Oncorhynchus kisutch

silver salmon, blueback

s/f

The coho's teeth are set in gray/white gums. Its lower jaw is blunter than that of a chinook. Its body has silver sides with a blue/green back. The back, sides, and upper portion of the tail have small, black spots.

The coho salmon is an anadromous species that lives in Northern Pacific waters. In enters both large and small coastal streams to spawn. They are known to be very strong swimmers and have been stocked in numerous inland lakes, including the Great Lakes.

Cohos prefer to eat fish (sometimes even chum and pink salmon), but will also feed on crustaceans. Alewives are their main source of food in the Great Lakes.

Coho salmon will usually spawn between the ages of 2 and 5 — most commonly at 3 years. They will die after spawning. Males will generally be much larger.

Cohos are extremely strong fighters. Unlike the chinook, they will usually feed near the surface. They have a reputation for leaping repeatedly and changing direction very quickly — occasionally charging toward the boat. They can be hooked with spawn bags, dodger-fly combos, plugs, spinners, and spoons.

Their meat can vary in color from red to white — the red flesh is considered to be the best. Coho's food value is on par with chinook and sockeye.