We study the multimode wave propagation in inhomogeneously coupled nonlinear optical fibers modeled by variable coefficient coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equations (vc-CNLSE). Under specific conditions on the self- and cross-phase coupling terms, we find that this system supports bright–dark, bright, dark similaritons, self-similar breathers, and rogue waves as possible localized configurations. For each of these solutions, one of the propagating modes can be made prominent by lowering the strength of its self-phase modulation in comparison to the other. We further show that this inhomogeneous system supports semi-rational self-similar rogue waves (rogons) for the equal contribution of self- and cross-phase modulation.