Coho Salmon Adventures in Southeast Alaska

Coho salmon, also called silver salmon, are one of Alaska’s most sought-after fish. They typically weigh 8 to 12 pounds, with some reaching 20 pounds, and are recognized by bright silver sides, dark blue backs, and hooked jaws during spawning season. Coho spend most of their lives in the ocean, returning to freshwater streams in late summer to spawn.

Coho are fast, strong, and agile, making them a rewarding challenge for anglers. In rivers, they navigate shallow pools and swift currents. In bays and nearshore waters, they travel in schools, feeding actively on smaller fish and crustaceans. Observing a coho in its natural habitat—darting through clear waters or leaping past obstacles—offers a glimpse of one of the Pacific Northwest’s most iconic species.

At Boardwalk Lodge, we provide guided trips where guests can experience coho salmon firsthand. Expert captains and guides help anglers of all skill levels enjoy a day on the water, making each catch a memorable part of the lodge experience.

What is a Coho Salmon?

Coho salmon, Oncorhynchus kisutch, are a species of Pacific salmon prized for both sport and their bright, flavorful flesh. Adults usually weigh 8 to 12 pounds, though some reach 20 pounds or more in prime feeding areas, and measure 24 to 30 inches long. Males develop slightly hooked jaws and a pronounced kype during spawning. A kype is the hooked tip of the lower jaw that grows as the male matures. Males use it to compete with other males for mates. The jaw curves into a pointed shape on males.

Females remain more streamlined and have rounded heads. Both sexes display vibrant silver sides and darker backs, though males often show deeper red tones along the sides and belly during spawning.

Coho spend most of their lives in the ocean, feeding on smaller fish, squid, and crustaceans. They return to freshwater rivers and streams in late summer to spawn, navigating swift currents and shallow pools with bursts of speed and acrobatic leaps.

In bays and estuaries, coho travel in schools, feeding actively and striking quickly. Strong fighters with a tendency to leap, they provide an exciting challenge for anglers and create moments of adrenaline and skill on every cast.

Homes of the Coho: Rivers, Streams, and Coastal Bays

Coho salmon thrive in the waters of Southeast Alaska, moving between the ocean and freshwater habitats around Prince of Wales Island. They spend most of their lives in nearshore bays, hunting schools of baitfish and small crustaceans. Coastal waters, including the sheltered channels near Thorne Bay, provide rich feeding grounds before salmon return to rivers and streams to spawn.

Freshwater rivers and streams offer clear, cold channels with gravel bottoms. Salmon push upstream in late summer, weaving through shallow pools, riffles, and bends as currents test their strength. Small tributaries give resting spots along the way, while wider rivers funnel fish toward spawning grounds.

Seasonal tides and rainfall shape water levels and salmon activity. Anglers can focus on river mouths and estuaries during high tides, where coho gather and strike.

Coho Salmon Fishing Techniques

Coho salmon are known for their explosive energy and acrobatic leaps. They strike quickly, fight hard, and make every encounter unpredictable. Their silver bodies flash in the sunlight as they dart through rivers, streams, and nearshore bays, testing strength and endurance at every turn. Coho chase baitfish and respond aggressively to lures, making them both challenging and thrilling to catch.

When hooked, coho surge toward deep water, pulling line off the reel with sudden bursts. They leap repeatedly, twist, and spin, forcing anglers to stay alert and react quickly. Every head shake and tail slap transmits through the rod, giving a visceral sense of power and speed. The fight can last minutes, keeping both beginners and experienced anglers fully engaged. Family members cheer from boats or riverbanks, sharing the excitement of each tug and splash.

Anglers use several techniques to target coho salmon across habitats. Spin casting with light tackle works well in rivers, letting lines drift naturally through pools, riffles, and bends. Drift fishing with bait or lures lets salmon take the offering as the current carries it. In coastal bays, trolling with spoons or plugs covers larger areas, while casting artificial flies or lures near schools triggers aggressive strikes. Anglers adjust techniques based on tide, wind, and water clarity to match salmon behavior.

Reading the water enhances success. Surface ripples, feeding baitfish, and shifts in current signal where coho gather. Timing casts near pools or along river bends allows lines to meet feeding fish naturally, while in bays, careful placement near schools draws explosive strikes. Every encounter rewards attention, timing, and skill, leaving anglers with thrilling memories of each fight.

Coho Salmon fishing at Boardwalk Lodge

After a morning chasing coho salmon in the waters around Prince of Wales Island, return to Boardwalk Lodge to relax and share stories of the day’s catches. Spacious suites offer comfort and quiet, while decks provide views of nearby bays where coho often surface, flashing silver in the sunlight.

We provide all fishing gear, guides, and instruction, so guests can focus on landing coho rather than worrying about logistics. Staff handle every fish brought to the dock, filleting, vacuum-packing, and preparing it for the trip home. Guests can revisit the day’s excitement at mealtime, sharing tales of the largest pull, the most dramatic leap, or the first coho of the season.

In addition to fishing, you can explore the lodge’s trails on eBikes, paddle kayaks along calm bays, or unwind in the hot tub and sauna while reflecting on the day’s adventures. Evening gatherings around the firepit let everyone recount highlights under starlit skies, enjoying the thrill of Southeast Alaska fishing.

Book Your Epic Coho Adventure at Boardwalk Lodge

Dive into the thrill of chasing coho salmon in Southeast Alaska’s pristine waters and make your family reunion legendary at Boardwalk Lodge. Book your stay online or call to plan an unforgettable stay, where epic fishing and warm hospitality create memories that last a lifetime.