Ketchikan Silver Salmon Fishing Report: September Peak Action

September is one of the most exciting months on the water in Southeast Alaska. This Ketchikan Silver Salmon Fishing Report covers the peak of the Coho run and what you can expect for bottom fishing as we move through the harvest season.

The 2026 Ketchikan Silver Salmon Fishing Report: Peak Coho Action

Coho (Silver) salmon fishing is starting to heat up. While it has been hit-or-miss in some spots, we expect the action to peak during the middle of September.

• Top Boat Spots: We’ve been seeing success at the backside of Gravina Island, Clover Pass, and Cape Chacon.

• Limits: In marine waters, the daily bag limit for Coho is six fish.

• Shoreside: For those fishing from the beach, Herring Bay remains a productive spot for Silvers.

Halibut & Lingcod Report

The bottom fishing has remained consistently good.

• Halibut: We are finding nice fish near Duke Island, Percy Islands, and Cape Chacon.

• Lingcod: Fishing is solid. Remember, nonresidents have a slot limit (30–35 inches or 55+ inches) and an annual limit of two fish.

• Rockfish: Always a great addition to the fish box! Just remember that deepwater release devices are required on every boat.

Freshwater: Trout & Dolly Varden

Water levels have been low, which slowed the trout bite down, but the recent rains are bringing the fish back into the creeks. As the salmon begin to spawn, the trout stack up right behind them to feed on eggs. It’s a prime time for fly anglers!

Note to Anglers: You may see ADF&G creel technicians at the docks. Taking a few minutes to chat with them helps ensure our local fisheries stay healthy and sustainable for generations to come.