Resurrection Bay Sept. 16: coho pickup in the bay; freshwater still waiting on rain

ADF&G’s Sept. 16, 2026 North Gulf Coast / Resurrection Bay report says saltwater coho finally picked up. Most of the action is toward the head of the bay, with smaller schools showing near the Sea Life Center, outside the harbor, and along the town front. Standard play: troll medium herring until you mark a school, then mooch herring with a hoochie through it. The culvert at the Seward Lagoon outflow is feast-or-famine; incoming tide has been the better window.

Fresh water is still waiting on rain. Resurrection River to Nash Road is open for salmon except kings, unbaited single-hook only, no snagging. Coho have been slow to enter on low water. More than 250 have passed Bear Creek weir; managers expect fishing and passage to improve with forecast rain. The youth-only Seward Lagoon fishery (anglers 15 and under) stays open through Oct. 5 under Emergency Order 2-SS-8-50-26.

Rockfish remain excellent near the bay entrance, the Chiswell Islands, and rocky Gulf points — mostly blacks. Halibut is fair outside the bay and slow inside, with the bite easing as larger fish move offshore. Confirm Southcentral emergency orders before you go.

This is a The Gillnet news desk summary, not a reprint.

Source: ADF&G — North Gulf Coast / Resurrection Bay sport fishing report (Sept. 16, 2026).