What Coffman Cove offers and how to get there

Coffman Cove is a small community on the north end of Prince of Wales Island in Southeast Alaska, accessible only by boat or floatplane. The cove itself is a protected saltwater anchorage that draws anglers for halibut, rockfish, and salmon — primarily pink and chum salmon in the summer months. The real draw is the surrounding waters: deep channels, rocky reefs, and kelp beds that hold fish year-round, though the season runs heaviest from May through September.

Getting there requires planning. There is no road access. Most anglers fly into Ketchikan or Craig and then charter a floatplane to Coffman Cove, or book passage on a water taxi. The flight from Ketchikan is roughly 45 minutes; from Craig, about 20 minutes. A few lodges operate in or near the cove and can arrange transport. If you are bringing your own boat, you will need to stage it in Ketchikan or Craig and either motor north or arrange a tow.

The cove has a small dock, a lodge, a general store, and a few cabins for rent. Cell service is spotty. Fuel and supplies are available but limited and more expensive than in larger towns. Plan to stock up before you arrive, or budget for higher prices on basics.

Key Takeaways

  • Coffman Cove is reachable only by floatplane or boat, with most anglers flying from Ketchikan or Craig.
  • Halibut fishing is productive year-round in the deep channels and reefs around the cove, with the heaviest action May through September.
  • Pink and chum salmon run strong in summer; coho salmon arrive in fall, typically August through October.
  • Alaska fishing licenses and saltwater endorsements are required; check current regulations for bag limits and seasonal closures before you go.
  • Lodges and charter services in Coffman Cove can arrange floatplane transport, boat rentals, and guided trips.

Halibut fishing in deep water and rocky structure

The halibut fishery around Coffman Cove is the most consistent draw. Fish are present year-round, but May through September sees the heaviest concentration and the largest average size. The productive grounds lie in water 150 to 400 feet deep in the channels north and east of the cove — areas like Clarence Strait and the waters around Kasaan Bay hold fish reliably.

Halibut respond to live herring, squid, and large jigs worked on or near the bottom. Most charter boats use heavy jigging tackle or conventional rod-and-reel setups with live bait. The fish run from 20 to 80 pounds on average, with occasional fish over 100 pounds. Expect to spend a full day on the water; most charters run eight to ten hours and cover multiple spots if the first location is slow.

Tides matter. Slack water — the period between incoming and outgoing tide — is when halibut bite most aggressively. Charter captains time their runs around the tide tables, so book with someone who knows the local schedule. Coffman Cove sits in a region with significant tidal range, and fishing the wrong tide can mean a slow day even in productive water.

Salmon runs: pink, chum, and coho

Pink salmon arrive in June and peak in July, running through August. They are smaller than other Pacific salmon — typically 3 to 5 pounds — but they are abundant and willing to take small spoons and spinners. Chum salmon run concurrently and are larger, averaging 8 to 12 pounds, and respond to the same gear. Both species school in the shallower waters around the cove and in the estuaries of nearby streams.

Coho salmon arrive later, typically in August, and the run extends into October. Coho average 8 to 12 pounds and are more selective than pinks or chums; they prefer small spoons, spinners, and flies. The fall coho run is when fly anglers find the most consistent action in the shallows and in stream mouths.

Salmon fishing around Coffman Cove is often done from smaller boats or skiffs in nearshore waters, rather than the deep-water halibut grounds. Many lodges offer combination trips — halibut in the morning, salmon in the afternoon — to give anglers variety. Check the current Alaska Department of Fish and Game season dates before booking; salmon seasons can open and close based on run strength, and some streams have restrictions on which species you can retain.

Regulations, licenses, and seasonal timing

You must have a valid Alaska fishing license and a saltwater endorsement. Both are available online through the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website or at the lodge or general store in Coffman Cove, though buying in advance is more reliable. Licenses are valid for the calendar year.

Bag limits vary by species and sometimes by location. Halibut has a daily bag limit (typically one fish per day, though this can change); salmon limits depend on the species and the specific stream or area. Some streams are catch-and-release only for certain species. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game publishes detailed regulations each year, and they are available online or at the lodge. Read them before you fish — ignorance of the rules does not protect you from citations.

The best time to visit is May through September for consistent weather and reliable fishing. June and July are warmest and have the longest daylight, but they are also the busiest months and the most expensive. August and September offer good fishing with fewer anglers and lower prices. October is possible but weather becomes unpredictable, and some lodges close by mid-October.

Lodges, charters, and booking logistics

Coffman Cove has one primary lodge — Coffman Cove Lodge — which offers rooms, meals, and can arrange guided fishing trips and floatplane transport. There are also a few private cabins available for rent through local property managers. Booking in advance is essential, especially for June and July; many lodges fill by April for the peak season.

Charter boats operate out of the cove and can be booked through the lodge or directly with captains. A full day of halibut fishing typically costs between $500 and $800 per person, depending on the boat and whether you are sharing with other anglers. Salmon trips are often shorter and less expensive. Floatplane transport from Ketchikan or Craig adds another $300 to $600 per person, round-trip.

If you are bringing your own boat, you will need to arrange moorage or anchoring. The cove has limited dock space, and anchoring is the norm. Check weather forecasts carefully — Southeast Alaska can produce sudden storms, and the cove offers good protection but is not a harbor. Have a backup plan if weather forces you to seek shelter elsewhere.

What to bring and what to expect

Bring rain gear, layers, and waterproof boots. Southeast Alaska weather is cool and wet even in summer; temperatures range from 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit in the warmest months. Bring sunscreen and insect repellent — the sun reflects off the water and bugs can be intense in July and August. A good pair of polarized sunglasses helps you spot fish in shallow water.

Fishing tackle can be rented from the lodge or charter boat, but bringing your own is often better if you have preferences. If you fly in, pack tackle in a rod tube and check it with your luggage; floatplanes have weight limits, so confirm with the operator before you book.

The cove is quiet and remote. There are no restaurants beyond the lodge, no bars, and no entertainment beyond fishing and the occasional hike. Bring books or be prepared to spend your evenings talking with other anglers. Cell service is unreliable, so do not plan on staying in constant contact with the outside world.

Nearby alternatives if Coffman Cove is booked

If Coffman Cove Lodge is full, Craig and Klawock — both on Prince of Wales Island — have more lodging options and are easier to reach by road from Ketchikan. The fishing is similar: halibut, rockfish, and salmon in the same waters. Ketchikan itself has many more lodges and charter services, though you will be traveling farther to reach the same fishing grounds.

Thorne Bay, also on Prince of Wales Island, is another small community with lodges and charter access to halibut and salmon. The logistics are similar to Coffman Cove — remote, accessible by floatplane or boat — but Thorne Bay has slightly more infrastructure and is often easier to book on short notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a guide to fish Coffman Cove?

No, but most anglers book through a lodge or charter service because they provide the boat, tackle, and local knowledge. If you have your own boat and are comfortable navigating the area, you can fish on your own, though you will still need a license and must follow all regulations.

What is the best month to go for halibut?

June through August are peak months for halibut size and numbers. September is still productive and less crowded. May can be good but weather is less predictable. October is possible but weather deteriorates and some lodges close.

Can I fly into Coffman Cove with my own fishing gear?

Yes, but floatplanes have strict weight limits. Pack rods in a tube and check luggage weight with the floatplane operator before you book. Tackle can usually be brought as carry-on if it fits in a small bag, but confirm with the operator.

What happens if the weather turns bad while I am there?

Coffman Cove is protected, but Southeast Alaska weather can change rapidly. Most lodges have backup activities — hiking, card games, meals — and will reschedule fishing trips if conditions are unsafe. Bad weather can strand you for a day or two, so build extra time into your trip if possible.

Are there fish to catch in winter?

Halibut and rockfish are present year-round, but most lodges close from November through April due to weather and reduced daylight. If you want to fish in winter, contact the lodge directly to see if they offer off-season trips; some do, but they are rare and expensive.