Alaska · Southeast Alaska
COHO SALMON FISHING
IN SITKA
Sitka 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 Sitka
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 — Sitka
Month-by-month availability for coho salmon in Sitka, AK.
How to Catch Coho Salmon in Sitka
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 Sitka
Top spots where local captains target coho salmon and other nearshore species.
Kruzof Island
Kruzof Island west of Sitka features dramatic volcanic coastline and rocky nearshore reefs where lingcod, rockfish, and halibut hold in kelp-covered structure. The island's outer coast facing the open Pacific provides outstanding bottom-fishing for charter boats from Sitka.
Biorka Island
Biorka Island south of Sitka in the outer sound features rocky nearshore habitat where lingcod, rockfish, and halibut hold in current-swept structure. The island's exposed position catches nutrient-rich upwelling that supports productive reef ecosystems.
Vitskari Rocks
Vitskari Rocks in Sitka Sound are a cluster of rocky islets surrounded by productive nearshore reef where lingcod, rockfish, and halibut hold. The rocks' position in the sound creates current breaks that concentrate baitfish and attract predators.
Japonski Island
Japonski Island adjacent to downtown Sitka features rocky shoreline structure where rockfish, greenling, and halibut hold in nearshore waters accessible by small boat or kayak. The island's sheltered eastern shore provides calm fishing within minutes of the harbor.
Other Species in Sitka
More fish you can target while visiting Sitka.
Coho Salmon Fishing in Sitka — FAQ
The peak months for Coho Salmon fishing in Sitka are August, September. During these months, Coho Salmon are most active and abundant in the Sitka area.
Coho Salmon fishing charters in Sitka 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 Sitka, 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 Sitka, you may also catch Rockfish, Pacific Halibut, Lingcod, Chinook Salmon, Dungeness Crab. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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