Ketchikan, situated in the southern portion of the Southeast Alaska panhandle, is universally celebrated and officially recognized as the salmon capital of the world. Abundant marine populations, rich coastal rainforest ecosystems, and heavy seasonal spawning runs make its surrounding waters a prolific breeding ground for all five species of Pacific salmon. The city boasts a deep commercial fishing heritage, numerous processing canneries, and world-class sportfishing charters that draw thousands of international anglers annually to test their skills against massive king, silver, and pink salmon surging through local streams and inlets.