Deception Pass / Skagit Bay
About Coho Salmon
Coho (Silver) salmon are the acrobatic fighters of the Pacific salmon family. They arrive in Puget Sound later than Chinook, with the main runs hitting from July through October. Coho are more aggressive than Chinook and will strike a wider variety of lures, making them a favorite for recreational anglers.
Regulations
Daily limit varies by area and season. Min size typically 12 inches. Hatchery Coho (clipped adipose fin) are the primary retention target. Wild Coho release rules vary.
Techniques
- Trolling with spoons (naked or behind flasher)
- Trolling with hoochies
- Cut-plug herring trolling
- Casting from shore at river mouths
Where to Fish
Deception Pass
Extreme tidal exchange funnels bait through the narrows — salmon stack at current breaks on both sides of the pass
Gear Recommendations
Recent Coho Salmon Catches
Frequently Asked Questions
When do Coho run in Puget Sound?
Coho arrive in Puget Sound from July through October, with the peak typically in August and September. They are later than Chinook and more concentrated in their timing.
What is the best lure for Coho?
Trolling spoons like the Coho Killer in pink/silver are deadly. Hoochies in pink/purple behind a flasher also produce well. Coho are aggressive — they will hit hardware more readily than Chinook.
How deep do Coho swim?
Coho typically run shallower than Chinook, often in the top 40-60 feet. Many anglers run one downrigger deep (for Chinook) and one shallow (for Coho) to cover both species.