While summer draws large crowds to Southeast Alaska, seasoned anglers know that September holds one of the region’s best-kept secrets: the late-season Silver Salmon (Coho) run in Ketchikan.
As autumn approaches, Coho salmon reach peak maturity. Having spent the summer feeding aggressively in the nutrient-rich waters of the Inside Passage, September Silver Salmon average between 12 to 15+ pounds—significantly larger and more aggressive than early summer runs.
Late August & September is the Prime Month for Big Coho
The September Silver Salmon run in Ketchikan stands out for several distinct reasons:
- Trophy-Sized Fish: Coho gain weight rapidly during their final weeks in saltwater. September brings the heaviest fish of the year, with 15-to-18-pound “hooknose” bucks hitting trolling lines with incredible force.
- Aggressive Surface Strikes: Late-season Silvers are famous for acrobatic jumps, hard runs, and furious fights right at the surface, providing fast-paced action for all experience levels.
- Less Water Congestion: As cruise ship traffic tapers off in late summer, marine congestion drops significantly around prime fishing grounds, allowing for quiet, undisturbed trolling passes.
- Bonus Halibut & Bottom-fish Action: September aligns with strong late-season bottom fishing. Anglers can easily combine Coho trolling with jigging for Halibut, Rockfish, and Lingcod on full-day charters.
Departing from Knudson Cove: Strategic Access to the Run
Where you launch dictates how quickly you reach active schools of late-run Coho. Anglers Adventures operates out of Knudson Cove, located north of downtown Ketchikan along Clover Pass.
Launching from Knudson Cove places you directly along the primary migration paths for returning fall salmon.
Targeting September Silvers requires technical adaptability as water temperatures cool and baitfish behavior shifts. Guided by Captain Brian Ringeisen—a 30+ year year-round Ketchikan local—charters on the 28-foot F/V Sierra Dawn utilize proven tactics:
- Downrigger Trolling with Flashers & Herring: Setting cut-plug herring behind rotating flashers creates vibrating flash and scent trails that trigger explosive strikes.
- Action-Tail Lures & Hootchies: When schools are feeding aggressively near surface seams, trolling colorful hootchies and artificial lures produces high-volume hookups.
- Adaptable Depth Strategies: Early morning bites often occur near the surface, while midday sun shifts fish deeper along underwater drops and kelp lines.
What Is Included on Your September Charter?
Late-season weather in Southeast Alaska brings crisp air and passing rain. Anglers Adventures ensures complete comfort and utility on every trip:
- Heated, enclosed cabin with a private restroom.
- Premium rods, reels, tackle, bait, and lures specifically rigged for big Coho.
- Commercial-grade raingear provided for every guest.
- Complete fish cleaning, bleed preparation, and options for professional vacuum packing and shipping.
Book Your September Coho Charter in Ketchikan
Due to the exceptional size of fall Coho and peak late-season fishing conditions, September charter dates fill quickly.
Contact Captain Brian Ringeisen at Anglers Adventures & Outfitters to book your full-day or multi-day fall fishing excursion out of Knudson Cove.
- Phone: (907) 254-0880
- Email: brian@anglers-adventures.com
- Location: Knudson Cove Marina, Ketchikan, AK
- Website: anglers-adventures.com