Oregon · Southern Oregon Coast
COHO SALMON FISHING
IN FLORENCE
Florence is a solid destination for coho salmon fishing, with peak season in September and good catches in August, October. Book a charter and target coho salmon with local experts.
About Coho Salmon Fishing in Florence
Silver salmon are legendary fighters known for explosive surface strikes and aerial acrobatics. Coho run from midsummer through fall along the entire Pacific coast, from California's Smith River to Alaska's Kenai Peninsula. Bright chrome ocean fish are prized for both sport and table quality.
Coho Salmon — also called Silver Salmon — are prized for their aggressive surface strikes and spectacular aerial acrobatics. Averaging 8-12 pounds, they are smaller than kings but pound-for-pound are considered harder fighters. Ocean-phase coho are brilliant chrome-silver with small black spots confined to the upper lobe of the tail and the back above the lateral line. Spawning males turn deep red on the sides with a dark green head and develop a dramatic hooked jaw. Females become darker but retain more of their shape.
Scientific name: Oncorhynchus kisutch
Coho Salmon Seasonal Calendar — Florence
Month-by-month availability for coho salmon in Florence, OR.
How to Catch Coho Salmon in Florence
Techniques & Bait
Ocean trolling with herring, hoochies (plastic squid lures), or spoons behind flashers at 15-60 feet is the primary technique. Coho often feed higher in the water column than kings, so shallower presentations work well. Casting buzz bombs, Crippled Herring spoons, and spinners into surface-feeding schools produces explosive strikes. In rivers, casting spinners (Blue Fox, Panther Martin), drifting roe under a float, or swinging flies on a sink-tip line are all effective. Coho are aggressive and respond well to fast-moving presentations.
Recommended Tackle
Ocean: 7-8'6" medium rod, level-wind or spinning reel, 15-20 lb mono or 30 lb braid. River: 8'6"-9'6" medium rod, spinning reel, 10-15 lb line, 8-12 lb fluorocarbon leader. Fly: 7-8 weight rod, sink-tip line, bright patterns (Clouser, Bunny Leech, Egg-Sucking Leech).
Best Nearshore Fishing Spots in Florence
Top spots where local captains target coho salmon and other nearshore species.
Heceta Head Reef
Heceta Head north of Florence is one of Oregon's most dramatic headlands, and its rocky nearshore reefs hold lingcod, black rockfish, and cabezon in kelp-covered structure. The lighthouse-capped headland's exposed reefs catch upwelling currents that support productive ecosystems.
Sea Lion Caves Reef
The rocky reef structure off Sea Lion Caves north of Florence holds rockfish, lingcod, and greenling in nearshore habitat adjacent to one of Oregon's most famous coastal landmarks. The reef's volcanic structure provides diverse bottom terrain for multi-species fishing.
Sutton Creek Beach
Sutton Creek Beach north of Florence provides surf-fishing for redtail surfperch and striped perch from a sandy beach backed by coastal dunes. The creek's outflow attracts baitfish and perch to the surf zone during higher tides.
Baker Beach Reef
The rocky reef off Baker Beach south of Florence holds rockfish, lingcod, and cabezon in nearshore structure accessible by boat from the Siuslaw River. The reef provides quality bottom-fishing for charter boats on half-day trips.
Other Species in Florence
More fish you can target while visiting Florence.
Coho Salmon Fishing in Florence — FAQ
The peak months for Coho Salmon fishing in Florence are September. During these months, Coho Salmon are most active and abundant in the Florence area.
Coho Salmon fishing charters in Florence are typically nearshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Ocean trolling with herring, hoochies (plastic squid lures), or spoons behind flashers at 15-60 feet is the primary technique. Coho often feed higher in the water column than kings, so shallower presentations work well. Casting buzz bombs, Crippled Herring spoons, and spinners into surface-feeding schools produces explosive strikes. In rivers, casting spinners (Blue Fox, Panther Martin), drifting roe under a float, or swinging flies on a sink-tip line are all effective. Coho are aggressive and respond well to fast-moving presentations.
No — when you book a charter in Florence, your captain provides all required Oregon fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Coho Salmon regulations in Oregon include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Coho Salmon in Florence, you may also catch Rockfish, Lingcod, Chinook Salmon, Dungeness Crab, Pacific Halibut. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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