Coghill River Sockeye Salmon Fish Counts
Real-time and historical weir counts tracking Sockeye (Red) salmon on the Coghill River—a remote Prince William Sound gem with exceptional runs.
Understanding Coghill River Sockeye Runs
The Coghill River flows into Coghill Lake in Prince William Sound, approximately 50 miles west of Valdez. Fish are counted at a weir as they migrate upstream to spawn. This remote fishery often produces strong sockeye runs, leading to liberalized bag limits when escapement goals are exceeded.
🐟 Sockeye Salmon Run (Late May – Late August)
Sockeye salmon typically arrive in late May with peak passage occurring in June and July. The 2025 forecast projects 331,000 fish—57% above the 10-year average—making it an exceptional year for this fishery.
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About Coghill River Sockeye Salmon Fishing
The Coghill River is a remote gem in Prince William Sound, located approximately 50 miles west of Valdez. This pristine river flows into Coghill Lake and is known for producing some of the strongest sockeye salmon runs in the region. While access is challenging, anglers who make the journey are often rewarded with exceptional fishing and the opportunity to harvest surplus fish when runs exceed escapement goals.
Run Timing & Peak Fishing
Coghill River Sockeye typically begin arriving in late May, with the bulk of the run passing through the weir in June and July. Peak fishing usually occurs from mid-June through mid-July. The run tapers through August, though fish continue to enter the system into late summer. Early-season fish tend to be the brightest and firmest for table fare.
2025 Forecast: Exceptional Year Expected
The 2025 total sockeye salmon run to Coghill Lake is forecasted at 331,000 fish—an impressive 57% above the 10-year average of 211,000 fish. This strong forecast suggests another year of liberalized bag limits and excellent fishing opportunities for those willing to make the trip.
Escapement Goals & Management
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has set the Coghill River sockeye salmon escapement goal at 20,000 to 60,000 fish. When runs are strong and escapement goals are projected to be exceeded, ADF&G typically issues emergency orders to increase bag and possession limits. In 2024, limits were increased to 12 fish per day and 24 in possession from July through December.
Access & Getting There
The Coghill River is not easily accessible—there are no roads to this remote location. Anglers typically reach the area by:
• Floatplane: Charter flights from Anchorage, Valdez, or Cordova
• Boat: Water taxi or private vessel from Whittier or Valdez
• Guided trips: Several outfitters offer multi-day fishing trips to the area
The remote setting means careful planning is essential. Bring all necessary gear, food, and supplies, and be prepared for changing weather conditions typical of Prince William Sound.
Fishing Regulations
Standard Prince William Sound sockeye salmon regulations apply, though emergency orders frequently modify limits based on run strength. In recent strong years, limits have been increased to 12 sockeye per day with 24 in possession. Always check current ADF&G emergency orders before your trip, as regulations can change mid-season based on escapement counts at the weir.
Why Fish Coghill River?
Despite the challenging access, the Coghill River offers several unique advantages:
• Less fishing pressure: Remote location means fewer anglers
• Liberalized limits: Strong runs often mean higher bag limits
• Pristine wilderness: Stunning Prince William Sound scenery
• Quality fish: Excellent table fare from cold, clean waters
• Multi-species opportunities: Pink, chum, coho, and chinook also available in season
Tracking Coghill River Sockeye fish counts helps anglers time their trips for peak runs and monitor whether liberalized limits are in effect. The weir data provides accurate daily escapement counts essential for planning a successful expedition to this remote fishery.