Alaska · Southeast Alaska
COHO SALMON FISHING
IN JUNEAU
Juneau is an excellent destination for coho salmon fishing, with peak season in August, September and good catches in July. Book a charter and target coho salmon with local experts.
About Coho Salmon Fishing in Juneau
Silver salmon are legendary fighters known for explosive surface strikes and aerial acrobatics. Coho run from midsummer through fall along the entire Pacific coast, from California's Smith River to Alaska's Kenai Peninsula. Bright chrome ocean fish are prized for both sport and table quality.
Coho Salmon — also called Silver Salmon — are prized for their aggressive surface strikes and spectacular aerial acrobatics. Averaging 8-12 pounds, they are smaller than kings but pound-for-pound are considered harder fighters. Ocean-phase coho are brilliant chrome-silver with small black spots confined to the upper lobe of the tail and the back above the lateral line. Spawning males turn deep red on the sides with a dark green head and develop a dramatic hooked jaw. Females become darker but retain more of their shape.
Scientific name: Oncorhynchus kisutch
Coho Salmon Seasonal Calendar — Juneau
Month-by-month availability for coho salmon in Juneau, AK.
How to Catch Coho Salmon in Juneau
Techniques & Bait
Ocean trolling with herring, hoochies (plastic squid lures), or spoons behind flashers at 15-60 feet is the primary technique. Coho often feed higher in the water column than kings, so shallower presentations work well. Casting buzz bombs, Crippled Herring spoons, and spinners into surface-feeding schools produces explosive strikes. In rivers, casting spinners (Blue Fox, Panther Martin), drifting roe under a float, or swinging flies on a sink-tip line are all effective. Coho are aggressive and respond well to fast-moving presentations.
Recommended Tackle
Ocean: 7-8'6" medium rod, level-wind or spinning reel, 15-20 lb mono or 30 lb braid. River: 8'6"-9'6" medium rod, spinning reel, 10-15 lb line, 8-12 lb fluorocarbon leader. Fly: 7-8 weight rod, sink-tip line, bright patterns (Clouser, Bunny Leech, Egg-Sucking Leech).
Best Nearshore Fishing Spots in Juneau
Top spots where local captains target coho salmon and other nearshore species.
Shelter Island
Shelter Island in Favorite Channel north of Juneau features rocky nearshore structure where king salmon, halibut, and rockfish hold in current-swept habitat. The island's position in the channel catches tidal currents that concentrate baitfish and attract quality fish.
Point Retreat
Point Retreat on Admiralty Island's northern tip is a rocky headland where king salmon, coho salmon, and halibut concentrate in tidal current rips. The point's lighthouse and surrounding reefs create one of the most productive fishing areas accessible from Juneau.
Benjamin Island
Benjamin Island in Lynn Canal north of Juneau features rocky nearshore reefs where rockfish, lingcod, and halibut hold in current-swept habitat. The island's Steller sea lion haul-out indicates the productivity of the surrounding waters.
North Pass
North Pass between Shelter and Lincoln Islands creates a tidal funnel where king salmon, coho salmon, and halibut concentrate in powerful currents. The pass provides some of the most dynamic fishing in the Juneau area when tidal flow is running.
Other Species in Juneau
More fish you can target while visiting Juneau.
Coho Salmon Fishing in Juneau — FAQ
The peak months for Coho Salmon fishing in Juneau are August, September. During these months, Coho Salmon are most active and abundant in the Juneau area.
Coho Salmon fishing charters in Juneau are typically nearshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Ocean trolling with herring, hoochies (plastic squid lures), or spoons behind flashers at 15-60 feet is the primary technique. Coho often feed higher in the water column than kings, so shallower presentations work well. Casting buzz bombs, Crippled Herring spoons, and spinners into surface-feeding schools produces explosive strikes. In rivers, casting spinners (Blue Fox, Panther Martin), drifting roe under a float, or swinging flies on a sink-tip line are all effective. Coho are aggressive and respond well to fast-moving presentations.
No — when you book a charter in Juneau, your captain provides all required Alaska fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Coho Salmon regulations in Alaska include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Coho Salmon in Juneau, you may also catch Rockfish, Pacific Halibut, Chinook Salmon, Lingcod, Dungeness Crab. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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