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Coho Salmon

Coho Salmon

Coho Salmon are a non-native Pacific salmon species with extremely limited populations in Pennsylvania.

Current Coho populations in Pennsylvania waters are primarily from stray fish migrating down from Lake Huron or rare survivors from previous stocking efforts.

Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus kisutch

Also known as Silver Salmon

Physical Characteristics:
  • In their ocean phase, Coho have dark metallic blue or greenish backs with silver sides and light bellies.
  • When returning to freshwater, adults develop dark backs with reddish-maroon coloration on the sides.
  • Males develop hooked jaws (kype) with large teeth.
  • Spawning males can be distinguished from Chinook salmon by lacking black spots on the lower lobe of the tail and having white gums.
  • Coho average 8-12 pounds, though fish in the high teens and exceeding 20 pounds occur.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Coho prefer smaller streams than Chinook for spawning and can utilize tributaries too small for larger salmon species.

Key Locations

  • Lake Erie tributaries like Elk Creek, Walnut Creek, and Twenty Mile Creek.
  • Lake Erie itself.

Specific Spots

  • Target deep pools, river mouths, eddies, and areas with cover like logs and rocks.
  • Rivers at least 3 feet deep.

Coho Salmon FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Spawn sacs, skein, live or plastic worms, and minnows. Bright-colored spinners, spoons, and crankbaits in sizes 3-5 - particularly green, blue, and silver colors. Popular lures include Blue Fox spinners, Little Cleo spoons, and various jigs.

What flies work for Coho Salmon in Pennsylvania?

Bright streamers, e.g.g patterns (Glo-Bugs tied with Glo-Bug yarn), and nymphs in sizes 2-6.

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

The few salmon present are typically caught in Lake Erie tributaries between late September and November when small runs may occur after autumn rains. The peak window for any migrating salmon is late September to late October.

How do you catch Coho Salmon in Pennsylvania?

Effective methods include float fishing in rivers at least 3 feet deep. For lure fishing, use bright-colored spinners, spoons, and crankbaits in sizes 3-5 that mimic local forage. Fly fishing can be productive using bright streamers, e.g.g patterns, and nymphs.

What do Coho Salmon eat?

Young Coho feed on plankton, crustaceans, and insects in freshwater. Adults consume herring, pilchards, sand lance, squid, and crustaceans in marine environments. In Pennsylvania's Great Lakes system, they would target similar prey including alewives, smelt, and other baitfish.

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