For river-run silver salmon (coho) in mid-spring, the sweet spot is a spoon around 2.5–3 inches long, with a light to medium weight. In clear, slower water you can start with about 1/4–1/2 oz; in faster current or stained water, bump up to around 3/4 oz while keeping the length at 2.5–3 inches. This combination gives solid depth control, strong flashes, and good action without getting you snagged constantly in seams.
Key tips to dial it in:
- Size and weight: Start with a 2.5–3 inch spoon in 1/4–1/2 oz. If water is faster or murkier, use a heavier spoon (around 3/4 oz) but keep the length at 2.5–3 inches. This range is a go-to for river coho and balances casting, sinking speed, and fluttering action. (Johnson SM3/4-SLVR Tackle Box Standard Minnow Spoon, Silver, 2-3/4-Inch, 3/4-Ounce; Choosing Coho Spoons : The Best Spoons For Coho Salmon Fishing : Lake Michigan Salmon Fishing)
- Finish matters: Silver/chrome finishes with a touch of chartreuse or pink can help in river light and stained water, while plain chrome flashes well in bright conditions. See what anglers are using in coho spoon videos for color ideas. (How to Catch Coho Salmon Spoon Fishing the Vedder River)
- Depth and range: Target mid-depth or slightly above bottom in typical river runs. If the bite is coming in the mid-column, adjust your depth with a light leader and a slightly heavier spoon to keep the lure in the strike zone.
- Retrieve cadence: Cast upstream, let the spoon sink to the desired depth, then use a steady strip with short twitches and occasional pauses. Keep the spoon in the current and along seams where coho hold. This cadence often triggers follow-ups and bites.
- Gear lightly armed: A modest fluorocarbon leader (around 8–15 lb) can reduce hang-ups and give you more feel on the bite.
Experiment with one or two rod-length offsets (2.5
