Coho salmon, often called silver salmon, are known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights when hooked. They are a favorite among sport anglers for good reason. They arrive later than many other salmon runs and extend Alaska’s fishing season into late summer and fall.

Identification

Coho are powerful and athletic.

• Ocean phase: Bright silver with dark back

• Spawning phase: Reddish sides with darker back

• Size: 8–20 pounds

• Tail: Black spots only on upper half

They are broader-bodied than pink salmon and smaller than kings.

Where You’ll See Them in Alaska

Coho salmon are common in:

• Southcentral rivers

• Southeast Alaska streams

• Prince William Sound

• Coastal drainages statewide

They often push into smaller streams compared to kings.

Seasonal Patterns

• Mid–Late Summer: Major river entries

• Fall: Peak spawning activity

• Winter: Juveniles rear in freshwater

• Spring: Smolt migration to ocean

Coho are popular in both sport and subsistence fisheries.

Wet, muddy riverbanks are common during coho season. Layered rain gear and waterproof boots make long days on coastal rivers manageable.