Silver Salmon
Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus kisutch | Category: anadromous
The silver salmon, or coho, presents as the most athletic cousin in the Pacific salmon family. Sleek and chrome-bright in its ocean phase, it is distinguished by its relatively deep, slab-sided body, small black spots on the back and upper lobe of the tail, and a pronounced white gum line in its mouth. While typically ranging from 8 to 12 pounds, they are capable of explosive growth, with mature fish in prime systems pushing 20 to 30 pounds. When entering freshwater, males develop a pronounced kype and a vivid lateral maroon-to-crimson streak, a dramatic transformation that signals the peak of the fall run. You'll find these fish from Northern Japan across the North Pacific to the shores of California, with legendary fisheries clustered in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. Coho favor the near-shore saltwater zones, often patrolling sandy beaches, estuary mouths, and rocky points, before making their decisive river runs in late summer and fall. Iconic destinations include the rivers of Bristol Bay, Alaska, the wild coastlines of British Columbia's Haida Gwaii, and the storied systems of Washington's Olympic Peninsula, where their aggressive nature is matched by the spectacular coastal scenery. Anglers target coho for their raw, aerial aggression and relentless fight. Upon hookup, they are renowned for blistering surface runs, cartwheeling leaps, and dogged, bulldogging resistance that tests both gear and angler resolve. They are a premier light-tackle sportfish, offering a challenging and visually spectacular quarry. While their deep orange flesh is superb on the table, it is their reputation as the 'acrobat of the salmon' that cements their status. Booking a trip for silvers is a commitment to experiencing some of the most heart-stopping surface action the salmon world has to offer.
Found At (1 destinations)
| Destination | Type | State | Seasonality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bristol Bay | region_colloquial | AK | JFMAMJJASOND |
species.getBySlug
{
"id": "91a9f43f-fdb6-4a58-b41b-3bd1035aa711",
"commonName": "Silver Salmon",
"scientificName": "Oncorhynchus kisutch",
"slug": "silver-salmon",
"category": "anadromous",
"aliases": [
"coho",
"coho salmon",
"silvers",
"silver",
"Coho",
"Hooknose",
"Blueback",
"Silverside",
"White Salmon (occasionally in early runs)"
],
"description": "The silver salmon, or coho, presents as the most athletic cousin in the Pacific salmon family. Sleek and chrome-bright in its ocean phase, it is distinguished by its relatively deep, slab-sided body, small black spots on the back and upper lobe of the tail, and a pronounced white gum line in its mouth. While typically ranging from 8 to 12 pounds, they are capable of explosive growth, with mature fish in prime systems pushing 20 to 30 pounds. When entering freshwater, males develop a pronounced kype and a vivid lateral maroon-to-crimson streak, a dramatic transformation that signals the peak of the fall run.\n\nYou'll find these fish from Northern Japan across the North Pacific to the shores of California, with legendary fisheries clustered in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. Coho favor the near-shore saltwater zones, often patrolling sandy beaches, estuary mouths, and rocky points, before making their decisive river runs in late summer and fall. Iconic destinations include the rivers of Bristol Bay, Alaska, the wild coastlines of British Columbia's Haida Gwaii, and the storied systems of Washington's Olympic Peninsula, where their aggressive nature is matched by the spectacular coastal scenery.\n\nAnglers target coho for their raw, aerial aggression and relentless fight. Upon hookup, they are renowned for blistering surface runs, cartwheeling leaps, and dogged, bulldogging resistance that tests both gear and angler resolve. They are a premier light-tackle sportfish, offering a challenging and visually spectacular quarry. While their deep orange flesh is superb on the table, it is their reputation as the 'acrobat of the salmon' that cements their status. Booking a trip for silvers is a commitment to experiencing some of the most heart-stopping surface action the salmon world has to offer.",
"imageUrl": "https://media.meridiaoutdoors.com/media/species/silver-salmon/main.webp",
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"caption": "The silver salmon, or coho, presents as the most athletic cousin in the Pacific salmon family.",
"width": 2400,
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"phases": [
{
"id": "6e4c7ad2-c5f0-40d5-ad6c-a513b5554d6d",
"name": "Parr",
"slug": "parr",
"description": "The parr stage is the freshwater juvenile phase where young coho spend 1-2 years in natal streams, feeding on insects and small aquatic life. This period is critical for growth and survival before they undergo smoltification and head to the ocean.",
"appearance": "Small fish, typically 2-6 inches in length, with a slender, streamlined body. Coloration is olive-green to brown on the back, fading to silvery-white on the belly. Distinct vertical parr marks (dark oval blotches) run along the lateral line, usually 8-12 in number, interspersed with smaller red spots. Fins are translucent with slight orange or yellow tinges, and the tail fin may have faint spotting.",
"triggers": null,
"habitat": "Freshwater streams and rivers, often in shallow, cool, well-oxygenated areas with gravel or rocky substrates, typically in natal headwaters.",
"anglersNote": "Rarely targeted by anglers due to small size and conservation concerns; catch-and-release only if encountered.",
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"caption": "The parr stage is the freshwater juvenile phase where young coho spend 1-2 years in natal streams, feeding on insects and small aquatic life.",
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}
},
{
"id": "274a083e-57d4-488b-a337-e46e9d9ce89b",
"name": "Smolt",
"slug": "smolt",
"description": "The smolt phase marks the transition from freshwater to saltwater, as coho undergo physiological changes to adapt to marine life. They migrate downstream toward estuaries, preparing for ocean entry.",
"appearance": "Size ranges from 4-8 inches. Body becomes more silvery and streamlined, losing the prominent parr marks—these fade to faint shadows or disappear entirely. Coloration shifts to a bright silver overall, with a bluish or greenish sheen on the back. Fins are mostly clear, and the tail may show minimal spotting. The body is slender and adapted for swimming in open water.",
"triggers": "Triggered by age (usually 1-2 years old) and environmental cues like water temperature and photoperiod, leading to smoltification.",
"habitat": "Lower river reaches, estuaries, and near-shore brackish zones during migration to the ocean.",
"anglersNote": "Occasionally caught by anglers in estuaries; generally not a target phase due to small size and importance for population sustainability.",
"displayOrder": 1,
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"altText": "Silver Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch), smolt",
"caption": "The smolt phase marks the transition from freshwater to saltwater, as coho undergo physiological changes to adapt to marine life.",
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}
},
{
"id": "503d8366-a004-41db-a2b8-1f8bd795319e",
"name": "Ocean Adult",
"slug": "ocean-adult",
"description": "The ocean adult phase is the prime trophy stage, where coho spend 1-3 years feeding in the North Pacific, growing rapidly and developing their iconic chrome-bright appearance. This is when they are most aggressive and sought after by anglers.",
"appearance": "Sleek, deep, slab-sided body, typically 8-12 pounds but can reach 20-30 pounds. Coloration is brilliant chrome-silver overall, with a dark blue or greenish back. Small black spots are scattered on the back and upper lobe of the tail fin. The mouth has a pronounced white gum line, and fins are dark gray to black with possible white edges. Body shape is athletic and streamlined for fast swimming.",
"triggers": "Triggered by successful adaptation to saltwater after smoltification, leading to ocean entry and feeding.",
"habitat": "Near-shore saltwater zones, including sandy beaches, estuary mouths, rocky points, and coastal waters across the North Pacific.",
"anglersNote": "The premier target for anglers due to explosive fights, aerial acrobatics, and trophy potential; ideal for light-tackle fishing.",
"displayOrder": 2,
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"height": 1340
}
},
{
"id": "45e8c824-033b-41ea-b873-ecac9b6910f1",
"name": "Spawning Male",
"slug": "spawning-male",
"description": "The spawning male phase occurs during the fall freshwater run, as males develop dramatic secondary sex characteristics for breeding. They become aggressive and territorial, focusing on reproduction rather than feeding.",
"appearance": "Size similar to ocean adults but body darkens and distorts. Coloration shifts to a dark olive or blackish back, with a vivid lateral maroon-to-crimson streak along the sides. Belly may be reddish or orange. Develops a pronounced kype (hooked jaw) and often a humped back. Fins become darker, sometimes with white tips, and spots on the tail may remain visible. Overall appearance is rugged and colorful.",
"triggers": "Triggered by hormonal changes and migration into freshwater rivers in late summer and fall for spawning.",
"habitat": "Freshwater rivers and streams during the fall run, often in deeper pools or near spawning gravel beds.",
"anglersNote": "Caught during fall runs; less aggressive but still fight hard; often catch-and-release to protect spawning stocks, with some harvest allowed in regulations.",
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},
{
"id": "bdcc44d1-6c47-4067-b269-d912cfb63069",
"name": "Spawning Female",
"slug": "spawning-female",
"description": "The spawning female phase is when females enter freshwater to lay eggs, undergoing color changes but without the extreme morphological transformations of males. They focus on nest-building and egg deposition.",
"appearance": "Size comparable to ocean adults, with a more subdued transformation. Coloration darkens to a bronze or olive-green overall, with less intense red or pink hues on the sides compared to males. No kype or significant hump; body remains relatively streamlined but may appear fuller due to eggs. Fins are dark, and the white gum line may still be visible. Spots on the tail often persist.",
"triggers": "Triggered by hormonal changes and migration into freshwater rivers in late summer and fall for spawning.",
"habitat": "Freshwater rivers and streams during the fall run, typically in areas with suitable gravel for redds (nests).",
"anglersNote": "Encountered during fall runs; handle with care if caught to avoid harming eggs; often subject to catch-and-release or regulated harvest.",
"displayOrder": 4,
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}
}
],
"contentUpdatedAt": "2026-05-09T22:30:06.672Z"
}species.getDestinations (1)
[
{
"slug": "bristol-bay-ak",
"name": "Bristol Bay",
"type": "region_colloquial",
"stateProvince": "AK",
"availableMonths": null,
"peakMonths": [
6,
7,
8,
9
]
}
]faqs.getByEntity (0)
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