How to Go Depoe Bay Coho Salmon Fishing

Coho salmon, also known as the silver salmon, would weigh between 4-12 pounds, though you may catch even heavier ones! They are known for their silver sides, white belly, and dark-spotted back, making them attractive to look at. These are very popular when it comes to Depoe Bay Coho salmon fishing, caught using a variety of techniques and sometimes taken home to cook!

For those going Depoe Bay Coho salmon fishing, then you’re in for a treat! However, there is a lot to learn when it comes to targeting this certain fish species. Read on to learn all about Coho salmon fishing in the beautiful Depoe Bay!

About Depoe Bay Coho Salmon Fishing

The Coho salmon looks similar to the Chinook salmon, though it has a white gum line on its lower jaw. The Coho salmon would also have darker colors in and out of its gum lines, having spots on its tail’s upper lobe.

But once Coho salmon heads to freshwater, they turn red on their sides, while their backs, heads, and find turn dark green. These fish can reach over 25 pounds, but usually, they won’t exceed over 15 pounds.

Now that you’re familiar with what the Coho salmon is, the next question is: How are you going to fish for them in Depoe Bay?

Here are the things you should know about Depoe Bay Coho salmon fishing:

When Do They Come to the Depoe Bay?

Coho salmon adults would return to Oregon during the fall season, after their 3^rd year. Female Coho salmon would dig a few reefs, depositing between 3,000 to 4,000 eggs.

Once the eggs hatch, these young fish will gather in schools, heading to shallower areas nearing stream banks. When they get older, they will disperse, becoming aggressive, not just with other fish, but towards each other!

Coho salmon would rear for around 18 months in freshwater, then another 18 months in oceans.

Coho Salmon Habitat

You will find Coho salmon in small and relatively low-gradient tributary streams for spawning. They would head to areas with pea or orange-sized to spawn and for rearing young fish. Coho salmon also like to stay in a complex and in-stream structure such as tree-lined banks or woody debris.

Depoe Bay Coho Salmon Fishing Technique

Drift fishing is one of the most common techniques to use when in freshwater like Depoe Bay. Make sure your bait bounces off the bottom and moves at the current’s speed.

Another technique to use is plunking. This is when you cast a spoon or spinner but rather than it drifting with the current, it would anchor in a spot where Coho salmon would most likely meet with it.

You may also want to try float fishing when in smaller tributaries or even fly fishing, which is known to be very effective.

If you will be fly fishing, I recommend that you use a 7-8 fishing rod, or something lighter if you don’t like the chum. Focus on a high-quality fishing reel that features a smooth drag. If possible, use a full sink clear fishing line, or sinking tip lines. If you don’t have these on hand, you may also use a full floating line, which is pretty useful, depending on the conditions.

As for the flies to work with, the following are pretty effective:

• California Neal,
• g sucking leech
• Different-colored Christmas trees
• Different types of rolled minnow

Coho Salmon are Protected

Did you know that the lower Depoe Bay Coho salmon is actually a threatened species? There are organizations, including the NOAA Fisheries West Coast Region and the Science Centers, that work to conserve and protect the Coho salmon, thanks to the Endangered Species Act.

In 1986, the Coho salmon has declared an extinct species in Idaho, though, through efforts of tribes, the species was reintroduced. Today, they return in numbers supporting a fishery in various rivers and streams in the Oregon state, including Depoe Bay.

This is why there are limitations and restrictions put in place to ensure that they don’t go extinct in the area. There are also various recovery programs and partnerships in place.

Currently, the ODFW announced Coho salmon fishing season dates and quotas this June 2021. The season opened on June 12, with the quota being 120,000 fin-clipped fish, or with the season-ending on August 28.

Try Depoe Bay Coho Salmon Fishing Charters

Now that you’re more familiar with Coho salmon and how you can fish them in Depoe Bay, the next question is: How will you navigate the waters?

While it may seem fun to maneuver the boat on your own or with loved ones, this may not be the most feasible option for first-timers in the area or those who are complete beginners to fishing. That’s where a fishing charter comes along.

With fishing charters like us here at Pastime Fishing Adventures, you won’t have to worry about navigation and safety in the waters, as our professional guides and crew will be able to care for everyone on board. Furthermore, they provide quality fishing equipment, knowledge, and additional facilities for the entire group to enjoy their time in Depoe Bay.

That way, you can focus more on fishing for Coho salmon and having fun. You can check out what more we have to offer as a fishing charter here, from our rates down to our experiences and what we offer.

Wrapping It Up

The Depoe Bay is an amazing area with a lot of fishing opportunities, including Coho salmon. There are various techniques you can use to catch these types of fish and with the right strategy, you can catch a few to brag about after the trip!

Are you planning to go to Depoe Bay Coho salmon fishing? Then you may want to consider hiring a reputable fishing charter to navigate the waters and help you get the catch you’ve been dreaming of! Contact us now at Pastime Fishing Adventures for a quotation based on your specific needs.