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Coho Salmon

Coho Salmon

Coho Salmon are not native to Ohio but have a limited presence through historical stocking efforts and occasional strays from other Great Lakes populations.

The salmon fishery in Ohio is very poor or almost nonexistent, with most catches being rare occurrences of fish that have strayed from Lake Huron or survivors of past stocking programs.

Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus kisutch

Also known as Silver Salmon

Physical Characteristics:
  • In Ohio waters, Coho average 8-12 pounds, though fish in the high teens are possible.
  • During their marine phase, they display silver sides and dark-blue backs, but as they enter freshwater, they develop bright-red sides, bluish-green heads and backs, dark bellies, and hooked jaws.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • In the Great Lakes system including Lake Erie.

Key Locations

  • Lake Erie and its tributaries.
  • Prime locations include river mouths, piers, breakwalls, warm water outflows, and harbors along Lake Erie's shoreline.
  • April and May offer some opportunity near Lake Erie's southern end around the Pennsylvania border.

Specific Spots

  • Coho seek out quiet water areas including back eddies, lagoons, eddylines between moving and still water, pools, and stillwater tributaries.
  • They are typically found high in the water column when first encountered.
  • When fishing rivers, focus on deeper pools, current seams, and areas with structure.

Coho Salmon FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Coho respond well to spoons, spinners, and crankbaits, particularly in pink, chartreuse, and purple colors.

What flies work for Coho Salmon in Ohio?

Use vibrantly colored streamers in pink, purple, chartreuse, and white patterns, with e.g.g patterns being particularly effective.

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

The best fishing opportunities occur during fall months from late September through October. Ohio's waters may see early salmon runs in August, with smaller runs commencing after autumn rains in September and persisting until early November, though actual runs are extremely limited.

How do you catch Coho Salmon in Ohio?

Strip streamers with varying speeds and pauses to mimic distressed baitfish, or use a twitching, jigging motion to trigger strikes. Popular techniques include stripping streamers under the surface or waking dry flies on top across their field of vision.

What do Coho Salmon eat?

Young Coho feed on plankton, crustaceans, and insects, while adults consume other juvenile salmon, small sablefish, squid, anchovies, sand lance, sardines, and herring. In the Great Lakes system including Lake Erie, they primarily feed on alewife and smelt, growing rapidly during their time in open water.

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