Now that we are on September’s deeper slide into fall, it’s time to concentrate on those beautiful silvers entering the streams, although they are still draggin’ their butts getting there.

As we close out this column for the season, we would like to offer a few tips on how to nail those silver warriors and add some fire to those casts.

Simply put, attack the streams at the birth of dawn and the dying of day.

Silvers are spooky and avoid daylight like it’s a skunked-soaked dog with a breath that could melt the paint off a truck. They also love the rain and tend to motor upstream as the water level rises and the water temperature is as cool as you think you look in your new gear that costs more than a vehicle payment.

When spin casting, it is important not to stop retrieving until the spinner or spoon is almost at your feet. Silvers will often follow your lure all the way in before striking. I’ve had them slam it just as I was ready to take it out of the water.

The first time it happened, the hit startled the hell out of me, and I lost the fish because I stood there frozen like a dork without a clue. But I learned.

Another suggestion while retrieving the lure is to move the rod to the left or right once in a while to change the direction of the lure. Also just stop reeling altogether for a second allowing the lure to flutter to see if that inveigles a strike.

If you are using a fly rod and targeting fish holding in slower currents, don’t cast your fly and line on top of them. Cast beyond or to the side of where the fish are holding and then start your retrieve as short strips with the occasional pause. Coho will leave the school to chase and bite the fly.

Remember, when hooked, they cop a nasty attitude and will normally blast out of the water with a tendency to roll in the line and leader. Flies commonly used for this type of fishing are Muddler minnows, flash flies in greens, blues and reds and wooly buggers in different colors. Of course everyone has their favorite lure especially if they’ve made it themselves and looks like something a cat coughed up. Use what works for you. That includes techniques.

Now before we roll into the last fishing report for the season, I’d like to say that it has been another great run, especially because of the feedback, tips and tales that many of you shot my way. Such expertise and timely inputs are always appreciated.

If it were not for space restrictions, I could have shared 98% of them. As for the other 2%? Let’s just say that some of you need to chill out on knocking back a four-pack of growlers before trying to pound out inane observations that reflect the intellect of a troglodyte who couldn’t win a Tic-Tac-Toe match with a fish fillet. I have freezer-burned meat exhibiting a higher cerebral capacity. Hopefully you can snag some serious downtime over the winter. You need the rest.

I’d especially like to give a special shout-out to Michael Booz and his local Alaska Fish and Game crew for their sense of humor and the inestimable information that they’ve provided each week.

Nor can we forget the plethora of fine tips on fishing techniques, what’s hitting what, and excellent information as to where the action is sizzling or deader than a waddling porcupine after an ill-timed encounter with a logging truck. We deeply appreciate the support and information.

And finally, a standing ovation for my loving wife, Jane, who patiently peruses my final drafts and recommends changes so my editor’s head won’t explode when the column hits his inbox.

One more note:

I have received several inquiries about the Z-Ray lure that I’ve recommended over the years.

The background story goes like this: Many years ago, I was stationed in Arizona and fished the Mogollon Rim. While exploring the lakes, I met a local who recommended a lure called a Z-Ray. I had amazing luck with it and took a few of them with me when I visited my folks in Juneau. The silvers slammed the things so hard I had to put on bigger hooks because they bent the originals.

The Zs come in different colors and sizes. The ones I use are a bright nickel color featuring three red dots on the body and the largest size available and still modify them hook-wise because the Coho strikes are righteously nasty.

It’s time now to take a look at the last fishing report for the season.

The Anchor River has been having its ups and downs depending on when transient rain clouds pay a visit. If things get soaked, the water rises and can become exceptionally murky, slowing the steelhead and silver fishing to a crawl. The good news is when the skies clear, so does the river and you have a much better chance to nail late-arriving silvers that have moved up to share the space with the steelies in some of the deeper holes.

For those winter king aficionados, all I can say is that the cleaning tables have been displaying a growing display of beautiful, transient blackmouth landings.

Finally, I’m still seeing several decent halibut brought in, but don’t get too wound up — the action has backed down to second gear and will continue to do so as the days darken and the flats head out to their deep winter haunts.

Again, thank you for following us, and we look forward to helping you find the hot spots next year.

Nick can be reached at ncvarney@gmail.com.