North Cascades

Salmon of the Skagit River Watershed

Coho Salmon (also called silvers) Oncorhyncus kisutch Coho salmon utilize shallower reaches of water and small streams in the Skagit Watershed for spawning. The young spend one to two years in the fresh water before migrating to the ocean in late March through July. During their ocean phase, coho have silver sides and dark blue backs. They will live in the salt water for one or two years before returning to spawn. During their spawning phase, the jaws and teeth of the coho become hooked, and they develop bright red sides, bluish green heads and backs, dark bellies with dark spots on their back. Mature coho average 38 inches in length and seven to 11 pounds in weight.