Coho Salmon
Late Summer - Fall
Coho salmon, also known as Silver salmon, are one of the most exciting species to target on the Columbia River. While smaller than their Chinook cousins — typically 8-15 pounds — what they lack in size they more than make up for in aggression and acrobatics. Coho are known for explosive strikes and spectacular aerial displays once hooked. The Columbia River sees strong Coho returns from late summer through fall, and when the run is on, the action can be fast and furious. Coho are also excellent table fare, with rich, orange-red flesh that's perfect for grilling or smoking.
Book This Trip →Best Seasons to Fish Coho Salmon
Timing is everything. Here's when to target Coho Salmon on the Columbia and Snake Rivers.
Early Run
August - September
Early Coho begin showing in the lower Columbia in August, mixing with the tail end of the summer Chinook run. These fish are bright, chrome-sided, and full of energy. Trolling with herring and spinners near the surface is the primary technique. The Buoy 10 fishery often has excellent early Coho opportunities alongside the fall Chinook run.
- ▸Buoy 10
- ▸Lower Columbia River
Peak Run
September - October
The heart of the Coho season hits in September and October. Fish push upriver in large numbers, providing consistent action from the lower Columbia through the gorge. As fish move upriver, techniques shift from trolling to anchor fishing and bank plunking in popular holes. This is the time to target numbers — limits are common on good days.
- ▸Lower Columbia River
- ▸Columbia River Gorge
Late Run
October - November
Late-season Coho fishing targets fish that have pushed into the upper Columbia and tributaries. While these fish may be starting to color up, they remain aggressive biters. Tributary mouths and creek confluences are hotspots as fish stage before entering spawning streams.
- ▸Columbia River Gorge
- ▸Upper Columbia Tributaries
Where We Fish for Coho Salmon
We guide Coho Salmon trips across multiple stretches of the Columbia and Snake River systems.
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Buoy 10
The mouth of the Columbia is a premier Coho destination. Ocean-fresh Coho stack up here before heading upriver, providing some of the brightest and hardest-fighting fish of the season.
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Lower Columbia River
From Astoria to Bonneville, the lower Columbia offers miles of productive Coho water. Trolling lanes, anchor fishing spots, and bank access points provide diverse fishing opportunities.
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Columbia River Gorge
Mid-run Coho push through the gorge in good numbers. The deeper pools and slower water near the dams create excellent holding areas where fish rest and feed.
On the Water
Real catches from real trips with Fish Intimidators.