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Fishing Guide Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

Fishing experience is a plus. You will not be functioning as a fishing guide, but fishing is an integral part of our program. Good outdoor skills, including next level fire and shelter building are a ...

Wilderness Therapy Guide

Klawock, AK · On-site

$215.50/day

Fishing experience is a plus. You will not be functioning as a fishing guide, but fishing is an integral part of our program. Good outdoor skills, including next level fire and shelter building are a ...

Bering Marine is seeking an Able Bodied Seaman. As an AB Seaman, you'll help keep vessels running safely by supporting deck operations and crew activities. Join a stable, familyowned company with a ...

Bering Marine is seeking an Able Bodied Seaman. As an AB Seaman, you'll help keep vessels running safely by supporting deck operations and crew activities. Join a stable, familyowned company with a ...

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Fishing Guide information

See Alaska salary details

$8

$21

$42

How much do fishing guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for fishing guide in Alaska is $21.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.76 and $21.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How hard is it to become a fishing guide?

Becoming a fishing guide requires knowledge of local fishing spots, strong customer service skills, and often a fishing license or certification. Gaining experience on the water and understanding safety procedures are also important steps in the process.

What are fishing guides?

Fishing guides are experienced anglers who provide professional guidance and instruction to individuals or groups looking to fish in specific waters. They help clients find the best fishing spots, choose the right equipment and bait, and teach various fishing techniques. Fishing guides often have extensive knowledge of local fish species, weather patterns, and safety protocols, ensuring a successful and enjoyable fishing experience for their clients.

What fishing jobs make the most money?

Commercial fishing jobs, such as deep-sea or offshore fishing, tend to offer the highest earnings due to the demanding nature and specialized skills required. These roles often require certifications, physical endurance, and long hours, but can provide significant income, especially for experienced captains and crew members on large vessels.

What are some common challenges Fishing Guides face when leading groups on fishing excursions?

Fishing Guides often navigate unpredictable weather, varying water conditions, and the differing skill levels of guests. Adapting to these challenges while ensuring safety and delivering a positive client experience is key. Guides must also manage equipment, offer instruction, and stay knowledgeable about local regulations and fish behaviors. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential to address customer needs and changing environmental factors during each trip.

What is the difference between Fishing Guide vs Boat Captain?

AspectFishing GuideBoat Captain
CertificationsFishing licenses, safety certificationsCaptain's license, safety certifications
Work EnvironmentFreshwater or saltwater fishing trips, outdoor settingsOperating boats, overseeing crew, navigation
Employer & IndustryTourism, outdoor recreation, fishing chartersMarinas, commercial fishing, passenger transport
Search & Comparison IntentFishing trips, outdoor guides, fishing servicesBoat operation, maritime jobs, vessel management

While both Fishing Guides and Boat Captains work on water and require safety certifications, Fishing Guides focus on leading fishing trips and providing fishing expertise. Boat Captains operate and navigate vessels, often overseeing crew and ensuring safety during various water activities. The roles overlap in certifications and outdoor work environments but differ in responsibilities and industry focus.

What Is a Fishing Guide?

A fishing guide leads guided fishing tours and teaches others about fishing. As a fishing guide, your main duties involve creating a plan for tours, interacting with guests, teaching guests new techniques, cleaning fish, and maintaining your boat and other equipment. This job requires extensive knowledge of fish, fishing, and boat operation. In particular, you need expert knowledge and experience in your local waters to know where fish are biting and what techniques to use in each location. You also need excellent social skills to keep guests happy on all outings.

How much money do fishing guides make?

Fishing guides typically earn between $25,000 and $75,000 annually, with income varying based on experience, location, and the number of clients served. Many guides supplement their income through tips and may work seasonally or part-time, often requiring knowledge of local fishing spots and good customer service skills.

Is fishing guide a blue-collar job?

A fishing guide is generally considered a blue-collar job, as it involves manual work, outdoor environment, and practical skills such as boat handling, fishing techniques, and customer service. The role often requires physical activity, knowledge of local waters, and sometimes certifications like a boating license or fishing permits.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Fishing Guide, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fishing Guide, you need extensive knowledge of local fish species, fishing techniques, boating safety, and typically a relevant license or certification. Familiarity with GPS navigation, fish finders, and safety equipment is also important for guiding successful excursions. Outstanding communication, patience, and customer service skills help create memorable experiences and manage group dynamics. These skills ensure both client safety and satisfaction while maximizing opportunities for successful fishing trips.
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What cities in Alaska are hiring for Fishing Guide jobs? Cities in Alaska with the most Fishing Guide job openings:
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Infographic showing various Fishing Guide job openings in Alaska as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 8% Temporary. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,140 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

$215.50/day

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Passages Alaska Field Guide



This position requires a drive for adventure, the ability to manage the unexpected, and the desire to be a healthy influence in the lives of others. It requires the ability to hold safe space in a wild place for a person that is struggling and may feel very out of their element. Working as a field guide in Southeast Alaska is the opportunity to experience a part of the Last Frontier from the seat of a canoe. You will encounter humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, black bears, bald eagles, salmon, halibut along with many others and come face to face with yourself. The guide position requires the confidence to manage a challenging situation with the humility to accept that there might be another way. Guides work as part of a team with other guides and clinical staff.

Fishing experience is a plus. You will not be functioning as a fishing guide, but fishing is an integral part of our program. Good outdoor skills, including next level fire and shelter building are a necessity. Experience working with emotionally struggling young adults and adolescents is a plus but not required if similar experience suggests that a person might be a good fit.


Duties:

  • Guides have the primary responsibility to facilitate a physically safe, and appropriately challenging experience for Passages Alaska participants.
  • Guides model appropriate behavior.
  • They teach support, encourage, and invite inquiry; inspiring students in a safe and validating manner.
  • Guides exhibit and teach outdoor skill while living and traveling in the near coastal waters of Southeast Alaska via primitive means.
  • Guides teach concepts and facilitate learning from an established, mindfulness-based student curriculum and from the natural world as teaching moments arise.
  • Guides may lead group meditation, teach yoga, prepare a meal, de-escalate an emotional student and manage a black bear encounter all in the same day.
  • Guides are responsible for documenting their work.
  • Guides are asked to be flexible and willing to help out in areas outside of specifically delineated duties.


There is nothing boring or ordinary about work in this setting. It is challenging and awe inspiring. You will come away with a changed perspective about the world and likely about yourself.

It's important to recognize that all staff members are growing and experiencing change along-side of the students we serve. Healthy boundaries are a must but parallel growth is a valuable benefit of this work.


Requirements:

  • Must be at least 21 years old
  • Previous wilderness therapy experience.
  • Must be able to pass a background check, and random UA's
  • Must be physically and emotionally capable of spending extended time outdoors, away from cell service and Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Canoe and salt water experience is a plus.
  • All staff must be comfortable living a congruent life with the values that we teach our students, to include living a clean and sober lifestyle and conducting themselves in a manner that reflects positively on themselves and our organization both on and off duty. We live and work in a very small community so our organization members are visible during their off time. We value our positive public image.


We offer:

  • Pay is dependent on experience, but Alaska labor regulations dictate that our pay is above the industry standard and starts at $215.50 per day for in field days. Step increases are available with experience and professional development.
  • We like to hire other positions from within our own organization so there is opportunity to move into other areas of responsibility
  • Ongoing clinical and professional training
  • Meals are included while guides are in the field.
  • Two weeks paid training/ hiring seminar
  • The opportunity to experience, in depth, a world class eco touring and sporting destination
  • Typically 2 weeks on 1-2 weeks off allow plenty of time for travel and personal exploration
  • A supportive and validating organization that values and works to incorporate the individual skills and talents of its members


Check us out at www.passagesalaska.com