Coho Salmon
Oncorhynchus kisutch
A hard-fighting Pacific salmon prized for its acrobatic runs, the coho (silver) salmon returns to B.C.'s coastal and interior rivers in fall, its chrome flanks flushing to deep red at spawning. Non-tidal coho fisheries open only during announced DFO windows and require a Salmon Conservation Stamp to retain fish.
Coastal and interior rivers during fall spawning runs; juveniles rear in streams for a year before going to sea.
How to Catch Coho Salmon
Whether you're new to targeting Coho Salmon or refining your approach, success starts with matching your tactics to where the fish lives. Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) is typically found in river water, so concentrate your effort where those conditions line up. Mature Coho Salmon average around 24 inches, which helps you choose the right line, lure size, and tackle for the fight.
Where to Find Coho Salmon in the USA & Canada
Coho Salmon is recorded across a range of North American waters, including spots in Alaska, British Columbia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington, Wisconsin, and Yukon. Browse the linked water guides below to see the specific lakes, rivers, and coastal waters where anglers report catching Coho Salmon, then plan a trip around the water closest to you.
Coho Salmon Fishing Regulations & Limits
Fishing rules for Coho Salmon vary by state and province. Before you head out, check the daily bag limits, minimum size limits, and open seasons that apply in your area. When FishFinder has matching records, the regulations link below takes you to the rules hub. Following local limits keeps Coho Salmon populations healthy for future seasons.
Related Water Guides for Coho Salmon
Explore these FishFinder water guides for places where Coho Salmon is recorded:
- Lake Erie — Coho Salmon fishing water
- Columbia River — Coho Salmon fishing water
- Fraser River — Coho Salmon fishing water
- Cowichan River — Coho Salmon fishing water
- Campbell River — Coho Salmon fishing water
- Chilliwack (Vedder) River — Coho Salmon fishing water
- Squamish River — Coho Salmon fishing water
- Dean River — Coho Salmon fishing water
- Skeena River — Coho Salmon fishing water
- Bulkley River — Coho Salmon fishing water
- Kispiox River — Coho Salmon fishing water
- Klukshu River — Coho Salmon fishing water
- Tatshenshini River — Coho Salmon fishing water
- Klondike River — Coho Salmon fishing water
- Takhini River — Coho Salmon fishing water
- Tatchun River — Coho Salmon fishing water
- Kenai River — Coho Salmon fishing water
- Russian River — Coho Salmon fishing water
- Kasilof River — Coho Salmon fishing water
- Anchor River — Coho Salmon fishing water
- Deep Creek — Coho Salmon fishing water
- Situk River — Coho Salmon fishing water
- Thorne River — Coho Salmon fishing water
- Naknek River — Coho Salmon fishing water
- Kvichak River — Coho Salmon fishing water
- Nushagak River — Coho Salmon fishing water
- Alagnak River — Coho Salmon fishing water
- Tanana River — Coho Salmon fishing water
- Delta Clearwater River — Coho Salmon fishing water
- Yukon River — Coho Salmon fishing water
- Lake Cascade — Coho Salmon fishing water
- Lake Michigan (Illinois Waters) — Coho Salmon fishing water
- St. Joseph River — Coho Salmon fishing water
- Lake Michigan (Indiana Waters) — Coho Salmon fishing water
- Pere Marquette River — Coho Salmon fishing water
- Lake Superior (Minnesota) — Coho Salmon fishing water
- Lake Ontario (New York) — Coho Salmon fishing water
- Salmon River (New York) — Coho Salmon fishing water
- Siltcoos Lake — Coho Salmon fishing water
- Willamette River — Coho Salmon fishing water
- Clackamas River — Coho Salmon fishing water
- Sandy River — Coho Salmon fishing water
- Rogue River — Coho Salmon fishing water
- North Umpqua River — Coho Salmon fishing water
- Umpqua River — Coho Salmon fishing water
- Deschutes River — Coho Salmon fishing water
- Grande Ronde River — Coho Salmon fishing water
- Umatilla River — Coho Salmon fishing water
- Walnut Creek — Coho Salmon fishing water
- Lake Sammamish — Coho Salmon fishing water
- Mayfield Lake — Coho Salmon fishing water
- Riffe Lake — Coho Salmon fishing water
- Green Bay — Coho Salmon fishing water
- Lake Michigan (Wisconsin Waters) — Coho Salmon fishing water
- Lake Superior (Wisconsin Waters) — Coho Salmon fishing water
Coho Salmon Regulations
Review current FishFinder regulation records before targeting Coho Salmon:
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of water is best for catching Coho Salmon?
Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) is typically found in river water. Focus your effort where those conditions line up to improve your chances.
How big does Coho Salmon get?
Mature Coho Salmon average around 24 inches, though individual fish can run larger. Matching your line, lure size, and tackle to that range makes for a better fight and landing rate.
Where can I catch Coho Salmon in the USA and Canada?
Coho Salmon is reported across North American waters, including spots in Alaska, British Columbia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington, Wisconsin, and Yukon. Check the locations listed on this page to find the lakes, rivers, and coastal waters closest to you.
Do I need a fishing license to catch Coho Salmon?
A valid fishing license is required in most US states and Canadian provinces. Daily bag limits, minimum size limits, and open seasons for Coho Salmon vary by region, so review the regulations on this page and with your local wildlife authority before heading out.