Lower Cook Inlet fishing report: Freshwater coho are fair to good

Published 9:30 pm Tuesday, August 26, 2025

Read on for the lower Cook Inlet fishing report for the week of Aug. 25.

Freshwater Fishing

Expect fair to good coho salmon fishing in the lower sections of the lower Kenai Peninsula roadside streams. New fish are arriving each day. Try fishing near the mouth during the incoming tide or near daybreak for the most action. Cured salmon roe clusters suspended under a bobber is the most effective way to entice these fish to bite, but using artificial eggs or spinners during low water can work very well.

The upper sections of the lower Kenai Peninsula roadside streams are open to sport fishing but expect slow Dolly Varden fishing. Dead drifting beads are the best bet.

Saltwater Fishing

Kachemak Bay/Cook Inlet

Groundfish

Halibut fishing continued to be more challenging last week, although some large fish were still landed. Try drifting areas to explore new spots before setting the anchor.

King Salmon

King salmon fishing improved over the last week with reports of king salmon throughout Kachemak Bay. The Bluff Point, Silver Ridge and Point Pogibshi areas are likely the most consistent locations. Trolling with herring and thin blade spoons behind flashers are going to be the best producers.

Coho Salmon

The coho salmon run in the Dudiak Lagoon is wrapped up for the season.

There are scattered reports of coho salmon from anglers within Cook Inlet, but the fishing has been inconsistent everywhere. Trolling is still the best option in many of the same locations as trolling for king salmon.

Emergency Orders

Please review the emergency orders and advisory announcements below in their entirety before heading out on your next fishing trip.

Ninilchik River Closed to King Salmon Fishing

King Salmon Bag Limit Reduced from 2 to 1 in Lower Cook Inlet Salt Waters

Rockfish bag limit reduction: 2 pelagic, 1 non-pelagic.

For additional information, please contact the Homer ADF&G Office at 907-235-8191.