Prince of Wales Island · Southeast Alaska
Self-Guided Fishing on Prince of Wales Island
Coffman Cove sits on the northeast shore of Prince of Wales Island, facing Clarence Strait — one of the most productive stretches of salmon and halibut water in Southeast Alaska. No guide, no schedule, no per-day charter bill. You rent the boat, you keep the fish, and you fish when the tide says to fish.
That's how we've done it since 1984. Guided lodges on the island run $3,000+ per person for a week. Self-guided out of Coffman Cove, you keep control of the trip and most of that money.
What You'll Catch
King (Chinook) Salmon — Kings move through Clarence Strait from late spring into July. Trolling herring or spoons along the tide rips near the cove is the standard program.
Coho (Silver) Salmon — The main event from mid-July through September. Aggressive, abundant, and close to town — many of our guests limit out within a few miles of the dock.
Halibut — Flat, ugly, and the best-eating fish in the ocean. Productive halibut ground sits within a short run of the cove. Anchor up on a slack tide with herring or jigs.
Rockfish & Lingcod — Structure fishing along the kelp lines and reefs produces yelloweye, black bass, and lingcod. Great fallback on days the salmon are moody.
Steelhead, Dolly Varden & Cutthroat — Prince of Wales has more than a thousand miles of road and dozens of fishable rivers and creeks. Bring waders and a light rod; some of the best freshwater fishing in Alaska is a short drive from your cabin.
How Self-Guided Works Here
- Book your week. Our rentals run Friday to Friday — cabin and boat together, one booking. See Accommodations for cabins and rates.
- Get here. Fly into Ketchikan, then take the ferry or a floatplane to Prince of Wales. Coffman Cove is a paved-road drive from the ferry terminal.
- Fish. We'll point you at what's biting — and so will our live fishing report, updated with current conditions in the cove. You won't fish blind on day one.
- Process your catch. Clean your fish at the station, freeze it, and fly your fish boxes home.
Why Coffman Cove
Most of the island's fishing traffic launches out of Craig and Klawock on the west side. Coffman Cove faces the east side — Clarence Strait — which means less pressure on the water and a shorter run to fish. The town is small, quiet, and built around fishing. This isn't a resort. It's a working Alaska town where the fishing happens to be world-class.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need a fishing license?
- Yes. Every angler needs an Alaska sport fishing license, and a king salmon stamp if you plan to keep kings. Both are available online through the Alaska Department of Fish & Game before you arrive.
- Do I need boating experience?
- You should be comfortable operating a powerboat and reading a tide table. Self-guided means self-guided — we'll orient you to the local water, but you're the captain.
- When is the best time to come?
- July through early September is the peak window: silvers running hard, halibut steady, and the most daylight of the year. June is your best shot at kings.
- How do I get my fish home?
- Freeze your catch on-site, pack it in insulated fish boxes, and check it as luggage on your flight home. Most guests fly home with 50–100 lbs of fillets.
Book Your Week
Cabins and boats rent Friday to Friday. Peak weeks go early — check availability now.