Coho Salmon

BC Salmon - Coho

Life history: Coho salmon enter spawning streams from July to November, usually during periods of high runoff. While fishing the Queen Charlottes, you will see them in the rivers in September. 

Run timing has evolved to reflect the requirements of specific stocks. In some streams with barrier falls, adults arrive in July when the water is low and the falls are passable. In large rivers, adults must arrive early, as they need several weeks or months to reach headwater spawning grounds. 

While fishing Queen Charlottes' small, short coastal rivers, we typically see large numbers enter in late September and October.

During the fall, juvenile coho may travel miles before locating off-channel habitat where they pass the winter free of floods. Some fish leave fresh water in the spring and rear in brackish estuarine ponds and then migrate back into fresh water in the fall.

They spend one to three winters in streams and may spend up to five winters in lakes before migrating to the sea as smolt.  The annual Sandspit Salmon derby is in September each year and is a highlight for all locals who enjoy fishing Queen Charlottes.

Little is known of the ocean migrations of coho salmon. High seas tagging shows that maturing Northern BC coho move northward throughout the spring and appear to concentrate in the central Gulf of Alaska in June.

They later disperse towards shore and migrate along the shoreline until they reach their stream of origin. 

If you are fishing Queen Charlottes in August, you will see massive pods of coho in the river mouths coming and going with the tides.

The coho salmon is a premier sport fish and is taken in fresh and salt water from July to September. 

While fishing Queen Charlottes salt water, they are taken by trolling or mooching (drifting) with herring or with flies or lures along shore. If fishing Queen Charlottes fresh water, they hit salmon eggs, flies, spoons, or spinners.

Coho are spectacular fighters and the most acrobatic of the Pacific salmon, and on light tackle provide a thrilling and memorable fishing experience.