Coho / Silver

Silver Bullets: Unveiling the Thrill of Coho Salmon Fishing in Puget Sound

Puget Sound, a shimmering emerald jewel nestled in the Pacific Northwest, beckons anglers with the promise of an exhilarating challenge. Here, amidst the stunning scenery and vibrant ecosystems, thrives the Coho salmon – a fish renowned for its acrobatic fight and dazzling beauty. Often referred to as “silver bullets” for their sleek, silvery bodies, Coho salmon offer an unforgettable fishing experience for anglers of all skill levels.

The Coho’s Allure: A Fighter in a Flashy Package

Coho salmon, smaller than their Chinook cousins, typically reach weights between 8 and 15 pounds. But what they lack in size, they make up for in feistiness. When hooked, Coho explode with energy, launching themselves out of the water in spectacular leaps and acrobatic runs. Their iridescent scales flash in the sunlight, creating a visual spectacle that adds to the excitement of the battle.

A Cyclical Symphony: When and Where to Find Coho

Unlike Chinook that venture far out to sea, Coho salmon spend much of their lives in the cooler waters of the Pacific Ocean, closer to the coast. They return to Puget Sound in large numbers during two distinct migrations:

  • Early Run (July – September): This migration primarily consists of “resident” Coho that spend their entire lives in Puget Sound. These fish tend to be smaller but offer consistent action throughout the summer months. Popular areas for early run Coho include Whidbey Island beaches, Admiralty Inlet, and the San Juan Islands.
  • Main Run (September – November): This migration sees larger, ocean-reared Coho returning to spawn. Prime locations for the main run include Elliott Bay near Seattle, the Hood Canal, and the Saratoga Passage.

Hunting Grounds for Silver Bullets: Top Coho Fishing Spots

Puget Sound offers diverse fishing grounds for Coho salmon. Whether you prefer casting from the shore or venturing out on a boat, there’s an ideal location for you:

  • Shore-Based Fishing: Numerous public beaches around Puget Sound provide excellent Coho fishing opportunities. Popular spots include Edmonds Beach, Fort Ward Park on Bainbridge Island, and Possession Beach on Whidbey Island. Here, anglers rely on bait like herring or brightly colored lures to entice Coho within casting range.
  • Boat Fishing: For those seeking to explore deeper waters, trolling is a highly effective method for catching Coho. Areas with strong currents and baitfish populations, such as Admiralty Inlet, the Saratoga Passage, and the San Juan Islands, are prime locations for boat-based Coho fishing.

Gearing Up for Success: Essential Tackle for Coho Conquest

Taming a Coho’s spirited fight requires the right equipment. Here’s a breakdown of the essential tackle:

  • Rod and Reel: A medium-action spinning rod with a 7-8 foot length and a reel with a smooth drag system is ideal.
  • Line: Braided line (15-20lb test) offers strength and sensitivity for casting and fighting fish. Monofilament line (20-25lb test) can be a good alternative for beginners.
  • Terminal Tackle: A variety of lures can be effective for Coho, including spoons, spinners, and jigs in silver, blue, and green colors. Herring or anchovies under a bobber are popular bait options, especially for shore-based anglers.

Taming the Silver Bullets: Effective Fishing Techniques

Coho fishing utilizes various techniques depending on whether you’re fishing from shore or on a boat:

  • Shore-Based Casting: Cast your bait or lure parallel to the shoreline and retrieve it with a slow, erratic action to mimic a fleeing baitfish. Varying your retrieve speed and depth can entice curious Coho.
  • Boat Trolling: Troll a variety of lures at speeds between 1.5 and 2.5 knots, focusing on areas with baitfish activity. Experiment with different lure depths to locate feeding Coho. Downriggers can be used to reach deeper water where Coho may be congregating.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Tactics for Discerning Anglers

Experienced anglers can employ additional techniques to maximize their success:

  • Flashing: Adding flashers to your trolling setup attracts Coho from afar. These brightly colored devices create a commotion in the water, mimicking the presence of baitfish.
  • Dodgers: These angled diving lures create a wobbling action that mimics a fleeing baitfish, triggering the Coho’s predatory instincts.
  • Bait Selection: Matching your bait to the size and type of prey fish Coho are feeding on can significantly improve your catch rate.