Silver Salmon Season in Alaska: Where and When to Catch Coho
Of Alaska''s five salmon, the silver — or coho — is the one a lot of anglers wait all summer for. They hit hard, jump, eat beautifully, and run late into the fall when the kings and reds are finished. Here is when silver salmon season happens and where to get in on it.
When silvers run
Broadly, silver salmon run from around July into September and October, with August the classic peak in most saltwater. Timing shifts by location — coastal saltwater fills in earlier, while some rivers keep producing well into October. Runs vary year to year, so check current in-season reports before you commit.
Where to catch them — saltwater
Resurrection Bay (Seward), Prince William Sound (Valdez), Kachemak Bay (Homer), and Kodiak all get strong silver returns and are the heart of the fall saltwater fishery.
Where to catch them — rivers and road-accessible spots
You do not need a boat. The Kenai and Kasilof rivers are famous for combat fishing, Ship Creek runs silvers right in downtown Anchorage, and the Susitna drainage and many Interior streams get runs too. Road-accessible coho are a big part of why silvers are the "everyone" salmon.
How to fish them
Charters out of Seward, Homer, Valdez, and Kodiak book out for the peak — reserve early (see the Alaska fishing charter guide). From shore or a small boat, spinners, spoons, and bright coho flies are the staples. Silvers are aggressive, which makes them a great fish for newcomers.
The derbies
Silver season is derby season. The Seward Silver Salmon Derby (August 8–16, 2026) is the marquee event, with Valdez and the Ship Creek derby in Anchorage among the others. Cash prizes and tagged-fish jackpots turn a good bite into a big weekend.
Know the rules
Bag limits and emergency orders change in-season and by area — always check current ADF&G regulations and get a license before you fish.
Plan your trip
See the wider Alaska fishing season guide, the Seward derby, and what else is on this month in our August and September guides.