Silver salmon, also known as coho salmon, are a popular game fish for anglers across North America Their aggressive fighting nature and acrobatic jumps when hooked make them a highly sought after species In this complete guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about catching silver salmon, from choosing the right gear to techniques for both river and saltwater fishing.
Silver Salmon Facts
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Silver salmon average 6-12 pounds in size, though fish exceeding 30 pounds are possible.
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They hatch in freshwater streams and rivers, migrate to the ocean to feed and grow, then return to their natal rivers and streams to spawn after 1-3 years at sea.
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During the ocean phase, they are silver-blue in color. When returning to spawn, they transform to show red and green spawning colors.
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Peak silver salmon fishing occurs in late summer and early fall when fish are migrating back to rivers to spawn.
Gear for Catching Silver Salmon
Having the proper rod, reel, line and lures is key to silver salmon success. Here are top recommendations:
Rods
A medium-heavy power fast action rod in the 8-10 foot range allows casting baits and handling strong fish. Brands like G.Loomis, St.Croix and Okuma make quality salmon rods.
Reels
A quality reel with a smooth drag in the 25-40 lb class range gives capacity for heavier line to battle salmon. Brands like Shimano, Daiwa and Penn excel in this class.
Line/Leaders
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Mainline 15-20 lb braid like PowerPro or Sufix 832 It has high abrasion resistance
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Leader 15-20 lb fluorocarbon like Seaguar Blue Label It’s nearly invisible underwater
Lures
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Spinners and spoons in 1/2-2 oz sizes trigger reaction strikes. Add scent to lures.
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Crankbaits that dive 8-20 ft imitate forage fish well. Jointed models have more action.
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Jigs tipped with bait can be bounced along bottom structure where salmon hold.
How to Locate Silver Salmon in Rivers
The first step is finding where salmon are holding in the river system. Focus on the following areas:
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Tailouts of pools and behind large rocks where salmon rest out of the current.
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Shaded areas under trees, docks and bridges where light is reduced. Salmon avoid bright sun.
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Inside seams of fast water next to slower water. Watch for rolling fish.
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Drop-offs and ledges where the river depth changes sharply.
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Confluences of tributaries which bring new influxes of water.
River Fishing Techniques for Silvers
Once you’ve located some fish, here are the most effective techniques to draw strikes:
Casting Spinners & Spoons
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Let the lure sink, give occasional twitches, then reel in varied speeds.
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Vary retrieve from slow & steady to fast & erratic until you trigger bites.
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Cover water column from surface to bottom until you find depth salmon want.
Float Fishing with Bait
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Thread an egg sinker above a swivel, then a leader and bait hook.
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Good baits are cured salmon eggs, shrimp, sandworms and herring chunks.
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Let the current drift the bait naturally. Use bobbers in slow water.
Jigging
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Bounce jigs with twitches upstream, letting the jig sink on a semi-slack line.
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Good color jigs are white, chartreuse and pink. Tip jigs with bait for more scent.
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Target jigging around boulders, submerged trees, eddies, and ledges.
How to Catch Silver Salmon in Saltwater
Ocean feeding salmon put up powerful fights on light tackle. Use these tips to hook more silvers:
Trolling with Downriggers
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Target depths of 30-90 feet where baitfish and salmon congregate.
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Herring and spoons are top lures. Check lures often for weeds and replace frequently.
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Troll near drop-offs, bait schools, kelp beds and structure for best success.
Mooching
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Use a heavy weight to lower bait to depth, then wind upward through water column.
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Cut-plug herring is a standard bait. Check regulations on live bait.
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Stay on fish-holding spots. Let baits sink when boat stops, then resume lift.
Helpful Tips for Silver Salmon
Here are final tips to help you catch more silvers:
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Use sharp hooks and check frequently for nicks that reduce hookups. Carry replacements.
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Vary lure colors frequently until you get a pattern dialed in for the day.
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When releasing salmon, keep them in water and handle carefully without removing slime.
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Look for diving birds, baitfish schools and current edges to find feeding salmon.
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Scout fishing areas and take notes on productive spots and techniques to repeat on future trips.
With the right approach and techniques, the hard fighting silver salmon can provide incredible light tackle sport. Follow these tips to get in on the action with one of the most popular and widely available salmon species.
Silver Salmon Fishing Techniques
Silver salmon, or coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch), is a prized species for anglers worldwide, known for its exciting fights, accessibility, and versatility in cooking. Whether you’re new to fishing or a seasoned angler, understanding the best fishing grounds, seasons, gear, and regulations is key to a successful trip.
This guide dives deep into everything you need to know, from fishing locations and licensing to tackle recommendations and costs.
Why Target Silver Salmon?
Silver salmon is one of the most sought-after fish for its:
- Fighting Spirit: Known for their thrilling runs and acrobatic leaps.
- Culinary Value: A mild, sweet flavor with firm flesh that’s perfect for grilling, smoking, or baking.
- Abundance: Large seasonal runs make silver salmon accessible to anglers of all levels.
For top-quality silver salmon, explore Global Seafoods for premium fillets and cuts.
How to Catch Silver Salmon – OPST
FAQ
How do you catch silver salmon?
Silver salmon can be targeted successfully by integrating a number of spin fishing techniques. We most often fish Blue Fox Vibrax spinners, jigs and Pixee spoons with a moderate to fast retrieve just sub-surface.
What is the best bait for silver salmon?
- Spinners – Best for Aggressive Silver Salmon. ✔ Why They Work: The flash and vibration attract silver salmon from a distance. …
- Spoons – Ideal for Fast Currents & Open Water. …
- Crankbaits & Plugs – Perfect for Aggressive Strikes.
What is the best time of year to catch silver salmon in Alaska?
The best time for freshwater silver salmon fishing on Kodiak Island and much of Alaska is generally around late-August to mid-September, though they can run through the end of October. Most fish enter the systems starting in early August, but they stack up in slack water more and more as time goes on.
Is silver salmon good to eat?
Yes, silver salmon (also known as coho salmon) is generally considered good to eat. It has a mild flavor and firm, flaky flesh, making it a versatile choice for various cooking methods.
How do you catch silver salmon in saltwater?
Tide change is also a particularly effective time to target silver salmon. For the most part, anglers in saltwater catch coho by trolling and mooching. Additional techniques include jigging, power mooching, and casting and retrieving spinners, spoons and flies. We’ll start by examining these techniques as well as the basics of gear and tackle.
How to fish silver salmon in Alaska?
It’s also important to use the right gear for silver salmon fishing in Alaska. A medium to heavy-weight rod with a sturdy reel is recommended, along with a strong fishing line and leader. By using these techniques and targeting the right run, anglers can have a successful silver salmon fishing trip in Alaska.
Can you fish a silver salmon without seeing the fish?
Look for a stretch of shoreline where silver salmon are migrating by. Sight fishing anglers will have the advantage. However, as you learn different runs and lies that the salmon like to occupy as they run the river you can fish these without seeing the fish. Remember that the river changes from season to season.
Where to catch silver salmon in Alaska?
There are many excellent spots to catch silver salmon fishing in Alaska, each with its own unique features and advantages. Some of the top locations include: Prince William Sound: located 80 miles east of Cordova, this area is known for its abundant silver salmon runs from late August to mid-October.
How to catch silver salmon in Kenai River?
Spinners and spoons are the way to go on a DIY silver salmon adventure. As the run progresses and the numbers drop then sight fishing for upper Kenai River silver salmon becomes not only a blast but also the most effective way to catch coho salmon. Look for a stretch of shoreline where silver salmon are migrating by.
When is the best time to catch silver salmon in Alaska?
Mid-Season Run: occurs from July through August and is typically the peak season for silver salmon fishing in Alaska. Late Run: occurs in September and is often the last chance for anglers to catch silver salmon before the season ends.