Coffman Cove Lodging

Plan Your Trip

Travel tips for Coffman Cove.

How to get here, when the fish run, what wildlife you'll see, and what to pack for your strictly self-guided Alaska trip.

How to get to Coffman Cove

Most travelers fly, though ferries and water taxis are popular too. Here's an up-to-date list of directions and carriers to save you time.

From Wrangell

Direct air and water taxi service into Coffman Cove.

From Ketchikan

Charter or scheduled flights direct to Coffman Cove.

Via Klawock

Air to Klawock, then about a 1 hour drive to Coffman Cove.*

Via Hollis

Ferry to Hollis, then about a 2 hour drive to Coffman Cove.*

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By air (solid red): direct flights from Wrangell or Ketchikan land at Coffman Cove, or fly into Klawock.

By water taxi (blue dots): Wrangell to Coffman Cove across Clarence Strait.

By ferry (dashed red): Ketchikan to Hollis with the Inter-Island Ferry Authority.

By road (black): Klawock is about a 1 hour drive and Hollis about 2 hours to Coffman Cove.*

* Island transportation is offered by Coffman Cove Lodging ($175–$200 per vehicle, one-way). Ask when you book.

Fishing on Prince of Wales Island

The coasts and rivers around Coffman Cove hold salmon, halibut, red snapper, trout and much more. Spring and summer are the most productive months for a self-guided trip — you run your own boat and choose your own water.

Salt water

Salt water peak availability by month
SpeciesAprMayJunJulAugSepOct
King Salmon
Coho Salmon
Sockeye Salmon
Chum Salmon
Pink Salmon
Dolly Varden
Cutthroat Trout
Smelt
Halibut
Rockfish
Lingcod
Most abundant Present Least abundant

Fresh water

Fresh water peak availability by month
SpeciesAprMayJunJulAugSepOct
King Salmon
Coho Salmon
Sockeye Salmon
Chum Salmon
Pink Salmon
Dolly Varden
Steelhead Trout
Rainbow Trout
Cutthroat Trout
Brook Trout
Grayling
Smelt
Kokanee
Most abundant Present Least abundant

These charts help you choose the best time to visit. They are not a guarantee that you will catch a specific species, and Alaskan waters are not limited to the species listed.

Wildlife on POW Island

Prince of Wales Island is home to abundant wildlife on land and in the sea. Common sightings include black bears (no brown bears on the island), Sitka black-tailed deer and gray wolves. Bald eagles and ospreys dive for salmon overhead, and the surrounding water hosts some of the best ocean animal sighting in Alaska — humpbacks, orcas, belugas, porpoises, dolphins, otters and more.

  • Black bears
  • Sitka black-tailed deer
  • Gray wolves
  • Bald eagles & ospreys
  • Humpbacks & orcas
  • Sea otters & porpoises

What to bring on your trip

First trip to Coffman Cove? Here's the short list that covers Southeast Alaska weather year-round. Rods, reels, tackle and bait come with boat rentals.

  • Hats and gloves
  • Fleece / layered clothing
  • Rain gear and waterproof boots
  • Waders for river fishing (no felt soles — not permitted in Alaska)
  • Backpack
  • Camp shoes or slippers
  • Toiletries
  • Polarized sunglasses
  • Camera
  • Sunscreen
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Small dry bag for the boat

Ready to lock in your dates?

Peak season (June–August) books out fast. All trips are strictly self-guided.

Request dates →Read the FAQ