It is one of the top gamefish species in the Pacific Northwest, coho salmon are targeted by anglers due to their acrobatic skills and tasty meat both in the ocean and rivers. Characterized by its ability to retain its chrome appearance until the final spawning stage, the coho salmon is also commonly known as "silvers" or "bluebacks".

Description

Coho salmon have many distinct features that separate them from other members of the pacific salmon species. Small rearing juveniles have parr marks that run across their entire body. They have white gums, black tongues and numerous spots along their back. During the ocean phase, their body is silver in colour, with a blue metallic back. Their square tail has a wide base that is scattered with some spots, normally on the upper portion. Adults averagely range between 4lb to 20lb, but fish beyond this range has been recorded in the past. Small prematured spawning males between 25cm and 35cm in length are known as "jacks". During spawning, adult male will develop a distinct "hooked nose". Body colouration during spawning is red.

Identification Photos

Distribution

Coho salmon are found along the West Coast of North America, from Alaska to Oregon. They are also found in many regions along Northeastern Asia. During the adult ocean phase, these pelagic predators will patrol around the North Pacific Ocean. In the final spawning stage, they prefer to occupy waters that are generally slow and shallow such as sloughs, creeks and pools.

Life History

Coho salmon have a anadromous lifecycle like all pacific salmon species. Average lifespan is between 3 to 4 years but some males may return as early as in 2 years. Emerging from the eggs stage around later winter, small fries will rear in streams and feed on insects for several months before migrating into the ocean. They spend up to 3 years migrating in the ocean, and growing rapidly during the final year. When matured, they move into their birth stream to complete the lifecycle by spawning. Once spawning is completed, adults die from exhaustion and their carcasses become the base of a nutrient cycle in the stream ecosystem.

Fishing Locations

Coho are both targetted in the ocean and in the rivers. In the ocean, they are generally found along the kelp beds where they constantly feed on smaller fish species such as the needlefish. They are also fished at river mouths, sloughs and deep pools in a river.

Fishing Techniques

There are many techniques that can be used to target coho salmon. These include trolling, mooching in the ocean, barfishing in major river systems such as the Fraser River, spincasting on beach, in sloughs and rivers, finally driftfishing in rivers. All of these techniques have their own advantages and excitement. Common lures used include spoons, spinners that are silver or copper in colour, and buzzbombs. Bait used for drifting include freshly cured roe, dew worms. Artificial presentations such as wool, corkies, spin n' glow are also very effective. Depending on the water condition, terminal tackles used are fishing line between 8 to 15lb test and hook sizes between #1/0 and #6.

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