Coho Salmon: Facts, Records, and How to Catch Them | FishyAF
What is a Coho (Silver) Salmon?
Coho Salmon, also known as Silver Salmon, are the flashy speed demons of the Pacific. Smaller than Chinook but no less fierce, these chrome-sided fish are known for blistering runs, acrobatic jumps, and serious fight power. Whether trolling offshore or swinging flies in Alaskan rivers, Coho bring non-stop chaos to your line.
The first FishyAF Coho was landed by Kurt Rohling — picture-perfect chrome, tight drag, and a surface run that screamed “FishyAF.”
This FishyAF guide covers how to find them, what to throw, and when to chase these silver slayers. Click here to see what salmon chasers are wearing.
🐟 Coho Salmon Quick Facts
| Fact | Info |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Oncorhynchus kisutch |
| Average Size | 6–15 lbs typical; trophies 20+ lbs |
| World Record | 33 lbs 4 oz — Salmon River, NY (IGFA) |
| Habitat | North Pacific Ocean, Alaska to California, Great Lakes, and spawning rivers |
| Edible? | Yes — rich, red-orange meat; great grilled, smoked, or baked |
❓ FAQs About Coho (Silver) Salmon
Where can you catch Coho Salmon?
Across the Pacific Coast from Alaska to California, plus the Great Lakes where they’ve been successfully introduced. They thrive in both saltwater and freshwater systems.
How big do Coho Salmon get?
Most weigh between 6–15 lbs, but big ocean fish and Great Lakes giants can break the 20-lb mark.
What is the world record Coho Salmon?
The IGFA world record is 33 lbs 4 oz from New York’s Salmon River — an absolute slab of silver muscle.
Are Coho Salmon good to eat?
Absolutely — firm, flavorful meat that’s perfect on the grill, in sushi, or smoked. Many anglers say it’s second only to Chinook for table quality.
How do you catch Coho Salmon?
In saltwater, troll small spoons, flashers, or herring rigs behind downriggers. In rivers, drift eggs, cast spinners, or swing flies — they crush fast-moving targets with aggression.
What’s the best bait or lure for Coho Salmon?
In the ocean, anchovies or herring behind flashers. In rivers, try pink spoons, jigs, or egg clusters. They’re reaction feeders — speed and flash are your friends.
When is the best time to catch Coho Salmon?
Late summer through fall as they move from ocean to river systems. Great Lakes Coho run in early fall — prime time for river mayhem.
😂 FishyAF Coho Salmon Joke
Coho Salmon — proof that silver bullets exist, they just swim upstream.
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