The Beast - Northern Coho Salmon

by R Smith
(Smithers, BC Canada)

I have fished for the elusive Northern Coho for the past seven years on the Skeena River west of Terrace, British Columbia. It is usually in late October and cold as hell out there. The day I caught this monster was the only day in seven years fishing on the famous "China Bar" the wind wasn't blowing 90 miles an hour....

This guy put up a crazy fight and actually broke off the hook during what's commonly referred to as the "Coho Roll" about two feet from shore. Without any hesitation my wife jumped in and wrestled the fish onto shore. She then took the photo I submitted before heading to the camper to change into dry clothes.

This is my personal best Northern Coho salmon, weighing just over 20 pounds.

I make smoked lox with all the coho salmon we catch. It's vacuum sealed, froze and enjoyed all winter.

Cheers,
R Smith



Jason's Response:

Hi Roger,

Congratulations on taking First Place in the 2011 Fishing Photo and Story Contest. That's a cool shot taken in the photo, and kuddos to your wife to be daring enough to jump in after that Coho Salmon. Thank you for participating.

That Northern Coho Salmon is a Beast