Information on Wild Alaska Salmon Skin and Flesh Color
Coho Salmon
This guide depicts color changes in fresh coho (silver) Salmon. Please note that changes in skin color may occur after freezing. Slight differences in color may also be attributable to the geographic region in which the fish was caught. Coho salmon are normally dark metallic blue on the back and upper sides and an intense silver color on the sides. A few small black spots may be found on the black and on the upper lobe of the tail. The caudal peduncle is unusually broad compared with other species of Pacific salmon, and a silvery plate is evident on the tail. Sexually maturing coho salmon develop a slight pink or rose shading along the belly and the males may show a slight arching of the back. Mature coho salmon have a pronounced red skin color with darker backs. Females may be darker than males, with both showing a pronounced hook on the nose.
Alaska Range: Southeastern Alaska to Nome
Fishing methods: Gillnet, seine, troll
Quantity: Coho salmon average 3.5% by fish of the annual Alaska salmon harvest; 5.9% by weight of the annual Alaska salmon harvest.
Coho salmon are the backbone of the Alaska troll fishery, however, the majority are caught by the net fishery. Coho are unusually active and attractive fish which range from 25 to 35 inches in length, and weigh from 2 to 12 pounds. An average full-size adult will usually be about 10 pounds and 29 inches long. Silvers weighing up to 36 pounds have been reported.
