Fish Active during the day

Coho Salmon

Oncorhynchus kisutch

iNaturalist Wikipedia

Witness the incredible journey of the Silver Salmon as it transitions from the deep ocean to the rushing streams of the Pacific Northwest. Known for their acrobatic leaps and brilliant red spawning colors, Coho are a true symbol of wild river health.

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Quick Identification

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Size

24-28 inches (60-71 cm) in length and 7-11 lbs (3.2-5 kg); trophy specimens can reach 39 inches (100 cm) and 36 lbs (16 kg)

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Colors

Ocean phase is silver with dark blue backs; spawning phase features dark metallic green heads and brilliant red sides, with males becoming much darker than females

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Key Features

Small black spots on the back and upper lobe of the tail only
White or light grey gums with a black tongue
Pronounced hooked snout (kype) in spawning males
Square-shaped tail with translucent silver coloring

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern Active during the day

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Peak hours 6-10 AM and 4-7 PM during migration

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Season September-January

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Diet In freshwater, juveniles eat aquatic insects and small crustaceans; in the ocean, adults are predatory hunters eating herring, sand lance, and squid

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Habitat Coastal marine waters, estuaries, and small to medium-sized freshwater streams with gravel bottoms and plenty of woody debris

public Geographic range

Where Does the Coho Salmon Live?

The Coho Salmon is a native of the North Pacific Ocean, spanning a vast arc from the chilly waters of northern Japan and Russia across the Bering Sea to Alaska. Its range extends south along the western coast of North America, reaching as far as Monterey Bay, California. Beyond their native marine haunts, they have been successfully introduced to the North American Great Lakes, where they have established self-sustaining populations that provide popular inland fishing opportunities.

Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors

4 Countries

15.5M km² Range

Least Concern Conservation

US United States CA Canada Russia JP Japan

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iNaturalist / Verified observation data

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Behavior

Coho salmon are anadromous fish, meaning they spend their adult lives in the saltwater of the Pacific Ocean before returning to the freshwater streams of their birth to spawn. They are famous for their persistence and leaping ability, often seen jumping over waterfalls and log jams to reach their home tributaries. During their time in the ocean, they are highly social and form large schools to hunt, but upon entering freshwater, they become solitary and highly territorial as they compete for the best spawning gravel.

Unlike other salmon species that might spawn in the main stem of large rivers, Coho prefer smaller, clear-running coastal streams. They often wait in estuaries for the first heavy autumn rains to raise river levels before beginning their upstream trek. After spawning, both males and females die, providing a massive pulse of nutrients from the ocean that sustains the entire forest ecosystem, from eagles and bears to the very trees lining the riverbanks.

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Camera Tips

Capturing Coho Salmon on camera requires a specialized approach, as they are most visible to backyard observers during their upstream migration. For those with a creek or river on their property, an underwater action camera mounted on a weighted tripod or a PVC pole mount is the most effective tool. Position the camera in a 'pool' area—a deeper, slower-moving section of the stream—just downstream from a small riffle or log jam. This is where salmon congregate to rest before attempting the next obstacle.

If you are using a traditional trail camera, aim it at a shallow crossing or a low-profile waterfall where the fish are forced to break the surface. Set the camera to Video or Burst mode with a high trigger speed, as salmon move quickly through the frame. To reduce glare on the water's surface, which can wash out the image, try to position the camera so it is looking down at a 45-degree angle from a high bank, or use a polarizing filter if your camera housing allows it. The best time for footage is usually 48 hours after a significant rain event, as the rising water levels trigger the fish to move upstream.

While bait isn't used for camera trapping salmon, you can 'lure' them into the frame by maintaining natural cover. Leaving fallen logs in the stream (where legal) creates the slow-water eddies that salmon naturally seek out. In many regions, Coho are most active in the low light of dawn and dusk, so ensure your camera has high-quality infrared LEDs for nighttime visibility, or choose a spot with good ambient light for daytime shots. Be sure to secure your equipment with a safety cable, as autumn floods can quickly sweep away unsecured gear.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Coho Salmon.

Chinook Salmon

Larger in size with fully black gums and spots across the entire tail surface.

Sockeye Salmon

Lacks the distinct black spots on the back and tail found on the Coho.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Coho Salmon are most active during the daylight hours, particularly at dawn and dusk. During their migration, they often move most vigorously when water levels rise after a rain, regardless of the time of day.

You cannot attract salmon with food, but you can improve your stream habitat to encourage them to stay. Planting native trees for shade, keeping the water clean, and leaving natural woody debris like fallen logs provides the resting spots they need during migration.

Juvenile Coho eat aquatic insects and small crustaceans in streams. Once they reach the ocean, they become predatory, feeding on herring, sand lance, and other small fish and squid.

Yes, in the Pacific Northwest and the Great Lakes, Coho Salmon are frequently found in suburban creeks and urban waterways that have been restored to provide clean water and gravel beds.

Look at the gums: Coho have white or light grey gums at the base of their teeth, while Chinook (King) salmon have entirely black gums. Additionally, Coho only have spots on the upper half of their tail, whereas Chinook have spots across the entire tail.

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