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Coho Salmon

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon are one of three salmon species found in Idaho, along with Chinook and sockeye.

Idaho's coho population was declared extinct in 1986, but the Nez Perce Tribe successfully reintroduced them through a hatchery program starting in 1995, with coho now returning to spawn naturally in the Clearwater River drainage.

Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus kisutch

Also known as silver salmon

Physical Characteristics:
  • Adult coho average 24 inches and 8-12 pounds, though they can reach up to 36 pounds and 42 inches.
  • In marine environments, they display dark metallic blue or greenish backs with bright silver sides, but when returning to spawn in October-November, they develop dark reddish-maroon coloration.
  • Coho can be distinguished from Chinook salmon by their white gums (Chinook have black) and lack of black spots on the lower tail lobe.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Idaho coho primarily inhabit tributary streams of the Clearwater River system, preferring smaller rivers and tributaries that larger salmon species like Chinook cannot access.

Key Locations

  • Clearwater River drainage system, tributary streams of the Clearwater River system.

Specific Spots

  • Slow-moving pools, back eddies, soft pocket water on edges of fast flows, seams, and lower portions of drifts.
  • They occupy pools, runs with good cover, areas with high oxygen levels, and abundant invertebrate populations.
  • They avoid strong currents, preferring 'frog water' with adequate cover from logs, rocks, or deep enough water to provide security.

Coho Salmon FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Coho Salmon in Idaho?

Size 4-5 Blue Fox Vibrax, Mepps, or custom hoochie spinners in various colors; squid-style jigs, rabbit fur patterns, or hoochie jigs; e.g.gs under a bobber.

What flies work for Coho Salmon in Idaho?

Egg imitations, nymphs, streamers, worm patterns, and popping surface flies in pink or purple (Popper Wog, Pollywog) for aggressive fish.

When is the best time to fish for Coho Salmon in Idaho?

Main season running from late summer through fall when adults return from the ocean (August-November). The most productive period is typically September-October before fish enter spawning mode. Spawning occurs during October-November when fishing should be avoided to protect reproducing fish.

How do you catch Coho Salmon in Idaho?

Three primary techniques: spinner fishing works best for aggressive coho, twitching jigs targets less aggressive fish using up-and-down motion that triggers strikes, float fishing with e.g.gs under a bobber works well for stale or less active fish in slower water.

What do Coho Salmon eat?

Their diet shifts dramatically with life stage: young coho in freshwater eat insects, aquatic invertebrates, and terrestrial insects that fall into the water.

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