August 2025
Issue 92
Season of the Silver – Get Out and Catch Them While You Can!
Get out there and take advantage of some exceptional fishing opportunities! Visit our online store if you need to purchase your 2025 sport fishing license. Or download the ADF&G mobile app and you can store your licenses, tags and permits in your mobile device.
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COHO SALMON - the people’s fish
By Donnie Arthur, Assistant Area Management Biologist - Anchorage, Prince William Sound and the North Gulf Coast
In Alaska, if Kings are gold, then the coho salmon is silver - pun intended. Coho salmon, also known as “silvers”, are renowned for their acrobatics, aggressive chases, and overall, just downright mean attitude! Coho are salmon species that everyone can enjoy, regardless of age, residency, or whether you are a freezer-filling conventional gear angler (i.e., spinning gear/baitcasting) or catch-and-release fly fisher.
Life History
Bar none - the most impressive fact about coho salmon is that “they are the fastest growing of all five species of Pacific salmon”, even faster than king salmon. Coho salmon can put on the weight that it would take most other salmon species 2 to 3 years achieve; the crazy part is that they pack on that poundage in about one year at sea. In Alaska, nearly all coho are what we call “1-ocean” fish, meaning they spend just about one year (or 12-18 months) in saltwater before making their spawning migration back to their natal streams. In very rare instances do we observe “0-ocean” coho salmon, which return the same year that they outmigrate as smolt, and these have been coined “jack coho” by some. During the last month or so that they spend in saltwater, biologists use a general rule of thumb that coho salmon grow just about a pound of week while feeding in July and August.
After coho salmon return to their natal stream, they often stage in slow moving water until they are ready to spawn. Spawning for coho salmon can start as early as September for some of the earlier runs and can go as late as October and November for the latest of runs. In some extreme cases, like the Kenai River late run, coho salmon the spawn can spill well into the spring, as late as March. Many rivers have specific rules to protect coho salmon during the spawning period- so make sure to check the current regulations! Like other Pacific salmon, coho salmon bury their eggs in the gravel and they develop over the winter and eventually hatch in the spring.
The variability in coho salmon life history mostly comes during their fry or parr stage. Coho salmon have been documented to rear as juveniles in freshwater for as short as a few months to many years. In fact, one coho salmon was found to have been trapped in a beaver pond for several years and eventually out-migrated as a 4-year-old smolt. Other salmon species do not show this much variability in their freshwater life history. During this time as fry/parr, coho salmon are veracious little feeders in the stream, eating insects, salmon eggs and flesh, and just about anything they can get their mouths on. This theme of coho salmon being an aggressive fish starts long before they are adults in saltwater!
Locations
Coho locations in Southcentral Alaska can range from flyout remote destinations in Western Cook Inlet or Kodiak to urban settings like in Anchorage. I would gander to guess that well over 90% of Southcentral Alaskans live within a short 15-20 minute drive of a notable coho salmon stream or fishery. Aside from maybe pink salmon, coho salmon are probably the most widespread species of Pacific Salmon in Southcentral. They love streams with lakes and ponds, that are riddled with beaver dams, slow sloughs, and deep holes, all, of which, are easy to find in most streams across the Southcentral region. Here are some of the hallmark fisheries that define the region:
Anchorage Area
Anchorage is primarily dominated by urban and hatchery coho salmon fisheries. Ship Creek, flowing right through downtown, is famous for its hatchery-enhanced coho run in late summer. These fish are aggressive, bright, and accessible whether you fish spinners, cured eggs, or jigs under a bobber. Campbell Creek and Bird Creek also receive hatchery release of coho salmon and provide excellent opportunities for residents and visitors alike who want to hook catch salmon in close proximity to the city. These “city fisheries” are often busiest in late July and August, when coho return strong and the tides align. Anchorage does provide opportunities for later wild runs, such as Turnagain Streams like Portage Creek and Twentymile River. These wild runs tend to have more conservative coho salmon bag limits (2 per day) compared to their hatchery counterparts (3 per day)- again, check the regulations.
Kenai Peninsula
As you leave Anchorage and head south, wild coho salmon become the main attraction. The Kenai River hosts both an early and a late run of coho, with fresh fish arriving from July through the rest of the year. Anglers spread out from the busy lower river near Soldotna to the quieter upper stretches of the river, including the Russian River. Smaller streams like the Anchor River, Deep Creek, Ninilchik River, and the Swanson River offer more intimate fishing experiences, with chances to cast spinners or drift flies for aggressive coho salmon in clear water. The Peninsula’s variety makes it a hub for both local and traveling anglers.
Mat-Su Valley
North of Anchorage, the Susitna River system boasts dozens of productive tributaries. The Deshka River is perhaps the best-known, drawing strong coho runs throughout August. Nearby streams like Willow Creek, Little Willow Creek, and Montana Creek are all road-accessible from the Parks Highway and provide classic Southcentral coho fishing in clear, gravel-bottomed streams. Just west, the Little Susitna River (separate from the Parks Highway tributaries) is a favorite among locals for its mix of boat and bank access. Fish Creek and Jim Creek are also notorious coho salmon fisheries in the Mat-Su Valley. Coho salmon can arrive in the area as early as late July and continue well into September. While wild runs on the Susitna and her smaller sister, the Little Susitna, are the pride and joy of coho salmon fishing in the Mat-Su Valley, the Eklutna Tailrace also offers some impressive and steady action for silvers.
Cordova
Cordova is another gem tucked away in southeastern Prince William Sound. Accessible only by plane, which Alaska Airlines services, or ferry. Cordova and the Copper River Highway has an authentic “end of the road” (literally) fishing feel. Streams such as the Eyak River and Ibeck Creek see heavy pushes of coho salmon each fall, and their proximity to town makes for easy access. Additionally, Alaganik Slough and some of its tributaries, such as 18-mile creek, can provide for fast flyfishing action for coho. The combination of mountains, rainforest, and thick coho runs create a classic Alaska atmosphere. Coho begin to arrive in late August and consistently fish strong through September, providing Cordova with one of the most reliable coho salmon fisheries in the region.
Tackle
For spin and conventional anglers, medium action rods in the 8–10 foot range paired with a 3000-4000 size spinning reel or a compact baitcaster are ideal for coho. Spool up with 12–20 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon. Coho respond aggressively to hardware - #3–5 spinners, bright spoons, and diving plugs such as Wiggle Warts or Mag Lips all draw unforgettable strikes. Twitching jigs in pink, purple, or black have also become a go-to presentation, especially in slower water or when schools of coho salmon get eerie of hardware. For bait anglers, drifting or floating cured salmon roe or shrimp are time-tested and highly effective methods.
For fly anglers, a 7- or 8-weight rod is the standard, with floating lines covering most situations. Leaders in the 10–15 lb range (0X–2X) strike the right balance between strength and subtlety, and only drop down in leader if coho get spooky. Coho are notorious for chasing down flashy streamers, and patterns like Egg-sucking Leeches, String Leeches, and Dolly Llamas in black, pink, chartreuse, or purple are consistent producers. In estuaries and tidewater, small shrimp or pink wog patterns also come into play.
Regulations
Because regulations vary from area to area, and even river to river, always consult your Southcentral Alaska Sport Fish Regulation Summary and check for Emergency orders before you go fishing. Some areas allow or prohibit the use of bait and multiple hooks, and even some areas restrict gear to fly-fishing-only.
If you are ever in doubt about regulations, never hesitate to call your local ADF&G office- many of the biologists here got their humble beginnings from a passion for silver salmon fishing and they would love to discuss coho opportunities with you!
Targeting coho salmon using a slip-bobber set-up
A slip-bobber set-up is a very effective way to target coho salmon in flowing water. Bait, such as cured salmon roe, or jigs can be floated under the bobber set-up. Be sure to check the regulations for the area you plan to fish before heading out.
This video demonstrates how to target coho salmon using a slip-bobber set-up at a fishery in Anchorage. This method can be used anywhere to target coho in flowing water.
Find a new fishing spot!
By Ivy Mumm | GIS Analyst
Are you planning a trip to Alaska, searching for a new place to fish, or wondering about access to fishing locations? The gofishak web application can help you find great fishing opportunities and access locations across Alaska with filters specific for your needs. This interactive map currently has 450 fishing spots, 64 sport fishing access trails, 180 boat launches, and 48 harbors.
If you are planning your next fishing adventure in Alaska, then this application is perfect for you. Anglers can filter fishing spots by category (i.e. marine, rivers, lakes, stocked waters), species, and access mode. Access sites like trails, boat launches, and harbors can also be filtered by type and available amenities.
If you are a first time user of the goFishAK application, please check out this tutorial that will show you how to get the most out of the application. When users select a site in the map or via the panel with photos, the area at the bottom of the application will populate to provide more information. Links to special regulations, emergency orders, related websites, and a “Print this spot” feature can also be found in the bottom panel. The “Print this spot” feature exports a PDF with directions to the access point, species/run timing, tackle, parking, amenities, a photo, and a map of the fishing area with nearby cabin rentals and campgrounds if they are within the map’s extent. For an example of how this printout looks, click here. The PDF printouts are available for each fishing and access site. The basemap is also customizable by clicking the “Map Layers” button within the map frame. This allows viewing of points of interest with a backdrop of imagery, roads, topography, and more.
If issues arise while navigating the site, the help button at the top of the screen will open an application guide. Comments are always welcome as well as ideas on how to improve the application and can be provided using the “contact us” button at the bottom of the page. We are also available to answer questions you might have related to this application or to sport fishing in general.
The gofishak web application is designed to provide anglers with a trip planning tool for finding fishing spots and for viewing related information on logistics and access. We hope gofishak helps you plan your next fishing adventure by finding lakes, streams, rivers, marine waters, or stocked water fishing sites along with information on sport fishing access trails, harbors, or boat launches in your local area and beyond!
The Dalton Highway Fishing Pamphlet
If you’re thinking about heading up the Dalton Highway to go fishing, or to go caribou hunting, hiking, berry picking or just sightseeing for that matter, be sure to stop by the Fairbanks ADF&G office to pick up a “Sport Fishing Along the Dalton Highway” pamphlet.
The 25-page pamphlet was updated by ADF&G last year to highlight sport fishing opportunities along the Dalton Highway – or Haul Road as it is commonly called by Alaskans – and is proving to be very popular with the public. The 4-inch-by-9-inch pamphlet is small enough to fit in a back pocket, tackle box or glove compartment.
The pamphlet is also located on the ADF&G website in a downloadable and printable PDF format. People can also pick up a copy at the Arctic Interagency Visitors Center in Coldfoot at Milepost 175 of the Dalton Highway.
Similar to the Milepost, which motorists use to navigate the Alaska Highway and other roads in Canada and Alaska, the Sport Fishing Along the Dalton Highway pamphlet lists the creeks, rivers and lakes along the Haul Road by location and provides a brief synopsis of what kind of fish anglers will find there, tips on access points and potential float trips, where to park and other pertinent information.
The pamphlet also features a brief history on the construction of the Dalton Highway, as well as tips and pictures to help anglers identify different fish they might catch and proper catch and release methods.
Cucumber (& Toast) Bites with Creamy Alaska Salmon Spread
Try this great recipe for Cucumber (& Toast) Bites with Creamy Alaska Salmon Spread from the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute.
Enjoy!
If you have any questions about the Reel Times newsletter, please contact Ryan Ragan at ryan.ragan@alaska.gov