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Coho Salmon

Coho Salmon

Coho Salmon in Minnesota are non-native fish first introduced to Lake Superior waters in 1969, though the stocking program was discontinued in 1972.

Today's population consists almost entirely of naturally reproducing fish that migrate into Minnesota waters from other jurisdictions around Lake Superior.

Also known as Silver Salmon, 'Candy Fish'

Physical Characteristics:
  • Minnesota Coho are considerably smaller than their Pacific counterparts due to Lake Superior's cold, infertile environment.
  • Most fish range from 16-22 inches and weigh 1.5-3 pounds, though some can reach 26 inches and 5 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Lake Superior waters in Minnesota.
  • As summer advances, they move up the Minnesota shoreline.

Key Locations

  • Focus on piers, river mouths (especially Knife River, Brule River, Sucker River, Baptism River, and Poplar River), breakwalls, and points near spawning rivers.
  • By August are caught mostly in the Tofte and Grand Marais area.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on piers, river mouths, breakwalls, and points near spawning rivers.
  • During summer months, fish at depths of 80-100+ feet.

Coho Salmon FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Hardware options include Blue Fox spinners, spoons (particularly shiny ones), and twitching jigs with squid skirts. For Lake Superior trolling, use shiny spoons, cut baits, crankbaits, and plugs. Spawn bags (salmon roe in mesh bags).

What flies work for Coho Salmon in Minnesota?

Effective patterns include Wooly Buggers (especially in black, pink, and white), Egg-Sucking Leeches with pink and chartreuse heads, Glo Bugs and e.g.g patterns, and various streamers that resemble baitfish. Brighter patterns with pink, chartreuse, and orange tend to work best.

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

Winter fishing is excellent between February and May along the shore and breakwalls when smelt return to spawn. Spring fishing (April-June) and fall (September-November) are optimal when fish move closer to shore and river mouths. Peak periods from April through July and again in late summer through fall.

How do you catch Coho Salmon in Minnesota?

Effective techniques include float fishing with spawn bags (salmon roe in mesh bags), casting lures from shore, drift fishing, plunking, and trolling. For Lake Superior trolling, use downriggers at depths of 80-100+ feet during summer months.

What do Coho Salmon eat?

Young Coho feed on copepods and waterfleas, while immature and adult fish eat mostly small fishes like smelt and small cisco, plus opossum shrimp and terrestrial insects.

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