How to recognise it
The Coho Salmon, or Oncorhynchus kisutch, is known for its striking appearance. Adults typically have a bluish-green back with silver sides and a white belly. During spawning, they develop a bright red body with dark spots on their back and upper sides. They have a forked tail and a small mouth filled with sharp teeth. The Coho is often confused with the Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). The key detail that separates them is the number of spots; Coho Salmon have fewer spots on their back and tail compared to Chinook Salmon.
Where it lives
Coho Salmon are primarily found along the Pacific Coast of North America. Their range extends from California to Alaska. They inhabit both freshwater and saltwater environments. In the ocean, they are typically found at depths of 30 to 300 feet. During the summer months, they prefer cooler waters, often seeking out areas with upwelling or nearshore structures. In winter, they may move to deeper waters. In freshwater, they prefer rivers and streams with ample cover, such as rocks and vegetation, especially during their spawning runs in the fall.
When it bites
Coho Salmon are most active from May to September. They prefer water temperatures between 55°F and 65°F. Early morning and late evening are the best times to fish for them. A passing front can trigger feeding activity, while strong winds may scatter schools. A full moon can also enhance their feeding behavior, making them more likely to bite during the night.
How to catch it
To catch Coho Salmon, anglers often use various rigs and techniques. Common rigs include mooching setups with herring or anchovies, and trolling with spoons or plugs. Recommended bait sizes range from 3 to 5 inches, while lures should be 2 to 4 inches long. Popular colors for lures include silver, blue, and chartreuse. Use a line strength of 15 to 30 pounds and a hook size of 2 to 4. Cast near river mouths, estuaries, or along coastal shelves. When trolling, maintain a speed of 2 to 3 knots and vary your depth to find active fish.
Size, age and the table
Coho Salmon typically range from 18 to 30 inches in length and weigh between 5 to 12 pounds. A trophy Coho is generally considered to be over 10 pounds. They grow rapidly, reaching maturity at about 3 years of age, and can live up to 5 years. Coho Salmon are known for their excellent eating quality, with a rich, buttery flavor. When handling them, use wet hands or a landing net to minimize damage to their slime coat. For catch and release, keep them in the water as much as possible and avoid prolonged exposure to air.
