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Coho Salmon

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon are one of Indiana's most popular salmonid species despite being non-native to the state.

Originally from the Pacific Ocean, coho were introduced to Lake Michigan in the late 1960s as part of a fisheries management program to control alewife populations.

Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus kisutch

Also known as silver salmon

Physical Characteristics:
  • Adult coho average 24-30 inches and 8-12 pounds, though record fish can reach 42 inches and 36 pounds.
  • In their marine phase, they display dark metallic blue or greenish backs with silver sides and a light belly, developing darker coloration with reddish-maroon sides when returning to spawn.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Lake Michigan and its tributaries in Indiana.
  • During winter they cruise warm water areas near harbor mouths and deeper offshore zones in 150+ feet of water; in spring they migrate to southern Lake Michigan's warmer waters; summer finds them seeking cool temperatures at depths of 60-300+ feet; and fall brings their return to tributaries.

Key Locations

  • Shore fishing locations: East Chicago Marina breakwall, BP Whiting Discharge, Hammond Marina breakwall, Portage Lakefront Park, Port of Indiana Shore Fishing Site, and Michigan City pier at Washington Park.
  • Boat launches: East Chicago's Pastrick Marina, Hammond Marina, Portage Public Marina, or Michigan City's Washington Park Marina.
  • River fishing: Trail Creek, Salt Creek, Little Calumet River, and the St.
  • Joseph River during fall runs.

Specific Spots

  • Target depths vary seasonally: shallow water (15-50 feet) in spring, deeper water (60-300 feet) in summer, with fish typically oriented in the top 15 feet of the water column regardless of depth.
  • Focus on warm water discharges early in the season.

Coho Salmon FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Trolling lures: Brad's Thin Fish (especially the red squiggle pattern), Thundersticks, Husky Jerks, X-raps, Flicker Shads, and jointed Rapalas in bright colors like orange, firetiger, pink, chrome/blue, and rainbow.

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

The prime season for coho salmon fishing in Indiana runs from February through April for shore and boat fishing, with March offering the most consistent action after ice-out until water temperatures reach 48-50 degrees.

How do you catch Coho Salmon in Indiana?

Spring trolling at speeds of 1.8-3.2 mph, with slower speeds in colder water. Shore fishing using simple bobber rigs with size 2-6 hooks suspended 4-6 feet under small bobbers. Casting lures from shore.

What do Coho Salmon eat?

Their diverse diet includes young alewives, shiners, round gobies, aquatic invertebrates like water fleas and midge larvae, freshwater shrimp, and terrestrial insects including flies, lady beetles, and stinkbugs that blow into the lake.

Where do Coho Salmon live in Indiana?

Lake Michigan and its tributaries in Indiana. During winter they cruise warm water areas near harbor mouths and deeper offshore zones in 150+ feet of water; in spring they migrate to southern Lake Michigan's warmer waters; summer finds them seeking cool temperatures at depths of 60-300+ feet; and fall brings their...

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