FISH
Silver Linings: Why Coho Fishing Steals the Crown
When it comes to Alaskan sport fishing, king salmon (Chinook) often steal the spotlight. They're the biggest of the Pacific salmon species, prized for their size, power, and prestige. But ask around the dock at Waterfall Resort, and you'll find plenty of anglers who’d rather be chasing silver salmon (Coho). In fact, for many, silvers offer an even more thrilling and rewarding experience.
So what makes silver salmon so beloved among seasoned and first-time guests alike?
Nonstop Action, All Day Long
One of the biggest draws of silver salmon fishing is the pace. Silvers are aggressive feeders and tend to school in large numbers, especially during peak season from mid-July through August. That means more hookups, more strikes, and more time with a fish on the line.
Unlike kings, which can sometimes make you wait for that one epic bite, silver fishing delivers steady action. It’s not uncommon for an entire boat to double—or even triple—up, turning a calm morning into a chaotic, laughter-filled flurry of reeling, netting, and high-fiving.
They’re Aerial Acrobats
Silvers are known for their fight, and not just the tug-of-war. These fish leap, spin, and cartwheel across the surface, putting on a show that rivals anything in saltwater fishing. Their agility and speed make for an exciting battle, often testing an angler’s reflexes and finesse.
Whether you’re an experienced angler or new to the sport, the thrill of a silver salmon dancing on the line is hard to beat.
Perfect for All Experience Levels
For families, group trips, or first-timers, silver season is often the perfect introduction to Alaska sport fishing. With higher catch rates and less technical gear than targeting kings or halibut, it’s easier to get everyone involved and successful.
At Waterfall Resort, our guides tailor each trip to the guest’s experience level, and silver salmon provide a generous learning curve—plus plenty of opportunities to fill the fish box.
They Taste Amazing
Coho salmon are not just fun to catch—they’re delicious. Their firm, orange-pink flesh has a clean flavor and is incredibly versatile in the kitchen, from grilling and smoking to sashimi and ceviche. Many of our returning guests come during silver season to stock their freezers with the ultimate “Alaska to table” catch.
No Limits on Fun (and Fewer Regulations)
In contrast to king salmon, which are subject to tighter restrictions and seasonal closures, silver salmon are typically more abundant and accessible to both residents and nonresidents alike.
Even when king retention rules change mid-season—as they often do—silver season rolls on strong. That’s one of the reasons we’ve shifted our King of Kings Tournament leaderboard to include Silver of the Day starting in July. There’s still plenty of friendly competition and bragging rights to go around.
In the End, It’s All About the Experience
King salmon may get the fame, but silver salmon deliver the fireworks. Fast-paced, exciting, and wildly fun, silver fishing is a main event all on its own.
Whether you’re out to land your personal best or just make memories with your boatmates, silver season at Waterfall Resort is a time of high spirits and even higher fish counts. So if you haven’t yet experienced the rush of a silver on the line—you’re in for a treat.