UTERCoho (silver) salmon fishing in Alaska freshwater
In Alaska freshwater, Coho (silver) salmon peak August–September and are around July–October, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. August: Silvers in every coastal stream — Kenai, Little Susitna, Deshka.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Coho (silver) salmon in Alaska freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryNot here
- FebruaryNot here
- MarchNot here
- AprilNot here
- MayNot here
- JuneNot here
- JulyArrivingSockeye peak on the Kenai. Flossing rigs in the travel lanes; dipnetting for residents.
- AugustPeakSilvers in every coastal stream — Kenai, Little Susitna, Deshka.
- SeptemberPeakLate silvers on the Kenai.
- OctoberLeaving
- NovemberNot here
- DecemberNot here
Where to fish Coho (silver) salmon near Kenai River, Russian River, Susitna valley
More running fresh water than the rest of the country put together: salmon rivers from the Kenai to Bristol Bay, rainbow and grayling streams, and thousands of interior lakes with lake trout, pike and burbot under ice half the year.
What to use for Coho (silver) salmon
- HerringCut-plug for salmon: head off at an angle, guts out, two hooks in tandem so it spins slow behind a flasher or a banana weight. Whole and live on a circle hook for stripers where the herring run.
- Anchovies (Pacific)Nose- or collar-hooked on a #4 to 1/0 hook and fly-lined with no weight, or on a dropper loop; a dozen tossed over the side as chum keeps the bass and bonito up.
- Salmon eggs (roe)A dime-sized spawn sac tied in mesh, or single eggs on a #10 to #6 egg hook, drifted along the bottom for steelhead, trout and salmon. Check the state's rule — bait is banned on many trout and salmon waters.
- Leader40–60 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook4/0–8/0
- Braid50–100 lb
Feeds in 46–62°F water, best at 50–58°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch Coho (silver) salmon in Alaska freshwater?
Peak season is August–September. Coho (silver) salmon are in Alaska freshwater July–October. August: Silvers in every coastal stream — Kenai, Little Susitna, Deshka.
Where do Coho (silver) salmon hold in Alaska freshwater?
Look on river, creek / stream, lake — around Kenai River, Russian River, Susitna valley, Bristol Bay rivers, Chena River, Copper River.
What is the best bait for Coho (silver) salmon in Alaska freshwater?
Live bait: herring, anchovies (pacific), salmon eggs (roe). Herring: Cut-plug for salmon: head off at an angle, guts out, two hooks in tandem so it spins slow behind a flasher or a banana weight. Whole and live on a circle hook for stripers where the herring run. Tackle: leader 40–60 lb fluorocarbon, hook 4/0–8/0, braid 50–100 lb.
What are the rules for Coho (silver) salmon in Alaska freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) and change — read the current rule at https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=fishregulations.main before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=license.main.
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