Fly Rods
Echo Spey Rod
A two-handed rod for swinging flies across big steelhead and salmon runs.
Check PriceSpecies / Coho Salmon
Trout & Salmon
Coho Salmon Fishing
Silver salmon, smaller and more acrobatic than kings, running coastal and Great Lakes rivers in fall. Coho are aggressive toward flashy flies and spinners.
Best Months: Aug to Nov
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Plan by Month
Best Flies, Lures & Bait for Coho Salmon
Month
4 picks for October.
Clouser Minnow #1/0-8
FlyStreamer
Shop This FlyEgg-Sucking Leech #2-6
FlyStreamer
Shop This FlyInline Spinner 1/16 to 1/4 oz
LureSpinner
Shop This LureCasting Spoon 1/4 to 1 oz
LureSpoon
Shop This Lure
Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.
Rod & Reel
Coho Salmon Setup
Coho Salmon
Fly 9 to 10 ft 8 wt rod, sink-tip line, 12 lb leader.
Spin / Cast 8.5 to 9 ft medium rod, 3000 spinning reel, 10 to 15 lb line.
The US
Where to Catch Coho Salmon
Rivers & Streams · Alaska
Anchor River
A small Kenai Peninsula river with late summer coho and a fall steelhead run. Early summer king seasons are often closed by emergency order.
Steelhead · Coho Salmon
Rivers & Streams · Alaska
Kenai River
A glacial river with late summer coho and rainbows that grow fat on salmon eggs. Historically famous for giant kings, but king fishing has been closed in recent years, so check ADF&G emergency orders.
Rainbow Trout · Coho Salmon
Rivers & Streams · California
Klamath River
Runs through the northwestern mountains. Summer steelhead and fall salmon runs.
Steelhead · Chinook Salmon · Coho Salmon
Lakes & Reservoirs · Illinois
Lake Michigan (Chicago)
Harbors and lakefront structure along Chicago with spring coho, summer kings, and perch.
Coho Salmon · Chinook Salmon · Yellow Perch
Rivers & Streams · New York
Salmon River
The Lake Ontario tributary at Pulaski, famous for fall king salmon and winter steelhead.
Steelhead · Chinook Salmon · Coho Salmon
Rivers & Streams · Washington
Skagit River
A big glacial river with wild steelhead and salmon runs.
Steelhead · Coho Salmon · Chinook Salmon
Lakes & Reservoirs · Wisconsin
Milwaukee Lakefront
Harbor and river mouth fishing for kings and coho on Lake Michigan.
Chinook Salmon · Coho Salmon
Recommended
Gear for Coho Salmon
Fly Rods
Orvis Clearwater 9 ft 8 wt Fly Rod
An 8 weight handles bass bugs, redfish flats, and wind. The most versatile warmwater and inshore size.
Check PriceFly Lines
Scientific Anglers Sink-Tip Fly Line
Gets streamers down to fish holding deep in current.
Check PriceRods
Ugly Stik Bigwater Trolling Rod
A long, forgiving trolling rod for downriggers and planer boards.
Check PriceSpinners
Mepps Aglia Inline Spinner
A classic spinner for trout, bass, and salmon in moving water.
Check PriceFlies
Steelhead Fly Assortment
Egg patterns, leeches, and swing flies for winter runs.
Check Price