FAST HITS
Master the Waters! ADF&G's free statewide angling challenge. Catch qualifying species across Stream, Stillwater, or Saltwater categories (youth version too). Catches count starting January 1, 2026, register now.
Chasing coho salmon? A new Cordova coho salmon fishing article covers where to go along the Copper River Highway and what gear works best this fall.
Fall fishing is on! Post-spawn salmon are drawing in rainbow trout and Dolly Varden, beads and flesh flies are producing. Check local sport fishing regs before heading out.
New Gear Basics article breaks down reels, hooks, and line types, a quick refresher for anglers of any experience level.
Upcoming Fall/winter sport fishing classes: Egg Curing (9/16), Trout Fishing (10/21), Pike Fishing with Tip-Ups (11/25), Ice Fishing 101 (12/16).
ANGLER ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Master the Waters: A New Challenge for Alaska Anglers
Most anglers have a favorite fish, a favorite stretch of river, or a lake they return to year after year. But how well do you really know Alaska's sport fisheries?
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game's new "Master the Waters Program" challenges anglers to find out.
"Master the Waters" is a statewide angling challenge designed to encourage anglers to explore Alaska's diverse sport fisheries, pursue new species, develop new fishing skills, and perhaps discover a few new favorite fishing spots along the way.
"I want this program to encourage anglers to get out and explore the state's exceptional fisheries," said Ryan Ragan, Statewide Communications Coordinator and creator of the program. "Alaska has an incredible variety of fish and places to fish, but it's easy to fall into a routine and keep going back to the same waters and targeting the same species. This program gives anglers a reason to diversify their fishing experiences and to try something different."
Ragan said recognizing anglers who complete the challenges was also an important part of developing the program.
"Completing one of these challenges won't be easy, and that's the point," Ragan said. "It will take time, effort and skill, but there's no time limit. Anglers can work toward completing a challenge at their own pace. I think it's important that we give anglers something meaningful to work toward, and something they can be proud of when they finish."
Three Ways to Master Alaska's Waters
The program is divided into three challenges based on where you fish: Stream, Stillwater, and Saltwater.
The "Master Stream Angler" challenge takes anglers to Alaska's rivers, streams, and sloughs. To complete it, anglers must catch nine qualifying fish species, including all five species of Pacific salmon found in Alaska, as well as resident (non-anadromous) rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, Arctic grayling, and steelhead (anadromous rainbow trout). Each fish must be caught in flowing water and meet the minimum size established for that species.
For anglers who prefer lakes and ponds, there's the "Master Stillwater Angler" challenge. The list includes lake trout, northern pike, burbot, rainbow trout, Arctic grayling, Arctic char, whitefish, and brook trout.
The "Master Saltwater Angler" challenge has the greatest number of qualifying species at 19.
Saltwater anglers will pursue everything from halibut, lingcod, Chinook and coho salmon to Pacific cod and sablefish, along with an assortment of rockfish ranging from black and yelloweye to tiger, China, widow, and yellowtail rockfish.
It's About More Than Catching Fish
Completing a challenge will require some anglers to venture beyond the fisheries they know best. Someone accustomed to fishing Southcentral Alaska waters might start planning a trip north to target sheefish. A saltwater angler working through the rockfish list may need to learn to distinguish between species they've never targeted before.
That's part of the challenge.
Along the way, anglers can learn more about Alaska's fish, their habitats, fishing techniques, and the tremendous variety of sport fishing opportunities available across the state.
And because there is no deadline, anglers can make the challenge their own. Finish it quickly, work on it during family fishing trips, or spend years slowly checking fish off the list.
A Challenge for Young Anglers, Too
Young anglers can get in on the adventure through the "Youth Master the Waters Program."
Youth anglers 15 years old and younger have their own Stream, Stillwater, and Saltwater challenges. They pursue the same species as adults, but there are no minimum fish-size requirements in the youth category.
That makes the youth program less about finding trophy-sized fish and more about exploration, learning, and building fishing experience.
Ready to Start?
Before heading out, anglers need to register for the program. Once registered, participants receive electronic and print resources, including an official fillable tracking form for recording qualifying catches, and a measuring tape.
There are no fees associated with the program.
Both harvested and catch-and-release fish can qualify, but every fish must be caught by rod and reel in accordance with current Alaska sport fishing regulations. Anglers also need to document their catches with photographs, and fish that are released should be handled responsibly.
Only fish caught after January 1, 2026, are eligible. So, if you've already caught a qualifying fish this year, you may already have the beginning of your "Master the Waters" list.
Anglers who successfully complete a challenge will receive a certificate, a custom plaque, and a "Master the Waters" sticker or decal, along with recognition through ADF&G outreach and the "Master the Waters Hall of Fame."
But the real reward may be everything that happens before the accolades arrive: new waters explored, new species caught, new fishing skills learned, and a few good stories accumulated along the way.
Start your next fishing adventure today. Learn more about the "Master the Waters Program.
Gear Basics
By Jake Wieliczkiewicz, Sitka Assistant Area Management Biologist, Sitka Alaska
The bell above the door clangs as you enter the bait shop. You're met by the smell of the coffee pot that hasn't had a day off in a decade and the synthetic bouquet of rubberized fishing lures. A man, about 100 years old, pays you little notice as you walk up to the counter. This somehow makes you feel seen compared to the attention the 200-year-old dog at his feet gives you.
"Can I help you?" he says, turning a page of the daily paper but not his head.
And you don't know what to say next.
This is almost a rite of passage for beginning anglers, though it shouldn't have to be. Although fishing spans world-wide, you only need to know a few things to get started. The following will be a basic breakdown of basic saltwater fishing gear and some of the pros and cons between them.
Conventional reels feature a spool positioned perpendicular to the fishing pole. Available in a variety of sizes, these reels typically hold more fishing line and offer higher drag capacity than spinning reels. This makes them ideal for bottom fishing or trolling where you may have a lot of line out or when greater depth is required. While smaller conventional reels can cast effectively, casting with them is generally a bit more challenging compared to spinning reels.
Spinning reels feature a spool positioned parallel to the fishing rod making it easier to cast lures farther and with greater precision. This advantage helps in topwater and freshwater fishing. While spinning reels are more agile, they typically hold less line and are not as well suited for fishing deep.
J-hooks are the classic fishing hook, the kind most people picture when they think of fishing. Shaped like the letter "J", these hooks have a point that aims straight back towards the line. When a fish bites, a quick tug (or "set") locks the hook in place and the fight begins! This makes J-hooks a good choice for topwater or reactive fishing where even a gentle nibble can result in an exciting fight.
J-hooks, and their triple-sided variant (treble hooks) do have the drawback of sinking in wherever they are when set. Occasionally this means hooking sensitive spots like the guts or gills when swallowed deeply. Still these hooks shine on spinning lures or jigs where the motion of fishing helps set the hook.
Circle hooks have points that aim back at the shank of the hook itself. When attaching bait to these hooks, careful attention must be taken not to fill the space between the hook's point and the shank. If that gap gets crowded, the hook won't set properly. When the fish takes the bait and swims off, the hook rolls and the point pierces the corner of the fish's mouth. This helps reduce the chance of accidentally hooking the fish in an unintended area. Despite the advantages, the drawback is that they require patience, as a tug before the fish has fully taken the bait can result in the hook pulling right out of a fish's mouth.
Monofilament vs braided line.
Monofilament is fishing line made of a single strand generally of nylon. They are smooth to the touch and often appear "plastic-y". This plastic semi-transparence makes them less visible underwater. These lines come in a variety of weight limits or "tests". As they are made of a single piece of material, they are more elastic and have the ability to stretch. These lines are fantastic for acrobatic fish like coho salmon or Dolly Varden. The stretch in the line keeps tension on the hook, keeping the fish engaged and the action non-stop! The downsides of monofilament line are that they are thicker at a given test than a braided line and are susceptible to breaking when damaged. Even a few scratches against a rock can be enough to weaken or sever the line and lose the fish.
Braided lines are made of several filaments woven together, giving them a more rope-like feel. They come in a variety of materials. Braided lines can generally achieve a stronger test at a given diameter, so that your reel spool can hold more line. This makes them a smart choice for deep-water fishing where a long line is needed. Braided line has very little to no give, which means you can feel every movement from a fish and set the hook quickly, as any action is immediately transferred rather than absorbed by stretching. However, this lack of give also means that fish that jump or run hard can create too much slack or tension, sometimes letting them jump the hook or snap the line. Braided lines are more visible underwater and not as good a choice for fish that are leader-shy.
The big take away from all of this? There are endless combinations of gear and tackle to try! Try different set-ups, experiment with the gear, mix things up, and enjoy catching fish any way you like. And if you still find yourself at the bait shop wondering what to say, don't worry...because I'm right there with you.
Cordova Chrome: Chasing Silvers on the Copper River Delta
By Donald Arthur, Anchorage, NGC, and PWS Assistant Area Management Biologist, Anchorage Alaska
Cordova has a way of making a fishing trip feel like an adventure before the first cast is ever made. Tucked along the southeastern edge of Prince William Sound (PWS) and accessible only by plane or ferry, Cordova sits between mountains, rainforest, and the sprawling Copper River Delta. By fall, nearly every stream along the Copper River Highway has one thing in common, coho salmon.
Coho salmon, or "silvers," are aggressive, acrobatic, and powerful fish that readily take spinners, spoons, jigs, bait, and flies. It is safe to say that a fresh pod of coho salmon would strike just about anything in your tackle box. Around Cordova, anglers can find productive fishing within town or along a scenic drive down the Copper River Highway. The highway currently extends approximately 36 miles from town before dead-ending at the Copper River, just short of the Million Dollar Bridge – giving a site worth seeing with an edge-of-the-world feel.
When to Fish
Cordova's coho fishing generally begins building in late August, peaks in mid-September, and tails off into October, although timing varies by stream and from year to year.
In Cordova, rain gear is not optional, it is part of the fishing uniform. Daily rainfall exceeding an inch is not unusual, and prolonged periods of heavy rain can occur across the Copper River Delta. Rainfall is the ultimate driver of these fisheries and can strongly influence where and how anglers find fish. Fresh rain can raise streams, bringing hordes of dime-bright coho screaming up from estuaries and lower river reaches. During lower or clearer water, coho may become finicky and concentrate in deeper holes, sloughs, and areas with cover. Regardless of rainfall and water conditions, there are almost always places around Cordova to look for coho.
Where to Fish (from west to east)
Just north of town near the PWS Science Center is Fleming Spit, sometimes referred to by Cordovan locals as "Hippie Cove". Fleming Spit is an enhanced fishery with coho salmon stocked by the PWS Aquaculture Corporation (PWSAC). Fleming Spit can be fished on the ocean side with sea-lice-laden coho running the shoreline or in the lagoon side, where pods cycle in and out with the tide. Because Fleming Spit is a stocked fishery within a Terminal Harvest Area (THA), bag and possession limits are more liberal than in the wild-stock fisheries along the Copper River Highway. Anglers may keep six coho per day and 12 in possession. Under current regulations, an angler who first harvests three coho from Copper River Delta waters may then harvest three additional coho at Fleming Spit for a grand total of 6 coho salmon; however, anglers cannot harvest three or more coho at Fleming Spit and then return to the highway fisheries to harvest additional fish. Aside from it being a stocked fishery, Fleming Spit provides for a very stable fishery even when other streams are blown out from heavy rain.
The Eyak River is one of the first river systems anglers encounter when leaving Cordova on the Copper River Highway, and it is also among the first to see coho salmon arrive in late summer. The lower river, primarily accessed by jet boat, can provide hot action early in the season. The Eyak River drainage, however, is sensitive to heavy rainfall and remains chalky-colored for prolonged periods, making fishing challenging, especially in the fly-fishing only section located between markers 200 yards upstream of the Eyak Lake Dam and 200 yards downstream of the Copper River Highway Bridge. The fly-fishing only section of Eyak River has a very unique regulation where extra weight cannot be on your line and the hook gap may not exceed 3/8". (approx. Milepost 5.7)
Not much further east is Ibeck Creek, which is by and large the most popular fishing location on the entire Copper River Delta. Its popularity is largely due to its proximity to Cordova and the airport, its relatively easy access with room to spread out, and generally reliable fishing. Coho may hold in pools, bends, and deeper runs, and clear water can make sight-fishing possible at times. All gear types can find good success at Ibeck, including bait, hardware, jigs, or flies. Ibeck Creek can also be temperamental to extreme rainfall, but even a brief break in the rain can set this system for off-the-charts coho salmon fishing. (approx. Milepost 7.5)
Farther out the highway, Alaganik Slough provides several opportunities to target coho salmon. The lower boat launch, accessed from Alaganik Slough Road near Mile 17, provides access to a broad, slow-moving reach where the water is generally murkier, but many coho pass through on their way upstream. This access lies near the upper extent of tidal influence, and anglers may encounter seals chasing coho upstream. Soaking bait on the bottom can be particularly effective, as can casting spinners and other hardware. Farther upstream, the 22 Mile boat launch provides access to clearer water relative to the lower launch, where anglers can cast lures, drift bait, or take advantage of the improved clarity to fly fish for coho. With two primary boat access points and additional roadside pullouts where the slough approaches the highway, Alaganik offers plenty of water and several ways to target Cordova coho. Anglers who have access to a canoe or kayak can have a great float from the upper launch at Mile 22 down to the lower launch at the end of Alaganik Slough Road. In addition, Alaganik Slough has many tributaries, including the 18-Mile Creek system, which can be accessed by trails from the Alaganik Slough Road or the Copper River Highway.
These are many of the better-known locations to pursue coho salmon in Cordova and along the Copper River Highway, but they are hardly the only options. The Copper River Delta is a seemingly endless wetland and floodplain, complex especially after major rain events, and anglers can consult maps, the regulations, and even locals to find creative places to fish for coho salmon beyond those mentioned here.
Tackle and Techniques
For conventional anglers, a medium-action rod in the 8- to 10-foot range paired with 12- to 20-pound line will cover most situations. #3–5 spinners, spoons, and twitching jigs in pink, purple, black, or chartreuse are all effective coho presentations.
For fly anglers, a 7- or 8-weight rod with a floating line is a versatile setup. Variations of egg-sucking leeches, string leeches, Dolly Llamas, and other streamers in black, pink, purple, and chartreuse are reliable choices. Fly anglers should always keep a few Pink Wogs in the fly box for when a situation presents itself to chase coho on topwater!
The key with coho is often changing the presentation. Vary retrieve speed and depth, lure size, and color. Fresh fish may aggressively chase hardware, while fish that have been holding in a pool may respond better to a jig or stripped fly.
Status and Management
Preseason forecasts are generally not produced for coho salmon, making inseason monitoring especially important. ADF&G Division of Commercial Fisheries staff closely monitor Copper River Delta coho returns through aerial surveys of select index streams. These surveys provide an index of spawning abundance used to assess run strength and manage toward the sustainable escapement goal of 32,000–50,000 coho salmon. Copper River Delta coho returns have been relatively stable and reliable over the past decade, with some year-to-year variability and the escapement goal achieved in all but one year (2022). Aerial survey counts are an important component of inseason management for both commercial and sport fisheries, so anglers should closely monitor Emergency Orders for changes to fishing regulations as the run develops.
More than the Coho
Part of what makes Cordova special is everything surrounding the fishing. It is a working fishing town with a small-town feel, surrounded by rainforest, mountains, and the sprawling Copper River Delta. Fall brings not just the coho but wild berries and mushrooms, the annual Cordova Fungus Festival, and thousands of migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. With plenty of hiking and exploring in between, it is no wonder people return to Cordova year after year.
Coho may be the main attraction, but Dolly Varden and coastal cutthroat trout provide additional fishing opportunities, while pink, sockeye, and chum salmon can be observed spawning in area streams. A drive out the Copper River Highway also provides a chance to see the mighty Copper River near the end of its journey to the ocean. Come for the chrome; Cordova will take care of the rest.
Know Before You Go
Regulations can differ among Cordova-area waters and may include restrictions on specific seasons, bag limits, and gear or bait restrictions. Before fishing, review the current Prince William Sound Sport Fishing Regulations and check for applicable Emergency Orders.
When in doubt, contact the ADF&G Anchorage or Cordova office for current information.
A useful brochure on sport fishing the Cordova and the surrounding area can be found here.
So... What Exactly Is a Single Hook?
By April Harding-Scurr, Information Officer 2, Fairbanks Alaska
As Information Officer for the Division of Sport Fish in Fairbanks, answering public questions is a regular part of my day. Remember when you were in school and wanted to raise your hand to ask a question, but you were worried everyone would think it was a silly one? The teacher would reassure you: "There are no dumb questions. If you have that question, someone else probably does too."
That's true at Fish and Game as well.
So, thank you to the person who came in this summer and asked:
"What does single-hook mean? Does that mean just ONE fishing hook, or can I have more than one hook on a line?"
The Northern Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary book states that "a hook can either be a single hook or a multiple hook." A single hook is defined as "a fish hook with only one point, with or without a barb." So, single-hook is talking about a type of fishing gear.
The sport fishing gear regulations also say, 'Unless area regulations state otherwise, sport fishing may only be done using a closely attended single line, held in hand or attached to a fishing pole or rod, attached to no more than one plug; one spoon; one spinner or series of spinners; two artificial flies; or two hooks." These regulations are addressing numbers of fishing gear. Or they answer the question, "How many hooks can I have on my line?"
The answer to this question was that you can have up to two single-hooks on one line (number and type of gear), unless stated otherwise.
That's clear, right?
Well...maybe not to everyone.
Because, throughout the Northern Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary book, you encounter phrases such as "single-hooks," "a single hook," "one unbaited single-hook," "unbaited, single-hook," and "single hooks only."
So now you might be confused again.
In a nutshell, 'single hook' is a type of hook. Then look for wording that means 'how many' can I attach to my line, such as 'a single hook' or 'one single hook.' The words a and one address how many hooks are on your line, not the type.
And that is exactly why questions like these are valuable.
For those of us who work with sport fishing regulations regularly, it can be easy to forget that the terminology isn't always obvious to someone picking up the Northern Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary book.
Questions from anglers allow us to explain the sport fishing regulations, but they also give us a chance to see them from a different perspective. If one person is wondering about something, there's a good chance someone else is wondering too.
So, if you have a question about Alaska's sport fishing regulations, ask us! You might be asking the question that several other anglers were wondering about but were afraid to ask.
FROM THE FIELD
Coming Soon: A New Episode of "The Fish Count" Podcast
A new episode of The Fish Count is on the way!
We're looking forward to sharing our next conversation featuring Palmer-based Southcentral Invasives Coordinator Parker Bradley, where we'll discuss how some northern pike are moving through marine environments.
Until then, catch up on past episodes of The Fish Count, where we talk about Alaska fishing, fisheries, research, and the people who spend their days studying and enjoying them.
Stay tuned for the next episode!
Listen to The Fish Count on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, and Amazon Music. It can also be found on the ADF&G website.
QUICK LEARNING
September: When Fall Fishing Begins
Take a walk along almost any salmon river in Alaska right now, and you'll notice something a little eerie: fish drifting sideways, slowly decaying, hanging motionless in the current, looking like they've seen better days.
They have. These are salmon that have already spawned and are living out their final days. They're not exactly glamorous, but they're a natural and important part of the salmon life cycle and one of the things that makes September such an interesting time to be on the river.
The salmon may be looking a little rough, but there's still plenty happening out there.
All those spent carcasses and drifting eggs pull in rainbow trout and Dolly Varden that are feeding hard before winter sets in. Beads that mimic salmon eggs and flesh flies are hard to beat right now, and a medium-weight spinning rod or a 6-8 weight fly rod will cover most situations. Just remember, tackle sizes and restrictions, species size limits, and open seasons aren't one-size-fits-all they vary a lot from stream to stream and region to region. Some waters are fly-fishing-only, some restrict bait, and plenty have specific size or bag limits. Pull up and read the current sport fishing regulations for the waters you plan to fish before you head out.
Planning to release a fish? A few simple things can make the process easier on the fish and give it a better chance to swim away healthy. Barbless hooks can make hook removal quicker and easier, meaning less handling and less time out of the water. When you can, keep the fish in the water, support its body, and avoid grabbing the gills or tail. Before letting it go, give it a little time to recover in the current.
Small things like these can make a difference when releasing a fish.
And while you're out there, take care of the ground you're standing on. Streambank vegetation keeps the water clean and cool for salmon and trout alike, so stick to established trails and access points rather than carving new ones.
EVENTS & DEADLINES
Sport Fishing Classes
Registration opens two weeks before each class.
September 16, 2026: Egg Curing
October 21: Trout Fishing
November 25: Pike Fishing with Tip-Ups
December 16: Ice Fishing 101
If you have any questions about the Reel Times newsletter, please contact Kali Hulquist at kali.hulquist@alaska.gov
