Coho Salmon - Human Uses

Human Uses

Silver salmon are the backbone of the Alaskan troll fishery; however, the majority are caught by the net fishery (gillnet and seine). Coho salmon average 3.5% by fish and 5.9% by weight of the annual Alaska salmon harvest.

This species is a game fish in fresh and salt water from July to December, especially with light fishing tackle. It is one of the most popular sport fish in the Pacific Northwest of the United States and Canada. Its popularity is due in part to the reckless abandon which it frequently displays chasing bait and lure while in salt water, and the large number of coastal streams it ascends during its spawning runs. Its habit of schooling in relatively shallow water, and often near beaches, makes it accessible to anglers on the banks, as well as in boats.

Ocean-caught silver is regarded as excellent table fare. It has a moderate to high amount of fat, which is considered essential when judging taste. Only spring chinook and sockeye salmon have higher levels of fats in their meat. Due to the lower fat content of Coho, when smoking, it is best to use a cold-smoking rather than hot-smoking process.

Historically, the coho, along with other species, has been a staple in the diet of several indigenous peoples, who would also use it to trade with other tribes farther inland. The coho salmon is also a symbol of several tribes, representing life and sustenance.

During November 1997, a Portland television station and The Oregonian teamed with the Oregon chapter of the American Meteorological Society (AMS) to name the strong Columbia River Gorge winds through a contest. Some 7,000 entries were submitted to the "Name our East Wind Contest", with a total of 2,424 different names. The name 'Coho' was judged to be the best name, since it is easy to pronounce (and spell), it is an indigenous name to the Pacific Northwest. Silver salmon are wild fast swimmers analogous to the wind, and it relates to the widely known westerly chinook winds that are also a name of a salmon.