Salmon Fishing

Silver Salmon (Coho) fishing on the North Gulf coast typically starts around July 1^st as they start to show up in schools near certain points and bays. They feed on the plentiful candlefish in the area as they rapidly gain weight for the spawning runs to the rivers around the end of August. At that time, most are caught on mooching rigs while the boats drift or anchor. As the fish spread out over the bay, they may be caught more easily by using depth sounders to locate them and trolling with downriggers.

Ranging along the Pacific Coast from northern California to Kotzebue Sound, silvers are recognized by black spots on the back and top lobe of the tail, and a light gray gum line. Tail spots are quite variable, and the pale gum line is restricted mostly to a line along which teeth emerge. Average mature weight: 2-20 lbs. (Trophy 20 lbs)

King Salmon can be targeted and caught in certain areas mostly by trolling, starting in late May and throughout the summer. Some can even be caught year round as they feed near the coastline. The poles used are around eight feet long with 20 pound test line on level wind reels. You are usually fishing near the shore where the scenery and wildlife viewing are quite spectacular.

Kings are the most highly prized of the Pacific salmon. Noted for black irregular spots on back, dorsal fin and both lobes of tail, kings have black gums at the base of the teeth. Spotting on tails quite variable and is a poor characteristic for identification. The silvery, iridescent tail and black gum line are the best for identification purposes. Most return to fresh water to spawn in their fourth or fifth year. Some return in a year or so, and are known as "jack" salmon. Average mature weight: 10-50 lbs (Trophy 50 lbs)

The Silver Salmon Derby is an exciting Seward event that starts the second week of August and ends the Sunday of the third week. This year (2007), it will start August 11 and end August 19. There are prizes for a variety of categories, as well as for tagged fish and the biggest fish. Plan ahead and book now, so that you can compete against other fishermen for many great prizes! Click here for more information on the Derby.