When is coho salmon (silver) season in Alaska?

Late July – October on most drainages (run timing varies north-to-south). Those are the 2026 Alaska dates; always confirm against Alaska Department of Fish and Game before a trip, because an emergency order can shift an opener with little notice.

What is the Alaska bag limit for coho salmon (silver)?

The Alaska daily bag limit for coho salmon (silver) is 6 / day (most freshwater drainages). The possession limit is 12 in possession (most drainages). Some named waters set a different limit — check the water-body overrides above.

What size coho salmon (silver) can you keep in Alaska?

The Alaska size rule for coho salmon (silver) is No statewide minimum.

Do you need a license to fish for coho salmon (silver) in Alaska?

Yes. Alaska requires a valid fishing license to fish for coho salmon (silver), with the usual exemptions for young children, state free-fishing days, and some senior or disabled-veteran categories. A license is valid only in the state that issued it, so non-residents need a Alaska license — compare resident and non-resident Alaska fees on the state regulations page below.

Are there gear restrictions for coho salmon (silver) in Alaska?

Yes. In Alaska, coho salmon (silver) fishing carries these gear rules: Single hook required on most coho rivers; Snagging prohibited; Bait restrictions vary by river.

Do specific Alaska waters have different coho salmon (silver) rules?

Yes. 5 named Alaska waters carry rules that override the statewide coho salmon (silver) regulation, including Kenai River, Kasilof River, Resurrection Bay, and 2 more. See the named water-body overrides above for the exact rule on each.

2026 regulation year

Alaska Coho salmon (silver) 2026 — Season, Bag Limit, Size Rules

Oncorhynchus kisutch

Last updated May 20, 2026

Coho (silver) salmon are the second-most-targeted Alaskan salmon and the workhorse late-summer / early-fall fishery. Unlike kings, coho carry a generous bag (commonly 6 / day) across most drainages — the run-strength keeps regulations stable.

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Season

Late July – October on most drainages (run timing varies north-to-south).

Jul 25 – Oct 15Statewide drainages (typical run window)

Bag & possession

Daily bag: 6 / day (most freshwater drainages)
Possession: 12 in possession (most drainages)

Size, slot, trophy rules

Size: No statewide minimum

Gear restrictions

Single hook required on most coho rivers
Snagging prohibited
Bait restrictions vary by river

Named water-body overrides

Where statewide rules differ on specific Alaska waters:

Kenai River
Statewide 6 / day; late-summer / fall run
Kasilof River
Statewide 6 / day; consistent fall run
Resurrection Bay
Saltwater feeder coho; bag varies by area
Sitka Sound
Saltwater feeder coho; Southeast bag rules apply
Susitna drainage
Late-July through September; statewide 6 / day

Official source

Alaska Department of Fish and Game publishes the authoritative 2026 Alaskafishing regulations. Always verify the current rule before fishing — emergency closures and in-season changes can override what's published here.

Visit official Alaska fishing regulations →

Emergency-order channel

Coho salmon (silver) closures, slot-limit changes, and harvest pauses are posted to Alaska Department of Fish and Game's emergency-order feed — check it before any Alaska trip during the active season.

Frequently asked questions

When is coho salmon (silver) season in Alaska?: Late July – October on most drainages (run timing varies north-to-south). Those are the 2026 Alaska dates; always confirm against Alaska Department of Fish and Game before a trip, because an emergency order can shift an opener with little notice.
What is the Alaska bag limit for coho salmon (silver)?: The Alaska daily bag limit for coho salmon (silver) is 6 / day (most freshwater drainages). The possession limit is 12 in possession (most drainages). Some named waters set a different limit — check the water-body overrides above.
What size coho salmon (silver) can you keep in Alaska?: The Alaska size rule for coho salmon (silver) is No statewide minimum.
Do you need a license to fish for coho salmon (silver) in Alaska?: Yes. Alaska requires a valid fishing license to fish for coho salmon (silver), with the usual exemptions for young children, state free-fishing days, and some senior or disabled-veteran categories. A license is valid only in the state that issued it, so non-residents need a Alaska license — compare resident and non-resident Alaska fees on the state regulations page below.
Are there gear restrictions for coho salmon (silver) in Alaska?: Yes. In Alaska, coho salmon (silver) fishing carries these gear rules: Single hook required on most coho rivers; Snagging prohibited; Bait restrictions vary by river.
Do specific Alaska waters have different coho salmon (silver) rules?: Yes. 5 named Alaska waters carry rules that override the statewide coho salmon (silver) regulation, including Kenai River, Kasilof River, Resurrection Bay, and 2 more. See the named water-body overrides above for the exact rule on each.

← Back to Alaska regulations overview