Coho Salmon
Coho Salmon are a Pacific salmon species that have been successfully introduced to New York's Great Lakes system. These fish spend most of their lives in Lake Ontario, feeding heavily on alewives and growing rapidly before returning to tributaries to spawn.
They are known for their aggressive nature and acrobatic fighting ability.
Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus kisutch
Also known as Silver Salmon
- In New York waters, Coho typically average 8-10 pounds when mature, though they can reach impressive sizes.
- Coho are distinguished from other salmon by their silver sides, dark metallic blue or greenish backs, and small black spots on their back and upper tail lobe, with white gums (unlike Chinook salmon).
Fishing in New York
Delaware River
East Branch Delaware River
Susquehanna River
Beaver Kill
Lackawanna River
Chenango River
Rondout Creek
Lehigh River
Tobyhanna Creek
West Branch Delaware River
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- In New York, Coho inhabit major Lake Ontario tributaries.
- These fish spend most of their lives in Lake Ontario before returning to tributaries to spawn.
Key Locations
- Major Lake Ontario tributaries including the famous Salmon River near Pulaski, Oswego River, Oak Orchard Creek, and Eighteen Mile Creek.
- Specific locations include the Salmon River from Altmar to Lake Ontario (with over 12 miles of public access), the Douglaston Salmon Run private section, Oswego River below Varick Dam, Oak Orchard Creek near Waterport, and Eighteen Mile Creek in Newfane.
Specific Spots
- Fish deeper pools, tailouts, runs along banks, and areas behind structure.
- Target the first 6-18 inches off the bottom where Coho hold.
Coho Salmon FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Coho Salmon in New York?
Blue Fox Vibrax Spinners (sizes 4-5), Dick Nite Spoons, Yakima Bait Mag Lip plugs, twitching jigs like Aerojig Rabbit Salmon Twitching Jigs, and drift bobbers like Lil Corky with yarn or cured salmon roe.
What flies work for Coho Salmon in New York?
Wooly Buggers in black, olive, purple, chartreuse, flame or orange (hook sizes #2-8), e.g.g imitations like Glo Bugs or Estaz e.g.gs in chartreuse, flame, orange or hot pink (#6-8), Mickey Finn streamers (#2-8), and marabou streamers in bright colors.
When is the best time to fish for Coho Salmon in New York?
Coho begin staging near tributary mouths in late August and enter rivers for spawning runs from September through December, with peak activity in October.
How do you catch Coho Salmon in New York?
Present baits using dead-drift techniques, keeping offerings in the first 6-18 inches off the bottom where Coho hold. The wet-fly swing method works well with streamers in moderate current. Avoid fishing during active spawning periods (typically November-December).
What do Coho Salmon eat?
Their diet consists primarily of alewives in the lake, but they also feed on other small fish, aquatic insects, and salmon e.g.gs when in rivers.
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