The Fishing Report
Coho Salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch
Coho Salmon Size, Range & Diet
| Typical size | 20–26 in, 4–8 lb |
|---|---|
| Maximum | up to about 38 in and 33 lb |
| Lifespan | 3–4 years |
| Range | Stocked and naturalized throughout Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, Lake Huron and Lake Ontario, with the heaviest runs along Michigan's west shore. |
| Habitat | Roams open lake water at its preferred temperature band, then stacks off river mouths, piers and harbors in fall. |
| Diet | Alewives and smelt out in the lake, plus insects and eggs near the tributaries. |
Sizes are typical rod-and-reel and documented maximum figures, not size limits — see the regulations links below for the rules where you fish.
How to Identify a Coho Salmon
- Chrome silver with a metallic blue-green back
- Black spots on the back and the UPPER lobe of the tail only
- Dark/gray mouth interior but a WHITE gum line at the tooth bases
- 12-15 anal fin rays
- Broad, only slightly forked tail
- Typically smaller and slimmer than a Chinook
Tell it apart: Coho has a WHITE gum line (the reliable tell) with tail spots on the upper lobe only; Chinook has a black mouth WITH black gums and spots on both tail lobes; steelhead has a fully white mouth and gums.
Easily confused with: Chinook Salmon, Steelhead
Side by side: Coho Salmon vs Brown Trout, Coho Salmon vs Chum Salmon, Coho Salmon vs King Salmon, Coho Salmon vs Pink Salmon, Coho Salmon vs Sockeye Salmon, Coho Salmon vs Steelhead
How to Catch Coho Salmon
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- Prime June-September in warming water; troll small spoons and flashers behind downriggers and on planer boards, working surface temperature breaks.GearTrolling spoonsFlasher and flyDownrigger weights
- Best August and September as fish stage in bays — troll spinners and small herring near the surface, or cast spinners to schools rolling on the tide.GearSalmon trolling spinnersHerring bait rigsCasting spoons
- Best July and August — troll fast with green hoochies or herring behind a flasher near the surface, where aggressive coho slash at the bait.GearSalmon hoochie squidsTrolling flashersHerring bait rigs
- Best August-September; cast bright spoons and spinners at river mouths and troll herring in salt water, with aggressive coho hammering flashy hardware.GearCasting spoonsInline spinnersSalmon spinning combo
When & Where Coho Salmon Are in Season
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great Lakes Nearshore | ||||||||||||
| Great Lakes Offshore | ||||||||||||
| Pacific Northwest Inshore | ||||||||||||
| Pacific Northwest Nearshore | ||||||||||||
| Alaska — Southcentral & Southeast Inshore | ||||||||||||
| Alaska — Southcentral & Southeast Nearshore | ||||||||||||
| Alaska — Southcentral & Southeast Offshore |