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Coho Salmon

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon in Wisconsin are a non-native Pacific species introduced in the 1960s as part of the Great Lakes rehabilitation program to control alewife populations and provide trophy fishing opportunities.

Also known as silver salmon, blueback, sea trout

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinguished by their steel-blue to slightly green backs, brilliant silver sides, white bellies, and characteristic white gums (unlike Chinook salmon which have black gums).
  • Adults typically measure 11-26 inches and weigh 5-12 pounds, though Wisconsin's state record reached 26 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found in Wisconsin's Lake Michigan waters.
  • Young fish are stocked from Sheboygan south along the Lake Michigan shoreline.

Key Locations

  • In Wisconsin's Lake Michigan waters, Coho are found from Kenosha north to Sturgeon Bay.
  • Productive Wisconsin waters include the Sheboygan River, Kewaunee River, Ahnapee River, and Milwaukee River system (accessible through Estabrook and Kletzsch Parks).

Specific Spots

  • Lake trolling should target depths of 10-80 feet where Coho typically hold.

Coho Salmon FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Prime trolling baits include plugs, spoons, and dodgers with flies. Popular specific lures include Grand Slam Bucktails, Ace Hi Flies, McOmie's Custom Glow Spoons (2-5/8" and 3-1/4" sizes), Gold Star Yamashita Octopus Hoochies, Silver Horde Kingfisher Spoons (3.0 and 3.5 sizes), and Brad's Cut Plugs.

What flies work for Coho Salmon in Wisconsin?

Effective patterns include Dolly Llamas, Clouser Minnows, Deep Six patterns, Liquid Wrench flies, and various e.g.g patterns in bright colors.

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

Coho salmon fishing begins in mid-April in southern areas like Kenosha and moves northward as the season progresses, with peak action typically from May through October. River fishing becomes excellent from September through December as Coho enter tributaries.

How do you catch Coho Salmon in Wisconsin?

The most successful method is trolling. For shore and pier fishing, casting spoons can provide good action, especially during migration periods. River fishing with spawn bags, spinners, and streamers.

What do Coho Salmon eat?

Young Coho feed on plankton, crustaceans and aquatic insects, while adults switch to a diet dominated by alewife and smelt. Once in the lake, Coho grow rapidly, feeding primarily on alewife and smelt.

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