TideAhead

Saltwater Species Guide

Coho Salmon

Oncorhynchus kisutch

An aggressive, acrobatic Pacific salmon commonly called a silver salmon.

Also Known As:Silver salmon
Coho salmon identification illustration
NOAA Fisheries / Jack Hornady · U.S. government educational illustration · Image Source

Species Quick Facts

Common Angling Water

48–58°F

Approximate productive range, not a biological limit.

Typical Catch

Many ocean-caught fish are about 6–15 pounds

Maximum Reported Size

About 3 feet and 35 pounds

Best Baits & Lures

Best Baits
  • Herring
  • Anchovy
  • Salmon roe where legal
Best Lures
  • Spoons
  • Spinners
  • Hoochies
  • Casting jigs
Habitat

Nearshore ocean water, estuaries, and river mouths during the return migration.

How To Catch Coho Salmon

Cover water with a lively trolling presentation or cast spinners and jigs around rips and tide lines. Coho often ride higher in the water column than Chinook.

TideAhead Destinations

Harbor Guides For Coho Salmon

Species Sources

TideAhead summarizes stable identification, biology, habitat, and angling concepts. Use the primary sources below for deeper species context and live management information.