Alaska’s Coho Rodeo, a popular fishing event, has been delayed due to a lack of coho salmon in Ship Creek. Organizer Steve Slinker is worried as anglers worldwide come to participate. Historically, the last week of July and the first week of August are the peak seasons for coho salmon runs in Ship Creek. But this year, the expected influx of fish has not materialized, leaving anglers and organizers wondering when or if they will arrive.
Uncertain Future for Coho Rodeo
Slinker hopes the run is slower this year, but the delay highly impacts businesses, anglers, tourists, and Alaskans trying to fill their freezers. The limit is three cohos per person daily, but people are lucky to catch one or two. Slinker usually knows when the fish are running, but this year, the schools are small, and the fish are scarce.
What’s more alarming is the low pink salmon numbers in Ship Creek and Hope. Slinker is concerned that the Northern Cook Inlet commercial fisheries have begun harvesting coho salmon despite the alarmingly low fish count in Ship Creek and other areas. He fears this could further deplete the already scarce population and exacerbate the crisis. Andy Couch, owner of Fish Tail River Guides, agrees that commercial fisheries impact the coho population. He’s seen a dramatic decline in coho salmon over the last five years, tied to increased commercial harvesting.
Couch points to declining escapements, harvest yields, and sport fisheries as evidence. Slinker hopes more fish will arrive soon, but the derby may be canceled if the run doesn’t improve. The delayed event is rescheduled for August 10, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Slinker and Couch are concerned about the sustainability of commercial fisheries and the impact on coho salmon populations. They hope for a better fish count soon to save the Coho Rodeo and the fishing season.
