Trout & Salmon
Coho Salmon Fishing in Michigan
Silver salmon, smaller and more acrobatic than kings, running coastal and Great Lakes rivers in fall. Coho are aggressive toward flashy flies and spinners.
- Waters
- 7
- State
- Michigan
- Water
- Freshwater
- Methods
- Fly, Spin & Bait
Best Months in Michigan: Jun to Oct
Licenses & Regulations
Most anglers need a Michigan fishing license; age cutoffs and exemptions are set by the state. Seasons, limits, and tackle rules vary by water, so check current regulations before you go.
Michigan Department of Natural ResourcesPlan by Month
Best Flies, Lures & Bait for Coho Salmon
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
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Rod & Reel
Coho Salmon Setup
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.
Michigan
Where to Catch Coho Salmon
Lakes & Reservoirs · Michigan
Grand Traverse Bay
A large bay of northern Lake Michigan where the DNR lists lake trout, Chinook and coho salmon, and smallmouth bass as summer targets.
Lake Trout · Chinook Salmon · Coho Salmon
Lakes & Reservoirs · Michigan
Lake Huron (Alpena)
Lake Huron waters at Alpena, where the DNR lists walleye and lake trout in summer and Chinook and coho salmon in fall.
Walleye · Lake Trout · Chinook Salmon
Lakes & Reservoirs · Michigan
Lake Michigan (Frankfort)
Lake Michigan off Frankfort, where the DNR lists browns, lake trout, and steelhead in winter and spring and salmon from summer into fall.
Chinook Salmon · Coho Salmon · Lake Trout
Lakes & Reservoirs · Michigan
Lake Michigan (Grand Haven)
Lake Michigan off Grand Haven, where the DNR lists Chinook and coho salmon, lake trout, and steelhead as summer targets.
Chinook Salmon · Coho Salmon · Lake Trout
Lakes & Reservoirs · Michigan
Lake Michigan (St. Joseph)
Lake Michigan off St. Joseph and Benton Harbor, where the DNR lists salmon and steelhead through most of the year and yellow perch in summer and fall.
Chinook Salmon · Coho Salmon · Steelhead
Lakes & Reservoirs · Michigan
Lake Superior (Marquette)
Lake Superior off Marquette, where the DNR lists lake trout, coho salmon, brown trout, and steelhead in summer and fall.
Lake Trout · Coho Salmon · Brown Trout
Lakes & Reservoirs · Michigan
Little Traverse Bay
The Lake Michigan bay at Harbor Springs and Petoskey, where the DNR lists Chinook and coho salmon, lake trout, and smallmouth bass in summer.
Chinook Salmon · Coho Salmon · Lake Trout
Michigan
Shops to Stock Up
Anglers Point Marina Bait & Tackle
Chesterfield, Michigan
28955 William P Rosso Hwy 586-949-9223
Recommended
Gear for Coho Salmon
Fly Rods
Echo Spey Rod
A two-handed rod for swinging flies across big steelhead and salmon runs.
Check PriceFly 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