Fish diurnal

Coho Salmon

Oncorhynchus kisutch

Known as the acrobats of the river, Coho Salmon are famous for their silver scales and dramatic upstream leaps. Watch their incredible transformation from ocean voyagers to crimson-colored spawning legends.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Adults range from 24–30 inches (60–76 cm) in length and typically weigh 8–12 pounds (3.6–5.4 kg), with trophy specimens reaching up to 35 pounds.

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Colors

In the ocean, they are bright silver with dark blue backs. During spawning, males turn deep red with dark heads and backs, while females are slightly duller and more bronze-colored.

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Key Features

Small black spots on the back and upper lobe of the tail only
White gum line at the base of the teeth in the lower jaw
Spawning males develop a prominent hooked snout called a kype
Square-shaped tail with a silver translucent appearance

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern diurnal

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Peak hours 6-10 AM, 3-7 PM

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Season September-January

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Diet Juveniles feed on aquatic insects, small crustaceans, and terrestrial insects that fall into the water. Adults in the ocean are opportunistic predators, eating herring, sand lance, and squid.

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Habitat Coastal streams and rivers with gravel bottoms and plenty of woody debris; estuaries and the open North Pacific Ocean.

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Behavior

Coho salmon are famous for their anadromous life cycle, beginning in freshwater streams before migrating to the ocean and eventually returning to their natal waters to spawn and die. They are often called 'Silvers' due to their metallic sheen in saltwater, but they undergo a radical physical transformation once they hit freshwater, becoming aggressive and vibrant in their quest to reproduce.

Unlike other salmon species that might head straight for the ocean, juvenile Coho are highly social and territorial, often spending a full year or more in their home streams. They are the most athletic of the Pacific salmon, known for their incredible jumping ability which allows them to bypass fallen logs and small waterfalls that would stop other fish. When spawning, they become fiercely competitive, with males engaging in displays of dominance to secure mating rights near the female's nesting site.

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Camera Tips

Capturing Coho Salmon requires a different approach than land-based wildlife. The most effective method is using a submersible 'action' camera or a specialized underwater trail camera. For the best shots, look for 'redds'—the gravel nests where females lay their eggs. These are usually found in shallow riffles at the tail-end of a pool. Position your camera on a weighted tripod or a heavy stone, aiming it slightly upstream at a 45-degree angle to catch the fish as they hold their position against the current.

If you are using a standard trail camera from the bank, look for natural bottlenecks such as small waterfalls, beaver dams, or fallen logs. Coho are incredible jumpers and will repeatedly attempt to leap over these obstacles. Set your camera to 'Burst Mode' or high-speed video to capture the action. Because standard PIR (Passive Infrared) sensors do not trigger through water, you will need to use a camera with a 'Time Lapse' or 'Scheduled Recording' feature to capture them swimming beneath the surface.

Lighting is your biggest challenge underwater. Try to place your camera in a spot where the sun hits the water directly during the middle of the day; this helps penetrate the surface and highlights the brilliant red of the spawning males. If the water is murky after a rain, wait a day or two for the visibility to improve. In clear water, a circular polarizer filter over your lens can help eliminate surface glare if you are filming from above the water line.

Seasonal timing is critical. Use local 'fish count' websites or river gauges to time your camera deployment. Coho often wait for a 'freshet'—a rise in water levels following heavy rain—to move upstream. Setting up your gear just as the water begins to clear after a storm is the golden window for activity. Always ensure your camera is securely tethered to a tree or heavy anchor, as autumn river currents can quickly sweep away unsecured gear.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Coho Salmon.

Chinook Salmon

Much larger with black gums and spots over the entire tail surface.

Sockeye Salmon

Spawners have bright green heads and red bodies, but lack the black spots found on Coho backs and tails.

Steelhead Trout

More slender with many more spots across the entire body and tail; they lack the white gum line.

Frequently Asked Questions

Coho Salmon are most active during daylight hours, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon. During their spawning run, they are most likely to move upstream or leap over obstacles when water levels rise after a rain, regardless of the hour.

You cannot attract salmon with bait, as they generally stop eating once they enter freshwater to spawn. Instead, you can 'attract' them by providing high-quality habitat: leave fallen logs in the stream and plant native trees along the banks to provide the shade and cold water they need.

In freshwater, juveniles eat insects and small larvae. Once they reach the ocean, they become predators, feasting on smaller fish like herring and anchovies to fuel their rapid growth.

Yes, in the Pacific Northwest, Coho are often found in surprisingly small suburban creeks that have clean gravel and cool water. Many 'backyard' streams actually host annual spawning runs if they connect to the ocean.

Look at the gums: Coho have a white gum line at the base of their teeth, whereas Chinook have entirely black gums. Also, Coho only have spots on the top half of their tail, while Chinook are spotted all over the tail.

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