At a Glance

Coho salmon range widely across the northeast Pacific Ocean, but the southern extent of their range lies near Santa Cruz. Today, Coho salmon in California have been reduced to less than 5% of their historical numbers. Spawning adult Coho salmon are 55-80 cm (approximately 22-31 in.) long and weigh 3-6 kg (approximately 7-13 lbs.). While at sea, Coho are silvery with white to cream bellies, giving them their nickname “silver salmon.” In fresh water, they are dark green on the head and back, maroon on the sides, and grey to black on the belly. Spawning males have a kype, bright red stripe on their sides, and slightly humped back. Anglers can differentiate Coho and their grey to white gums with the black mouths and black gums of Chinook salmon.