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How to Rig for Coho (Silver) Salmon

Oncorhynchus kisutch

Coho are aggressive, acrobatic salmon that feed near the surface in the ocean through summer, then enter coastal rivers with the first fall rains. In rivers they stack in slow pools and respond well to jigs and roe under a float, often biting best just after a rise in water. Coho are also stocked in the Great Lakes, where they are caught trolling and from piers in spring and fall.

Answer at a glance
Best rig
Float Rig
Best bait
Cured roe or a pink or purple jig under a float through river pools and tailouts
Where
river, boat
Typical size
20–30 in
Season
Peak season: fall
Realistic Float Rig fishing rig setup
#1 Best Match

Float Rig

intermediateboat · river

A float suspends bait at a fixed depth instead of dragging it on the bottom, letting current or light wave action carry it naturally past holding fish. This is the standard technique for salmon and steelhead in rivers, fished with roe or beads under a pencil float, and for light-tackle pier species like jacksmelt, where a small float and a multi-hook leader with tiny bait covers a school as it drifts through. Use it whenever fish are holding off bottom rather than on it, or when you want a natural drift through a current seam without snagging.

  • Main line8-15 lb monofilament running through the float
  • Leader15-25 lb fluorocarbon
  • Leader length18-24in from the float to the hook, shorten in clear water, lengthen in off-color water
  • Hooks#1 - 2/0 hook with an egg loop, or a 1/8 - 1/4oz jig
  • WeightSmall split shot on the leader, just enough to cock the float upright
  • Line to sinkerShot placed 8-12in above the hook, or spaced 2in apart in a cluster halfway down the leader for salmon
  • BaitCured roe or a pink or purple jig under a float through river pools and tailouts
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Realistic Fish-Finder Rig fishing rig setup
Fish-Finder Rig
The sinker slides freely on the main line, so a fish can pick up bait and move off without feeling resistance.
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Downrigger cableCannonballFishing lineRelease clipSetback 10-50ftFlasherHoochie
Downrigger Trolling Rig
A heavy cannonball on its own cable carries the fishing line down to an exact depth, where a release clip holds it until a fish strikes and pops the line free.
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Main lineBanana sinkerLeader 6-9ftCut plugTwo tandem hooks, herring
Mooching Rig
A cut-plug herring on two tandem hooks trails 6-9ft behind a curved banana sinker and is drifted or motored very slowly so it rolls in a slow, wounded spin.
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Source & regulation note

Technique guidance is educational. Seasons, size limits, bag limits, closures, and protected areas can change. Always verify the current rules before fishing or keeping fish.

FishBase species profile ↗NOAA Fisheries / state agencies ↗Fisheries and Oceans Canada ↗Editorial methodology

Fishing regulations vary by location and season. Check current local regulations before fishing.

Last reviewed: 2026-09-26

Common Questions

What is the best rig for Coho (Silver) Salmon?

The Float Rig is the top recommendation for Coho (Silver) Salmon. A float suspends bait at a fixed depth instead of dragging it on the bottom, letting current or light wave action carry it naturally past holding fish. This is the standard technique for salmon and steelhead in rivers, fished with roe or beads under a pencil float, and for light-tackle pier species like jacksmelt, where a small float and a multi-hook leader with tiny bait covers a school as it drifts through. Use it whenever fish are holding off bottom rather than on it, or when you want a natural drift through a current seam without snagging.

What bait works for Coho (Silver) Salmon?

Check the recommended rig cards above for bait notes specific to Coho (Silver) Salmon.

When is the best time to catch Coho (Silver) Salmon?

Peak season: fall. Typical size runs 20–30 in. Always check current regulations before keeping fish.

Where do you catch Coho (Silver) Salmon?

Coho (Silver) Salmon is caught while river, boat fishing. Coho are aggressive, acrobatic salmon that feed near the surface in the ocean through summer, then enter coastal rivers with the first fall rains. In rivers they stack in slow pools and respond well to jigs and roe under a float, often biting best just after a rise in water. Coho are also stocked in the Great Lakes, where they are caught trolling and from piers in spring and fall.