153 Fish Camp
Growing closer to God by enjoying His creation
We love Jesus, and we love catching fish.
153 Fish Camp exists to help fishermen grow closer to God by experiencing His creation and catching fish in Alaska. We provide lodging, food, boats, and vehicles to help you chase fish all over the north end of Prince of Wales Island, and we focus each camp on growing closer to God through nightly devotions and meaningful conversations each day.
What kind of fishing do you do?
We target salmon (pink, sockeye, and coho) halibut, black cod, and pacific cod. We fish in the saltwater, both from shore and from boats.
Where are you located?
We are located in Whale Pass, Alaska – on the north end of Prince of Wales Island.
The Camp
We offer basic, rustic accommodations with shared bunkhouse-style housing. Flush toilets, showers, and laundry are available on-site.
About us:
153 Fish Camp started as a simple fishing trip among friends. After seeing the abundance of fish on Prince of Wales Island, we started thinking “how cool would it be for other people to experience this?” This is where 153 Fish Camp was born – out of a desire to show others how great and powerful God is by getting to experience world-class fishing in a beautiful and remote corner of Alaska. We are 501(c)3 non-profit, and all of our staff are volunteer. All proceeds from the ministry go right back into the camp.
How is the camp structured?
We offer several 5-day camps over the course of the summer. Each camp has 12 slots. Groups can reserve as many or as few of the slots as they’d prefer. Each camp runs Monday – Friday (guests arrive Sunday and leave Saturday).
How much does it cost?
153 Fish Camp costs $500 per person. This includes a space in the bunkhouse, 3 meals per day Monday – Friday, the use of our boats and vehicles for fishing, and the use of the camp amenities (fish cleaning station, freezers, etc.) This also includes the devotional programming after dinner each night. This is due during the registration process leading up to camp.
Are there any additional fees?
Use of the halibut/cod boat costs an additional $80 per person per trip, to help cover gas, tackle, bait, and wear/tear on the boat. Fish boxes are available on-site for $10 per box. These fees are payable via cash or check when you arrive at camp.
How to get here:
Step 1: Fly to Ketchikan
Plan to arrive in Ketchikan the Sunday before your week starts before 1:00pm. (Some flight schedules require campers to arrive the Saturday before). Alaska Airlines flies directly into Ketchikan from Seattle, Washington.
Take note that the Ketchikan airport is on an island and is separated from the rest of Ketchikan by a city-run airport ferry. This ferry costs $6 per person and leaves every 30 minutes.
Step 2: Ferry to Hollis
Take the Inter-Island Ferry from Ketchikan to Hollis. The ferry boards at 2:30pm on Sunday. Tickets for this three-hour ride should be purchased in advance.
Take note that the Inter-Island ferry terminal is about 1 mile from the airport ferry terminal, and is walkable. You can also hail a taxi if you have a large amount of luggage.
Step 3: Drive to Fish Camp
We will pick you up at the ferry terminal in Hollis and drive you up to Whale Pass (about a 2 hour drive).
Getting back home:
We will drop you off at the ferry from Hollis back to Ketchikan on Saturday morning after your camp. Plan on flying home commercially from Ketchikan, leaving after 1:00pm (this ensures you have enough time to offload your luggage and catch the airport ferry.)
What to bring:
- Rain gear & layers
- Hip or chest waders
- Bug spray
- Polarized sunglasses
- Medium or medium/heavy spinning fishing rod (and a spare if you can), ideally 7.5′ – 8′ long
- Two spinning reels (one plus a spare).
- Snagging hooks, 6/0 or 8/0, ideally 15-20 per person
- Mepps Flying C lures, 7/8 oz with a silver blade. Pink or chartreuse
- Braided line, ideally 20lb or 30lb.
Register for camp:
Use the button below to view the current registration calendar. Then, please contact our office at (907) 254-5425 to register for camp.