Alaska Silver Salmon - Fishing Information

DESCRIPTION - This species is usually 18-24 inches in length and 8-12 pounds in weight. The head is conical with a snout bluntly pointed but greatly extended, thickened and turned down in breeding males. These breeding males are characterized by their inability to close their mouths. All have sharp teeth on both jaws. Adults in the ocean are colored a steel-blue to slightly green with silver sides, white bellies and small black spots on the back. The coloring is less spectacular in fresh water specimens.

DISTRIBUTION -The coho salmon occurs naturally only in the Pacific Ocean and its tributary drainage. British Columbia and Alaska have extremely healthy native populations of Cohos, or "Silvers" as they are known to sportfishermen.

BIOLOGY - After spending up to 18 months at sea, 3-5 year old adults migrate often during late July, August and September in Alaska. Many silver runs last over a prolonged period. Often silver salmon school at the mouths of rivers and move up when late summer rains increase river flow. Generally a silver will not travel more than 150 miles up river from the sea or lake. Inland river systems within 150 miles from saltwater offer the healthies runs of silver salmon in the state. Many excellent silver salmon fisheries exist in southcentral, southwest and southeast Alaska. Peak seasons for silvers may vary depending on location and dynamics of each unique population of fish. Spawning takes place anywhere between September and December based on the river system and population of interest. After the female prepares the redd ("nest") she will lay 2100-2789 eggs guarding them until she dies a few days later. The fry emerge from early March to late July and although some will migrate almost immediately, most remain at least one year in fresh water lakes or streams.

FISHING - Silver salmon are very agressive and acrobatic fighters, even in inland freshwater streams prior to their spawning acts. Silvers are very popular with fly fishermen as they will often chase a fly from 20-30 yards away. Silvers are also taken on topwater flies and spin lures. All around they are a very spectacular sport fish and have drawn quite the allure in the past ten years from spin and fly fishermen alike. Silvers prefer flashy lures/flies in gaudy pink or purple color patterns. An extra flash incorporated into the lure is a key attraction element. Presentations can vary, but aggressive silvers typically prefer quick and erratic retrieves. A fly fishermen has great success while "popping" his/her fly when retrieving in the vicinity of schooling silvers.