Oncorhynchus kisutch
Bright chrome-silver ocean fish with small black spots on the upper back and upper lobe of the tail only (key identifier — kings have spots on both tail lobes). White gum line on lower jaw (kings have black gums). Dark metallic blue-green back. Spawning males turn deep crimson-red on sides with dark green head, prominent kype, and humped back.
Males develop an extreme hooked jaw, humped back, and deep red flanks during spawning — one of the most dramatic transformations in the salmon family. Females become darker but retain a more normal body shape. Both die after spawning.
Average ocean catch is 8-12 lbs. Quality coho run 12-18 lbs. Trophy fish exceed 20 lbs. The all-tackle world record is 33 lbs 4 oz. Washington and Oregon produce the largest ocean-caught coho. River fish average slightly smaller due to energy expenditure during migration.
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.
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).
Coho regulations vary significantly by state and water body. Most areas have a 2-fish daily limit. Hatchery (fin-clipped) vs. wild retention rules apply — many rivers are catch-and-release only for wild coho. Barbless hooks required in many areas. Oregon and Washington have complex zone-specific regulations. Check current rules carefully.
Regulations change frequently. Always verify current rules with your charter captain or state wildlife agency before fishing.
Washington · Strait & Sound
Oregon · Northern Oregon Coast
Oregon · Southern Oregon Coast
Washington · Strait & Sound
Oregon · Southern Oregon Coast
Oregon · Northern Oregon Coast
California · Northern California
Oregon · Southern Oregon Coast
Oregon · Northern Oregon Coast
Oregon · Southern Oregon Coast
Alaska · Southeast Alaska
Alaska · Kenai Peninsula
Washington · Washington Outer Coast
Alaska · Southeast Alaska
Alaska · Kenai Peninsula
Alaska · Southeast Alaska
Alaska · Kodiak & Beyond
Washington · Washington Outer Coast
Oregon · Northern Oregon Coast
Washington · Washington Outer Coast
Oregon · Northern Oregon Coast
Alaska · Southeast Alaska
Washington · Strait & Sound
Washington · Strait & Sound
Washington · Strait & Sound
Washington · Strait & Sound
Alaska · Kenai Peninsula
Alaska · Southeast Alaska
Alaska · Kenai Peninsula
Washington · Washington Outer Coast
Alaska · Kenai Peninsula
Oregon · Southern Oregon Coast
Alaska · Southeast Alaska
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