What Coffman Cove Offers Anglers

Coffman Cove sits on the northwest shore of Prince of Wales Island, a working fishing village of about 200 people with direct access to some of Southeast Alaska's most productive saltwater grounds. The cove itself is a natural deep-water harbor that holds halibut, lingcod, and rockfish year-round, while the surrounding waters and nearby streams support seasonal runs of salmon. Unlike the more developed towns in the region, Coffman Cove remains quiet and genuinely remote — you reach it by floatplane or boat, and that isolation is part of what makes it worth the trip.

The fishing here is not a guided-tour operation. You will be working with local knowledge, renting a skiff or booking a charter with someone who knows these waters because they live here. The cove itself rarely gets crowded, and the nearby reefs and drop-offs hold fish that see far fewer anglers than those in more accessible areas. Water conditions can change fast, and weather windows matter — but when conditions align, the fishing can be exceptional.

Key Takeaways

  • Coffman Cove is reachable only by floatplane or boat, and you should plan your trip around weather windows and tide schedules that local operators know well.
  • Halibut and lingcod are available year-round in the cove and nearby reefs, with salmon runs (primarily pink and chum) occurring in summer and early fall.
  • Skiff rentals and charter services operate from the cove itself, and booking ahead is essential because capacity is limited and weather frequently closes the window.
  • Accommodations are sparse — a few cabins and a lodge exist, but they fill quickly during peak season, so plan months ahead for summer trips.
  • Bring your own tackle and rain gear; resupply options are minimal, and the nearest full-service town is Craig, about 30 miles south by water.

Getting to Coffman Cove

Floatplane is the most common route. Air charters operate from Ketchikan and Craig, and the flight from Craig takes roughly 20 minutes. The cost varies by operator and fuel prices, but expect to pay between $300 and $500 per person for a round trip. Weather delays are routine — Southeast Alaska's maritime climate means fog, wind, and rain can close the window for days. Build extra time into your schedule and confirm your return flight the morning of departure.

If you have your own boat, the water route from Craig runs about 30 miles north and takes 1.5 to 2 hours depending on sea state. The passage is navigable but exposed in places, and conditions can deteriorate quickly. Local knowledge of tidal currents and safe anchorages matters. Many anglers who own boats in the region stage through Craig and make Coffman Cove a day trip or overnight run.

Once you arrive, the cove has a small boat harbor with moorage available. Fuel is available but limited, so confirm availability before you arrive. The community has a general store, but it does not stock fishing tackle or specialized gear — bring what you need from the mainland.

Halibut and Lingcod in the Cove and Nearby Reefs

Halibut fishing in Coffman Cove is productive year-round, with the heaviest concentrations in spring and early summer. The cove itself has good bottom structure at depths between 80 and 200 feet, and the reefs immediately outside the harbor mouth hold consistent populations. Lingcod occupy similar depths and often share the same ground. Both species respond to live herring and squid, and jigging with heavy metal lures works well when the tide is moving fast.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game sets halibut seasons and bag limits that change annually. In recent years, the Inside Passage has been open year-round for halibut, but daily limits and size restrictions vary. Check current regulations before you go — they are posted on the ADF&G website and local charter operators will know the current rules. Lingcod have their own season and limits, typically open from March through November, though this can shift.

Tides matter enormously here. The cove experiences significant tidal swings, and the best fishing often occurs during the first two hours of an incoming tide or the last two hours of an outgoing tide. Local skiff operators know the timing and will position you accordingly. If you are renting a skiff, ask the rental operator for tide tables and current predictions — they change daily and dramatically affect where fish are holding.

Salmon Runs and Seasonal Timing

Pink salmon arrive in Coffman Cove in July and August, and chum salmon follow in August and September. Both species move through the cove on their way to spawning streams, and the fishing can be fast during peak migration. Coho salmon are less common in the immediate cove but appear in nearby systems. Chinook (king) salmon are rare in this area and should not be counted on.

The salmon season in Southeast Alaska is regulated by ADF&G, and commercial fishing closures sometimes affect where you can fish. The cove itself is open to sport fishing, but nearby streams have their own rules — some are closed to protect spawning populations, and others have specific gear restrictions. Local knowledge is essential here. Charter operators and the ADF&G office in Craig can tell you which streams are open and what gear is legal.

Summer is peak season for salmon, which means July through September is when the cove sees the most visitors. Accommodations fill quickly, and floatplane availability can be tight. If you are planning a salmon trip, book your lodge or cabin and your air transportation at least two months ahead. Fall trips (late September through October) are quieter and can offer excellent fishing with fewer crowds, though weather becomes less predictable.

Skiff Rentals and Charter Services

Coffman Cove has a handful of skiff rental and charter operations, but capacity is limited. Most operate seasonally (May through September), though some run year-round. Charter services typically include a captain who knows the local grounds, tackle, and fuel. Skiff rentals give you independence but require boating experience and comfort navigating unfamiliar water. Either way, book well ahead — popular operators fill their calendar by April for the summer season.

Rental skiffs are typically 18 to 22 feet with outboard engines, equipped with GPS and fish finders. Rates vary but generally run $300 to $500 per day plus fuel. Charters (captain included) cost more — typically $800 to $1,200 per day for a boat that holds two to four anglers. Ask whether tackle and bait are included, and confirm what happens if weather cancels your trip. Most operators will reschedule rather than refund, so understand the policy before you book.

The Coffman Cove Cooperative and local lodges can connect you with operators. If you are staying at a lodge, they often have preferred charter relationships and can book for you. The ADF&G office in Craig also maintains a list of licensed operators.

Lodging and Supplies in Coffman Cove

Accommodations are sparse. A small lodge operates seasonally, and a few private cabins are available for rent through local property managers. Expect to pay $150 to $250 per night for a basic cabin with heat and running water. The lodge is slightly more expensive but includes meals. All lodging fills quickly during peak season, so book by March or April for summer trips.

The general store stocks basic groceries, fuel, and some hardware, but does not carry fishing tackle, specialized gear, or fresh bait. Bring your own tackle from the mainland. If you need bait, ask your charter operator or lodge — they often have herring and squid available for their guests. The nearest full-service town is Craig, about 30 miles south, where you can resupply before heading to Coffman Cove.

Cell service is unreliable or absent in the cove. Internet is available at the lodge but not everywhere. If you need to stay connected, confirm service with your lodging before you book. Most visitors treat Coffman Cove as a place to disconnect — bring books, be prepared for weather delays, and do not rely on being able to call out in an emergency (though the community has a radio system and can reach the Coast Guard if needed).

Weather, Tides, and Safety Considerations

Southeast Alaska's maritime climate means weather can change in hours. Fog, wind, and rain are routine, and they can close the floatplane window or make skiff fishing unsafe. Plan for at least one weather day in your trip — a day when you cannot fish and are stuck at the lodge. Experienced anglers build this into their schedule and use the time to rest, explore the community, or prepare gear.

Tidal currents in the area run strong, particularly in the passages between islands. If you are renting a skiff, understand how to read tide tables and current predictions. Local operators will teach you, but arriving with basic knowledge helps. Wear a life jacket at all times on the water — the water temperature is cold enough that hypothermia sets in quickly if you go overboard.

The cove is remote, and help is not immediately available. Floatplanes do not fly in fog or high wind, so if you are injured or sick, evacuation may take hours or days. Travel insurance that covers medical evacuation is worth considering. Bring a first-aid kit, any prescription medications you need, and inform someone on the mainland of your itinerary and expected return date.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to fish Coffman Cove?

July and August offer the most reliable weather and the fastest salmon fishing, but the cove is crowded and accommodations are hard to find. May, June, September, and early October have fewer visitors, good halibut and lingcod fishing, and occasional salmon runs. Winter (November through March) is possible but weather is severe and many services shut down.

Do I need a guide or charter to fish Coffman Cove?

You do not need one, but local knowledge is valuable. If you rent a skiff, you will navigate unfamiliar water and fish grounds you do not know. A charter captain eliminates that learning curve and puts you on fish faster. Many first-time visitors book a charter for one or two days to learn the area, then rent a skiff for the rest of their trip.

What tackle and bait should I bring?

Bring heavy jigging rods (6 to 7 feet, rated for 20 to 30 pounds) for halibut and lingcod, and medium spinning or casting rods for salmon. Pack metal jigs (2 to 8 ounces), spoons, and plugs. Bring your own herring and squid if possible, though local operators often have bait available. Rain gear, sunscreen, and polarized sunglasses are essential.

What if bad weather cancels my floatplane?

Weather delays are common and can last days. Most air charters will reschedule your flight at no additional cost, but you will need to stay longer or return later than planned. Build extra time into your trip if possible. If you have a fixed return date, discuss the airline's policy on weather delays before you book — some offer refunds or credits if delays exceed a certain length.

Can I fish Coffman Cove in winter?

Technically yes, but it is not practical. Halibut and lingcod are present, but floatplane service is unreliable, accommodations are limited, and weather is severe. Most services shut down or operate on a very limited schedule. Spring (May and June) offers better conditions and is a better choice for an off-season trip.