COHO SALMON

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COHO SALMON
Oncorhynchus kisutch (Walbaum). Coho have the typical body shape and fins of all Pacific salmon. They are distinguished from the other salmon by the fine black spots on the back and upper lobe of the tail (above the lateral line), and no black pigment along the base of the teeth in the lower jaw. During spawning, the fish have dark backs and stomachs, with a red stripe on the sides (males are more brilliant). Young coho salmon reach the ocean before the end of their first year and return to spawn after a further year and some months in the ocean. Coho salmon are found in the Alsek-Tatshenshini River system, e.g. Klukshu River where anglers eagerly seek them out in late September and early October. Cohos are also found in the Porcupine River system in the northern part of the territory.