How to Fish Spinners for Coho Salmon on the Kenai River
Tips from the Boat – by professional guide Andrew Chadwick
If you’re looking to get in on some of the most exciting salmon fishing Alaska has to offer, you can’t beat spinner fishing for silver salmon on the Kenai River.
Coho (silver) salmon are aggressive, hard-fighting, and flat-out fun to catch. And when you throw the right spinner in the right water, they’ll hammer it with zero hesitation.
Whether you’re a first-time angler or a seasoned vet, here’s how I approach fishing spinners for coho when I’m guiding on the Kenai.
Why Spinners Are a Go-To for Kenai River Coho
Silver salmon are known for their aggression and speed. Once they hit the Kenai, they aren’t feeding much, but they’re still highly reactive — especially to flash, vibration, and movement.
Spinners check all those boxes. When worked correctly, a spinner triggers territorial instincts and reaction strikes, making them one of the best lures for coho salmon on the Kenai.
Spinner Setup for Coho on the Kenai River
Rod & Reel Setup:
- Medium or medium-heavy spinning rod (8’6”–9’6”)
- 3000–4000 size spinning reel
- 30–40 lb braided mainline with a 12–15 lb fluorocarbon leader
A few top Spinner Choices:
- Blue Fox Vibrax (Size 3–5) – my go-to for Kenai coho
- Panther Martin Salmon Series
- Mepps Aglia Long in chartreuse, pink, orange, or silver
On cloudy days or in murky water, UV finishes and brighter colors like chartreuse or flame orange tend to outproduce.
Where to Cast for Kenai Coho
On the Kenai River, coho typically hold in soft water with moderate depth and current. I like to target:
- Inside bends with slower water
- Tailouts below gravel bars
- Current seams near drop-offs or structure
- Edges of main current — not in the heavy flow, but just outside it
From the boat, I’ll position us to cast upstream at a 45-degree angle, working the spinner back downstream naturally with the flow.
How to Retrieve a Spinner for Coho
Coho want the spinner close to them — not zipping over their heads. You want it riding just off the bottom where the fish are holding.
Here’s my go-to retrieve:
- Cast upstream at a 45° angle
- Let the spinner sink for a second or two
- Start a slow to moderate retrieve — just enough to keep the blade spinning
- Occasionally twitch or pause to change the rhythm and trigger reaction bites
If you’re not getting hit, try adjusting your retrieve speed, changing color, or downsizing your blade.
Don’t Miss the 2025 Coho Run – Book Your Trip Now
The 2025 Kenai River coho salmon run is shaping up to be the best we’ve seen in over a decade — big numbers and big fish.
If you want to experience a day of epic silver salmon fishing, now is the time to lock in your spot. I’ve still got a few prime dates left in August and September, but they won’t last long. The best spots for silver salmon are accessed by boat, so don’t wait to reach out to book.
