Coho salmon also known as silver salmon are one of the most popular game fish species in North America. Anglers love targeting these hard-fighting fish, but proper identification is crucial since coho have strict fishing regulations and seasons. Learning to positively identify coho will make you a more responsible angler and prevent potential citations. This guide will teach you the key characteristics to look for when identifying a coho salmon.
Physical Features
Several physical features can help distinguish coho salmon from other salmonids like Chinook, sockeye, and steelhead trout. Here are the main identification markers:
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Body shape – Coho have a deep, thicker body shape compared to other salmonids. They look “fat” whereas steelhead are more streamlined and slender.
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Spots – Coho have dark oval or circular spots on their back and upper lobe of the tail fin Spots are larger and less numerous than the spots on steelhead
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Tail – Only the upper lobe of the tail fin has spots The lower lobe is unspotted.
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Mouth – The inside of the mouth has white gums against an overall black mouth. This white gumline is a key ID feature.
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Teeth – Sharp teeth are set firmly in the jaw.
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Lower jaw – There is a distinctive pattern of dark/light/dark banding on the lower jaw.
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Male snout – Mature males develop a pronounced hooked upper jaw or kype.
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Coloration – Males turn green on the head and back with maroon sides when mature. Females stay silver gray.
Tips for Proper Identification
Here are some best practices for positively identifying a coho salmon:
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Focus on the lower jaw – the color pattern here is the most reliable ID feature.
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Check for white gums inside the mouth. This is diagnostic for coho.
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Don’t rely solely on body coloration. Coloration fades after spawning.
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Use multiple characteristics. Comparing several markers improves accuracy.
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Handle fish carefully and quickly if identification is uncertain.
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When in doubt, let the fish go. Better to release a fish than violate regulations.
Juvenile Coho Identification
Identifying juvenile coho salmon takes some specialized knowledge but is possible with practice. Here are clues to look for:
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Seven to nine parr marks or ovals along the sides.
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No distinct marks or patterns on the dorsal fin.
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Tail fin is slightly forked.
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Narrow, streamlined body shape.
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Silvery coloration on the sides.
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No pink stripe like young steelhead.
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Small spots present on back above the lateral line.
Why Correct Identification Matters
Being able to recognize coho salmon is an important skill for anglers to master. Here are some reasons why:
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Coho have strict fishing seasons and regulations depending on location. Accidentally keeping one could result in citations.
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Many populations of wild coho are threatened or endangered. Proper ID helps avoid incidental catch.
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Identifying juveniles provides fisheries managers with data to monitor populations.
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Responsible anglers learn to identify their catch and abide by local regulations.
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Preventing misidentification helps ensure sustainable recreational fisheries.
FAQ
How to tell the difference between sockeye and coho?
Coho salmon is often described as having a milder flavor and slightly softer texture compared to sockeye salmon, which has a richer taste and firmer texture. The difference in texture is subtle, and personal preferences play a significant role in determining which one someone might prefer.
How do you tell the difference between a coho and a chinook?
Chinook are larger and deeper bodied than coho and steelhead. They have a dark mouth with black or dark colored gums. They often have “peanut” shaped spots that are larger than spots on coho and steelhead, mature fish are usually brownish green, although males can be pure (body and head) red during spawning window.
How to identify silver salmon?
Some pinks will have white toward the back of the jaw, but a silver salmon will have a consistent white line along with the entire set of bottom teeth. Tail: The tail might have a few scattered spots, usually on the upper lobe, with silver streaks.
How do you identify a coho salmon?
Look for spots only on the back and upper tail lobe. Check for a white or faded gumline on the lower jaw. Do not rely on size or color alone for identification. When coho salmon move to coastal streams and rivers to spawn in the fall, they get bright colors for breeding: Head and back turn dark blue-green.
What does a coho fish look like?
Coho are deeper bodied than steelhead, spots are larger and less numerous than on steelhead. Males often have a hook nose. Coloration of mature fish often includes red (maroon) flanks and a green head. Note the white gum line against a black mouth, this will be the most definitive characteristic for identification.
How do you identify a coho?
When salmon enter the ocean, they take on a uniform silver coloration Spot pattern and jaw characteristics are the only reliable ways to identify coho in marine habitats Look for spots only on the back and upper tail lobe. Check for a white or faded gumline on the lower jaw. Do not rely on size or color alone for identification.
What is the difference between coho & chum salmon?
Coho: Coho is milder and often lighter in color. Pink and Chum: These are smaller fish and are most often used for canned or smoked salmon and are good budget choices. Atlantic: According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Atlantic species make up 90% of the farmed salmon market. How do you identify a Chinook & coho salmon?
How do Chinook salmon differ from coho salmon?
Males develop a hooked jaw called a kype when spawning. Chinook and coho salmon appear similar but can be distinguished by Spots: Coho have spots on the back and upper lobe of the tail fin. Chinook have spots on both lobes. Gumline: Coho have a light colored gumline on the lower jaw. Chinook have uniformly dark gums.
How do you know if a Chinook is a coho?
Adults range from 17-38 inches long and 6-15 pounds. Males develop a hooked jaw called a kype when spawning. Chinook and coho salmon appear similar but can be distinguished by Spots: Coho have spots on the back and upper lobe of the tail fin. Chinook have spots on both lobes. Gumline: Coho have a light colored gumline on the lower jaw.