UTERCoho (silver) salmon fishing in Oregon freshwater
In Oregon freshwater, Coho (silver) salmon peak October–November and are around September–December, spawning in November, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. October: Coastal and Columbia tributary coho.
Coastal and Columbia tributary coho.
Coho (silver) salmon in Oregon freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryNot here
- FebruaryNot here
- MarchNot here
- AprilNot here
- MayNot here
- JuneNot here
- JulyNot here
- AugustNot here
- SeptemberArriving
- OctoberPeakCoastal and Columbia tributary coho.
- NovemberSpawning
- DecemberLeaving
Where to fish Coho (silver) salmon near Deschutes River, Willamette River, John Day River
Steelhead and salmon rivers, the Deschutes' redsides, the John Day's smallmouth, Columbia walleye and shad, and Cascade lakes.
What to use for Coho (silver) salmon
- HerringCut-plug for salmon: head off at an angle, guts out, two hooks in tandem so it spins slow behind a flasher or a banana weight. Whole and live on a circle hook for stripers where the herring run.
- Anchovies (Pacific)Nose- or collar-hooked on a #4 to 1/0 hook and fly-lined with no weight, or on a dropper loop; a dozen tossed over the side as chum keeps the bass and bonito up.
- Salmon eggs (roe)A dime-sized spawn sac tied in mesh, or single eggs on a #10 to #6 egg hook, drifted along the bottom for steelhead, trout and salmon. Check the state's rule — bait is banned on many trout and salmon waters.
- Leader40–60 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook4/0–8/0
- Braid50–100 lb
Feeds in 46–62°F water, best at 50–58°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch Coho (silver) salmon in Oregon freshwater?
Peak season is October–November, with fish spawning in November (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Coho (silver) salmon are in Oregon freshwater September–December. October: Coastal and Columbia tributary coho.
Where do Coho (silver) salmon hold in Oregon freshwater?
Look on river, creek / stream, lake — around Deschutes River, Willamette River, John Day River, Rogue River, Crane Prairie, Columbia River.
What is the best bait for Coho (silver) salmon in Oregon freshwater?
Live bait: herring, anchovies (pacific), salmon eggs (roe). Herring: Cut-plug for salmon: head off at an angle, guts out, two hooks in tandem so it spins slow behind a flasher or a banana weight. Whole and live on a circle hook for stripers where the herring run. Tackle: leader 40–60 lb fluorocarbon, hook 4/0–8/0, braid 50–100 lb.
What are the rules for Coho (silver) salmon in Oregon freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and change — read the current rule at https://myodfw.com/articles/oregon-fishing-hunting-regulations-and-updates before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://myodfw.com/fishing/licensing-info.
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