Oregon Outdoor Excursions, LLC
Santiam Canyon, Oregon
(503) 767-BITE

http://www.oregonoutdoorexcursions.com
info@oregonoutdoorexcursions.com
Oregon Guide Registration # 4363

Fish Species

Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch)

The Coho salmon is a species of anadromous fish in the salmon family. During their ocean phase, Coho have silver sides and dark blue backs. During their spawning phase, the jaws and teeth of the coho become hooked. They develop bright red sides, bluish green heads and backs, dark bellies and dark spots on their backs after they go in to fresh water.

The North Santiam has a run of Coho that enter the river in late August - early September each year. Most of those fish head for the smaller tributaries to spawn in late fall/early winter. They are legal to retain in the upper river beginning on November 1st of each year. They can be extremely sporting to catch prior to spawning and will take lures and flies.

The past couple years (2009-2010) have seen huge runs of Coho over Willamette Falls and into the Willamette and Santiam River systems. The runs have been so large that the ODFW has modified the regulations to allow for retention of these fish before the usual November 1 opening in some locations.

See our Fish Counts page for current and historical fish counts.

Recommended Gear List

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