Coho Salmon

Coho Salmon are found on both sides of the North Pacific Ocean, roaming both ocean waters and coastal streams and rivers from central California to Alaska, and from Japan through eastern Russia. In North America, the largest Coho runs are concentrated from central Oregon to southeastern Alaska. Coho Salmon have also been introduced into the Great Lakes and many reservoirs throughout North America. Fall is usually the best time to target Cohos as they return to the rivers to spawn; there are usually Coho Salmon moving into rivers between July and November, with most salmon runs hitting their peak in September. In Alaska, you can find Cohos in almost every part of the state, but the largest runs are found in the southeast, on the Kenai Peninsula, Kodiak Island, and Bristol Bay.

Coho Salmon average 8 to 12 pounds in size, but they can grow as large as 35 pounds. Typically for Salmon , they are anadromous. Cohos are hard-fighting fish and eagerly sought after by anglers. They are known as “Silvers” because of their silver-sided coloration during their ocean phase, which lasts for a short time after they enter rivers. As they mature and get ready to spawn, Cohos change color, turning bright red with dark bluish-green heads and backs, and dark spots on their backs. Coho Salmon also develop a large, hooked beak known as a “kype” during their spawning phase.

Coho Salmon are one of the most popular sport fish in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, and they can be caught in fresh or saltwater. While in saltwater, Cohos will aggressively strike a variety of baits and lures. Once Coho Salmon move into rivers, they no longer feed, but they remain very aggressive and will lash out at spinners, jigs, and flies that come too close. Cohos often school in shallow water near the shore, which makes it possible to shore-fish for salmon as well as target them from boats. Swinging spinners and twitching jigs are two of the most popular methods for catching Coho Salmon. When fly fishing for Cohos, stripping streamers and drifting nymphs are usually the most successful tactics, but it is also possible to catch these fish by “popping” a floating fly along the surface above a school of fish.