Colville angler catches coho salmon, reward in Alaska

A Colville man hooked a fish – and a prize – while on an Alaskan angling adventure.

Rod Fogle caught a 12.4-pound coho (silver) salmon while fishing in Alaska on a guided trip with the Waterfall Resort Alaska on the Prince of Wales Island.

The coho was the largest any guest caught in July and Fogle won $2,500 for his efforts.

Fogle owns Fogle Pump & Supply Inc.

“I’d like to say I was just a hell of a fisherman,” Fogle said. “(But the truth is) it just happened to pick my pole.”

The feel-good story has notes of sadness, however. The fish, while the biggest caught in July, is hardly a monster.

“In days gone by that’s not huge, but this year it was,” Fogle said.

Robin Eschler, a spokeswoman for the resort, said the salmon returns have been lower this season, but anglers have still enjoyed themselves.

“To be perfectly transparent it was smaller this year, but it did improve as the season went on,” she said.

Salmon runs across the nation have been low this year. Why isn’t clear, although biologists believe poor ocean conditions the past few years and warming temperatures may be playing a part.

Earlier this month, Washington fish managers closed much of the Columbia River to salmon fishing in response to poor returns.

Still, anglers have reported good times, and Fogle was no different. He plans to return next season and the one after that.

“God willing, I’ll be there,” he said.