventures is a family-owned business offering guided fishing trips in both the fresh and saltwater, full-service, first-rate lodging and dining at several locations on the Kenai River. Saltwater trips depart from Seward and Homer, guided freshwater trips begin and end on the Kenai River. We also offer guided flyout trips to fish for coho and sockeye salmon. We are looking for a hard-working deckhand for our saltwater charter boat in Seward.
Yakutat Lodge is hiring two bartenders/servers for the upcoming fishing season.
The Yakutat Lodge was established in the mid 1960s, and was purchased by the Fanning family in 1980. Over the years it has grown to be one of the most well known Alaska lodges. When the Fanning family decided it was time for a new chapter in their lives, longtime guest Don Stamper had already fallen in love with the area. After many years and trips to Yakutat enjoying the quality fishing and the community they jumped at the opportunity to purchase the lodge. The Stamper family looks forward to continuing the great fishing heritage and the opportunity to meet the many returning and new guests.
Job Title and Summary: Bartender/Server
Job Duration: Around March 21st to October 1st
Job Responsibilities: Serving all clients as well as co-workers in a timely and friendly manner. Keeping up with tidiness inside and outside of the lodge. Closing and opening duties. Quality assurance of food before dropping at a table. Pre-bussing and dishware cleanliness. General restaurant duties. Must be quick on your feet.
Hiring Requirements: Must be at least 21 years of age, and possess a valid driver’s license. Will have to pass the TAP training course. Must be able to work 10-hour days 6 days a week, and be okay with shared housing.
Compensation and Benefits: Competitive pay, dependent on experience. Room and board is included with this job. Daily cash and credit card tips as well as package tips.
This is a wonderful opportunity to save up a good chunk of change during the season. The bar and restaurant sits right at the airport, and is open to the general public. There are two flights a day. Plane arrivals and departures get very busy during certain times of the year. This is a lot of hard work, but you are free to do as you please in your off time. You will have the opportunity to fish and enjoy all the things Yakutat has to offer.
Kodiak Legends Lodge is looking for an energetic, friendly, self starting person who wants to spend the summer working in remote Alaska. Duties include serving breakfast and dinner, dishwashing and kitchen clean up, cleaning rooms and common areas. The ideal candidate is a team player and willing to help out with anything that needs to be done around the lodge. This is a split-shift position, working in the morning and again in the evening. Must be available for the entire season to be considered, mid May through mid September.
Alaskan Adventures Lodge Maintenance Manager
Alaskan Adventures is looking for someone that has a good working knowledge of boat motors, small engine repairs, carpentry, plumbing and electrical. If you enjoy working with a small team in the remote bush this could be the place for you. Our season is from May through Oct. Your role would be to ensure that systems are working, as well as handling all maintenance issues.
Aniak Air Guides General Laborer
We are seeking a general laborer that is responsible for a variety of manual labor, with a primary focus on cleaning and maintenance of river and camping gear. Also runway improvements, landscaping, chainsaw milling lumber, trail improvements, general improvements, etc. Must be 18 years or older, in good physical condition, and previous outdoor experience is a must. Jet boat experience is a plus.
Bear Trail Lodge Massage Therapist/Housekeeper/Server
Private 5-star lodge needs a licensed, experienced masseuse. All equipment is on location, including everything needed for hot stone massage, with a private room dedicated to massages. The lodge forecasts a demand of 4 to 6 massages daily, and will negotiate compensation with the right applicant. Additional duties as a housekeeper / server earn a salary, which includes room and board. Employment duration is 6/8/22 through 10/20/22.
Bear Trail Lodge Hostess/Server/Housekeeper
Private 5-star lodge needs a full-time hostess/server/housekeeper from 6/8/22 through 10/20/22 for a busy lodge in southwest Alaska. Salary includes room and board, tip share and compensation based upon experience. No drugs or excessive alcohol, prefer 21 or over.
Soldotna B&B Lodge Housekeeper
Alaskan Fishing Adventures is a family-owned business offering guided fishing trips in both the fresh and saltwater, as well as full-service, first-rate lodging and dining at several locations on the Kenai River. Saltwater trips depart from Seward and Homer, guided freshwater trips begin and end on the Kenai River. We also offer guided flyout trips to fish for coho and sockeye salmon. We are looking for a housekeeper for our Soldotna B&B Lodge location on the Kenai River in Soldotna.
Alaska Sea Otter Sound Lodge is a family-owned, high-end, self-guided fishing lodge in SouthEast Alaska. We accommodate 20 guests. Our need is for 2 inside staff positions for meal prep, serving and daily room cleaning. Being kind and helpful (service attitude) is a must. Most of our seasonal staff return every year. Great pay with board and room provided. June 1 – September 12.
Alaska Wildland Adventures Fishing Logistics Assistant
Alaska Wildland Adventures has operated Alaska vacation packages, adventure tours and wilderness lodges for more than 40 years. Founded with the goal of sharing Alaska’s wilderness and wildlife with travelers seeking a high-quality, authentic adventure for their vacation, we are proud to continue this tradition as one of Alaska’s award-winning leaders in small group trips. We are actively seeking applicants for all three of our wilderness lodges; the following position is based at our Kenai Riverside Lodge in Cooper Landing, Alaska. This position entails the following: routinely drive large vans with boat trailers, including shuttle pickups, drop offs, and trailer backing; assist in packaging, freezing, and boxing of fish for shipment; cleaning boats daily after fishing trips; daily list of camp chores, including but not limited to: light-duty maintenance, errands, cleaning work areas, and assisting other lodge departments with time sensitive tasking; must have the ability to live in a communal, camp-like atmosphere.
Alaska Wildland Adventures Fishing Guide Assistant/Shuttle Driver
Alaska Wildland Adventures has operated Alaska vacation packages, adventure tours and wilderness lodges for more than 40 years. Founded with the goal of sharing Alaska’s wilderness and wildlife with travelers seeking a high-quality, authentic adventure for their vacation, we are proud to continue this tradition as one of Alaska’s award-winning leaders in small group trips. We are actively seeking applicants for all three of our wilderness lodges; the following position is based at our Kenai Riverside Lodge in Cooper Landing, Alaska. This position entails the following: routinely drive large vans with boat trailers, including shuttle pickups, drop offs, and trailer backing; assist in packaging, freezing, and boxing of fish for shipment; cleaning boats daily after fishing trips; daily list of camp chores, including but not limited to: light-duty maintenance, errands, cleaning work areas, and assisting other lodge departments with time sensitive tasking; must have the ability to live in a communal, camp-like atmosphere.
Yakutat Adventures LLC “The Yakutat Lodge”
We are a full-service lodge located on the Northern SE Alaska Panhandle. We provide all inclusive fresh and saltwater fishing Adventures to our clients. The Yakutat Lodge is one of the largest lodges in Southeast Alaska and employees a team of highly motivated people all working towards ensuring our clientele has the best experience money can buy in Alaska.
General Laborer/Camp Helper
Full -time seasonal March 2022-October 2022
Job Responsibilities: The Camp Helper/General Laborer position assist the maintenance manager in daily projects/duties which may include the following: assisting with building projects (carpentry, plumbing, electrical, painting and staining) Cleaning and processing fish from charter vessels (will train), general labor duties which may include Lawn/Property Care, loading and unloading of freight, cutting, packaging and weighing clients fish, helping the guides, river shuttles, Garbage runs and other general tasks that may arise.
Hiring Requirements: The position requires the following, 60-hour work weeks, must be able to stand on your feet for extended periods of time including in Inclement weather, must be mechanically knowledgeable ie (know how to use basic lawn tools, vacuum sealing machines, operate a motor vehicle), applicant must be able to lift up-to 100lbs, applicant must have basic customer service knowledge, speak English and be able to communicate and work with clients and co-workers, must provide a copy of a Valid US driver’s license, have a Highschool Diploma, GED or similar, applicant must be of sound mind and be able to handle living in a remote area for an extended period of time in a shared housing situation. (We have a grocery store, ATT cell phone coverage, and something that resembles high speed internet).
Compensation and Benefits: This is an entry level position and pay depends upon experience. We offer a competitive wage with a generous tip package as well as provide housing (typically shared ie roommates/house mates), 3 meals a day and can help with travel to the worksite if needed.
The Yakutat Lodge is a great place to get your foot in the door if you’re looking to get into the industry. We are a great team of mostly return employees who come back year after year because we truly love what we do. There is lots of opportunity for fishing and exploring and making new friends in an amazing part of Alaska. We are looking for someone who is self-motivated and wants to work. We do not tolerate alcoholics and drug addicts as we try to promote a safe and pleasurable working environment. If you are interested please check out our website www.yakutatlodge.com for more general information about the lodge itself and what we do. Please contact Kraig Holdren by email kraig@yakutatlodge.com for more information about the job, start dates etc.
Sea Otter Sound Lodge is a high end self guided fishing lodge located in a remote area of SE Alaska. For the past 22 years we have developed the lodge into a first class self guided lodge experience.
Outside Staff Position from May 20 through September 12.
We are looking for an individual that has some experience in building projects or at least a lot of common sense. We can train. All lodges want someone with initiative and a self starter. So do we. The outside crew washes boats, fillets the guests fish, and works with the guests to meet their needs, we book 20 guests every 5 days. We have a total of 6 outside staff and 5 inside staff plus owners. Great conditions and pay! Room and board included plus internet.’
Fish Alaska Publications / Peak Run Media
Fish Alaska Publications is the company responsible for producing Fish Alaska magazine, Hunt Alaska magazine, their websites, social media channels, email marketing campaigns, and Think Outside Virtual Outdoor Show. We are in our 22nd year of business and are a close-knit team of talented, hard-working, independent individuals. Peak Run Media is our sister company that builds websites, produces content, runs social media campaigns, and acts as a full-service ad agency to certain Fish Alaska / Hunt Alaska clients.
Job Title and Summary: Web Developer / Social Media Manager
Job Duration: Full-time, ongoing
Job Responsibilities: We are seeking a full-time member of our team who focuses on building SEO-rich, WordPress websites for our clients. This person will also take an active roll in creating and managing social media content for Peak Run Media clients.
Hiring Requirements: The individual who joins our team should be hard-working, motivated, independent and also able to work in a team environment. Intermediate to advanced knowledge of WordPress, SEO and digital marketing are a must in order to build innovative websites for the fishing and hunting industries. An understanding of Alaska geography and fishing and hunting in the Great Land are a huge asset. Must be able to juggle multiple projects. Graphic design and writing skills are a plus.
Compensation and Benefits: Competitive salary, DOE. Additional perks include potential gear testing, lodge visits, and special opportunities within the hunting and fishing industries in Alaska.
If one or more of the Alaska fishing jobs listed below appeals to you, please fill out the form below and attach your resume. We will put you in touch with the appropriate people. Job positions are subject to change without notice. Some positions may be filled. More will be added. Feel free to submit your resume while you look for work and let us know if we should match you with any appropriate position even if not listed here.
Have questions about our Alaska fishing jobs board? Interested in listing a job? Submit your questions to info@fishalaskamagazine.com.