Silver salmon (coho salmon) are one of the most sought-after game fish in Alaska, known for their aggressive strikes, acrobatic fights, and delicious fillets. Anglers from around the world travel to Alaska each year to experience the thrill of silver salmon fishing, whether in rivers, coastal waters, or deep-sea fisheries. From the productive waters of Resurrection Bay in Seward to the legendary Kenai River, Alaska offers countless opportunities to catch these hard-fighting fish.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best silver salmon fishing spots in Alaska, detailing both freshwater and saltwater locations. We’ll also explore the top fishing techniques, recommended gear, seasonal timing, and essential licensing regulations to help you plan a successful trip. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a first-time visitor, this guide will equip you with everything you need to land more silvers and make the most of your Alaska fishing adventure.
Southcentral Alaska: Top Silver Salmon Destinations
Southcentral Alaska is home to some of the best silver salmon fisheries in the world, attracting anglers who want to experience high catch rates in both saltwater and freshwater environments. This region offers a mix of easily accessible urban fishing spots, river systems, and offshore waters teeming with silvers during peak season. Below are the top silver salmon fishing destinations in Southcentral Alaska, with details on where, when, and how to fish them effectively.
Resurrection Bay (Seward, Alaska) – A Premier Silver Salmon Fishery
Seward’s Resurrection Bay is a must-visit for silver salmon fishing. The bay offers strong summer and fall runs, making it a favorite for both shore and boat anglers. Silver salmon start appearing in the outer bay as early as July, with peak fishing from mid-August through September as fish move closer to shore before spawning.
Best Fishing Spots in Resurrection Bay:
Caines Head & Tonsina Creek are excellent spots for shore-based anglers looking to target silver salmon. These areas offer reliable fishing using spinners, spoons, or bait, especially as silvers move closer to shore in late summer. With easy access and strong runs, these locations are favorites among locals and visiting anglers alike.
Fourth of July Creek is another productive shore fishing spot, where silver salmon congregate before making their way into freshwater. This area is known for its consistent action, and anglers using casting lures or drifting bait can have great success, particularly during peak migration.
Lowell Point, located just outside Seward, provides a convenient fishing location close to town. This spot is best fished during high tide, when silver salmon move within casting range. Anglers using spinners or bait can often hook into aggressive silvers, making it a great choice for those looking for an easy-access fishing experience.
For those venturing offshore, trolling with hoochies, spoons, or herring rigs in 60-150 feet of water is highly effective. Many charter boats operate out of Seward, providing easy access to prime silver salmon waters further out in the bay.
Kenai River – Iconic Silver Salmon Waters
The Kenai River is famous for its massive king salmon, but it’s also one of Alaska’s best silver salmon fisheries. The first silver salmon run arrives in late July, followed by a stronger second run from mid-August through October. Unlike some fisheries where fish are best caught in tidewater, silvers on the Kenai can be targeted well into the river system.
Best Sections to Fish on the Kenai River:
The Lower Kenai River, from the mouth to Soldotna, is a prime location for drift boat and bank fishing. This section sees fresh silvers entering from Cook Inlet, making it one of the most productive areas for targeting aggressive, bright fish. Anglers using drifting eggs, spinners, or twitching jigs can experience fast-paced action, especially during the peak run in August and September.
The Middle Kenai River, stretching from Soldotna to Skilak Lake, offers consistent silver salmon action with numerous public access points. This stretch is well-suited for both shore anglers and boaters, with plenty of deep runs and back eddies where silvers hold. Fishing pressure can be higher here, but the abundance of fish makes it worth the effort.
The Upper Kenai River, from Skilak Lake to Kenai Lake, is less popular for silver salmon fishing but still provides opportunities for those seeking fewer crowds. While not as heavily stocked with silvers as the lower river, this stretch can still produce good catches, particularly for fly anglers who enjoy fishing in a more scenic, less pressured environment.
Ship Creek (Anchorage) – A Popular Urban Fishing Spot
For those staying in Anchorage, Ship Creek is the easiest place to hook into a silver salmon without leaving the city. This urban fishery offers reliable runs from late July through early September, with peak fishing around the high tides when fresh fish enter the creek.
Key Tips for Fishing Ship Creek:
The best time to fish for silver salmon in Ship Creek is during the incoming tide. As the tide rises, fresh silvers push upstream from Cook Inlet, creating a window of high activity where fish are more aggressive and easier to catch. Timing your trip around these tidal movements will significantly improve your chances of success.
For effective techniques, anglers have the most success using salmon eggs under a float, which closely mimics natural food sources. Spinners in sizes 4-5, particularly Vibrax lures in bright colors like orange, pink, or chartreuse, also work well to entice silvers. Casting into deeper pools and retrieving at a steady pace can trigger aggressive strikes.
Before fishing, be sure to check local regulations, as special bait and hook size restrictions apply in Ship Creek. Rules may vary depending on the season, so reviewing the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) guidelines will help ensure you’re compliant while enjoying a successful day on the water.
While Ship Creek can be crowded, it’s a great option for quick access to silver salmon without a boat. The nearby downtown Anchorage location makes it a popular spot for visitors looking for a convenient fishing experience.
Seward Saltwater Fishing – Chartering a Boat for Bigger Silvers
For those who want to target large schools of silver salmon in saltwater, booking a Seward fishing charter is one of the best options. Offshore trolling and mooching produce high catch rates, especially during the peak migration months of July through September.
Why Seward is a Top Destination for Charter Fishing:
One of the biggest advantages of fishing for silver salmon in Alaska is the high catch limits. Depending on the location and season, anglers can often keep multiple silvers per day, making it possible to fill the cooler quickly. Always check local regulations, as limits can vary by region.
Silver salmon are aggressive feeders, which means consistent action throughout the day. These fish are known for their hard strikes and strong fights, keeping anglers engaged and making for an exciting fishing experience whether you’re trolling, casting, or jigging.
Beyond the fishing itself, Resurrection Bay provides a breathtaking setting. Surrounded by glaciers, towering mountains, and abundant wildlife, this area offers a scenic fishing experience that’s just as rewarding as the catch. Whether fishing from shore or on a charter, the incredible views make the trip unforgettable.
Most charter captains in Seward target silvers by trolling with flashers and herring rigs, covering water at speeds of 2-3 mph. For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, mooching with cut herring or artificial jigs is also highly effective.
Interior & Southeast Alaska Silver Salmon Hotspots
While Southcentral Alaska gets much of the attention for silver salmon fishing, the Interior and Southeast regions offer incredible opportunities for anglers looking to escape the crowds and target silvers in pristine, remote waters. From river systems in the Interior to world-class saltwater fishing in the Southeast, these regions provide some of the best fishing experiences for both fly and conventional anglers. Below are the top silver salmon destinations in Interior and Southeast Alaska, along with essential details to maximize success.
Valdez – A Hidden Gem for Silver Salmon
Valdez is one of Alaska’s most underrated silver salmon fisheries, offering both shore and boat fishing opportunities. Located in Prince William Sound, Valdez benefits from a strong annual silver salmon migration, with peak runs occurring from late July through early September.
Best Fishing Spots in Valdez:
Allison Point is one of the best shore fishing spots in Alaska, where silver salmon often stack up close to the bank. Anglers have great success using spinners, Vibrax lures, and salmon eggs under a float, especially during peak migration.
Robe River offers a productive freshwater option for targeting silvers as they transition from saltwater to their spawning grounds. This area provides excellent opportunities for both spin and fly fishing.
Valdez Arm is a top boat fishing location, where anglers can troll with herring, spoons, or hoochies to catch silvers in high numbers. This deep-water area consistently produces fast limits for those fishing offshore.
Each year, Valdez hosts the Valdez Silver Salmon Derby, which offers anglers a chance to compete for cash prizes while fishing one of Alaska’s most beautiful locations. This derby runs from late July through early September and is a major draw for both local and visiting anglers.
Sitka – A Remote Paradise for Saltwater Silver Salmon Fishing
For anglers looking for a world-class saltwater silver salmon experience, Sitka is a top-tier destination. Located in Southeast Alaska, Sitka offers some of the highest catch rates in the state, thanks to the region’s abundant baitfish and strong silver salmon migration. The best fishing occurs from July through September, with peak action in August.
Best Areas for Silver Salmon Fishing in Sitka:
Offshore waters near Cape Edgecumbe are a hotspot for trolling. Anglers have success using hoochies, spoons, and cut herring at depths of 30-80 feet.
Kruzof Island coastline is a great place for mooching and jigging. Silvers hold in nearshore waters here, making it a productive area for active fishing techniques.
Sitka Sound is one of the best locations for charter boat fishing. The area offers consistent silver salmon action throughout the season, attracting anglers from all over.
Fishing in Sitka often produces larger-than-average silvers, with many fish exceeding 12-14 pounds. Since the fishery is tide-dependent, local charter captains are skilled at timing trips for maximum success.
Yakutat – An Underrated Silver Salmon Destination
Yakutat is primarily known for its world-class steelhead fishing, but it also offers fantastic silver salmon fishing in both saltwater and freshwater settings. The remote location means lighter fishing pressure, making it a great destination for those seeking a true Alaskan fishing adventure. Peak silver salmon fishing occurs from late August through October.
Where to Fish for Silvers in Yakutat:
Situk River is one of the best silver salmon rivers in Alaska. It offers excellent fly and spin fishing opportunities, with fish eggs, streamers, and spinners all proving effective.
Yakutat Bay is a great spot for those who prefer saltwater fishing. Anglers can troll or mooch for silvers, with herring and spoons being the top choices for success.
Lost River & Tawah Creek are smaller river systems that provide good opportunities for shore-based anglers. These areas offer accessible fishing with less pressure than larger rivers.
The Situk River is particularly popular among fly fishermen, as silvers here are known for their aggressive takes on streamers and topwater flies. With limited pressure compared to other locations, Yakutat is ideal for anglers who prefer solitude and incredible scenery while targeting silvers.
Best Times to Fish for Silver Salmon in Alaska
Silver salmon runs in Alaska follow a seasonal migration, with peak fishing varying by location. While silvers begin arriving in July, the best fishing occurs in August and September, with some rivers producing well into October. Knowing when and where to fish will improve your chances of success.
Peak Run Timing by Region
In Southcentral Alaska, silver salmon first appear in saltwater areas like Resurrection Bay and Valdez by mid-July, with offshore fishing at its best through August. By September, most fish have moved into rivers like the Kenai and Little Susitna, where they can be caught through October.
Southeast Alaska, including Sitka and Ketchikan, sees strong saltwater silver runs in July and August, followed by excellent river fishing in late August through October. Remote rivers like the Situk and Taku continue to hold fresh silvers late into the season.
Interior Alaska has fewer silver fisheries, but rivers like the Tanana and Chena receive fish by late August, peaking in September.
Best Months for Silver Salmon Fishing
July – Early Run Action
The first silvers arrive in saltwater in July, with offshore trolling producing the best results. Shore and river fishing are limited, as most fish remain in deep water preparing for their migration.
August – Peak Fishing Begins
August is the best month for silver salmon fishing, with high numbers in both saltwater and freshwater. Rivers like the Kenai see their second, larger run starting mid-August, while charter trips in Seward and Sitka experience peak catches.
September – Prime Freshwater Fishing
By September, most silvers have migrated into rivers, providing top action in the Kenai, Little Susitna, and Copper River tributaries. Fly anglers in Southeast Alaska find aggressive silvers in rivers like the Situk, where large streamers and poppers produce explosive strikes.
October – Late-Season Opportunities
October offers one last chance to target silvers in late-run rivers like the Kenai and Situk, where fish are still fresh and aggressive. Saltwater fishing slows, but tidewater estuaries can still hold fish waiting to move upstream.
Plan Your Ultimate Silver Salmon Fishing Trip with Graylight Alaska
Silver salmon fishing in Alaska offers some of the best angling opportunities in the world, with prime locations in Southcentral, Interior, and Southeast Alaska. Whether you’re trolling for silvers in Seward, casting from shore in Valdez, or fly fishing the remote rivers of Yakutat, timing your trip around peak migration seasons is key. Proper gear, fishing techniques, and knowledge of regulations will help maximize your success.
Planning your trip early ensures the best experience. If you’re looking for expert guidance, Graylight Alaska offers tailored fishing trips designed to put you in the best locations at the right time. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a first-time visitor, our team can help you land more silvers and create an unforgettable fishing adventure in Seward, Alaska. Visit Graylight Alaska today to learn more about booking your next trip!
