Coho Salmon
Oncorhynchus kisutch
Also known as: Silver; Silvers; Hooknose
Size & Weight
Average Length
22.8"
Max Length
38.0"
Average Weight
12.0 lbs
Max Weight
31.0 lbs
Lifespan
5 years
Habitat
Depth Range
0 - 150 ft
Water Temp
52-58°F
Ocean: coastal waters; Spawning: smaller streams; prefer cool tributaries
Behavior
Spawning Season
Fall (Sept-Dec)
Migration: Anadromous; juveniles rear 1-2 years in freshwater; adults ocean 1-2 years
Diet: Juveniles: insects; Adults: fish; squid; crustaceans
Fishing Tips
PNW Season
Late summer-fall ocean; fall rivers
Techniques: Trolling; mooching; fly fishing
Best Bait: Herring; anchovies; spinners; flies
Eating Quality
Edibility
Excellent
Rich; orange-red flesh; milder than Chinook
State Records
Washington
25.34
lbs
Oregon
25.31
lbs
California
22.0
lbs
Fun Facts
Aggressive feeders; acrobatic fighters; bright silver in ocean; hooked jaw when spawning
How to Identify
White gum line with black mouth; spots on back and upper tail lobe only; bright silver coloration in ocean phase; smaller than Chinook
Commonly Confused With
Compare Side-by-SideOfficial Resources
Sources: NOAA; WDFW; ODFW; ADF&G
Change History (Last updated Feb 02, 2026 at 10:33 AM)
| Date | Change | Old Value | New Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 02, 2026 10:33 AM | Updated Avg Length | — | 22.8 |