Coho Salmon
Coho Salmon are not native to Montana but have been introduced to various waters throughout the state as a non-indigenous species. They are known for their aggressive nature and excellent fighting ability when hooked.
Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus kisutch
Also known as Silver Salmon
- Average 8-12 pounds with some reaching up to 20 pounds, and are characterized by dark metallic blue or greenish backs with silver sides and light bellies while in marine environments.
- In freshwater spawning phase, they develop bright red sides, bluish-green heads and backs, and dark bellies.
Fishing in Montana
Missouri River
Sun River
Smith River
Belt Creek
Marias River
Benton Lake
Holter Lake
Teton River
Dearborn River
Little Muddy Creek
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- These Pacific salmon species have been documented in various waters throughout Montana.
- Coho prefer smaller rivers and tributaries and can utilize waters too small for other salmon species like Chinook.
Key Locations
- Various locations including reservoirs and some river systems in Montana.
Specific Spots
- They typically hold in quiet water areas including back eddies, lagoons, pools, and along eddylines between moving and still water.
Coho Salmon FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Coho Salmon in Montana?
Spoons (particularly Kingfisher spoons in 3.0-3.5 sizes), trolling flies like Grand Slam Bucktails and Ace Hi flies, hoochies (especially Gold Star Yamashita Octopus), and Brad's Cut Plugs.
What flies work for Coho Salmon in Montana?
Streamers, e.g.g-sucking leeches, and various salmon flies. Copper-colored patterns work well in clear water, while chartreuse and bright colors are effective in slightly colored water. Popular fly patterns include Copper Head Coho flies, Lightning Arrow patterns, Christmas Tree flies, and various woolly buggers.
How do you catch Coho Salmon in Montana?
Techniques vary from stripping streamers aggressively to dead-drifting nymphs and surface fishing with poppers. They respond well to both subsurface presentations and topwater flies.
What do Coho Salmon eat?
Aggressive feeders with a diverse diet that changes with life stage - juveniles feed primarily on plankton, crustaceans and insects, while adults consume larger forage including anchovies, sand lance, herring, squid, and other fish species.
Where do Coho Salmon live in Montana?
These Pacific salmon species have been documented in various waters throughout Montana. Coho prefer smaller rivers and tributaries and can utilize waters too small for other salmon species like Chinook.
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