Jigging Coho Salmon at the Mouth of the Platte River: A Deepwater Adventure
Discovering a Unique Salmon Fishery
There’s an unmistakable sense of anticipation in the air as we kick off an exciting trip with Captain Ben Wolfe of Sport Fish Michigan. Our destination? The mouth of the Platte River, a legendary fishery and the birthplace of the Great Lakes’ salmon industry. On this particular outing, we’re targeting coho salmon, and we’re doing it in a way that sets this trip apart: deepwater vertical jigging.
This method is a departure from more traditional approaches like trolling, fly fishing, or bottom fishing, which are still common sights in this heavily trafficked fishery. But what drew us in was the idea of jigging—an interactive and highly effective technique that delivers powerful, hands-on action.
The Historical Significance of the Platte River
Captain Ben explains that the Platte River holds a special place in fishing history. In the mid-1960s, the Michigan DNR began planting coho salmon here, initiating what would become a multibillion-dollar industry across the Great Lakes. Today, that legacy continues as anglers converge on this spot each fall to take part in an unforgettable salmon run. 
Sport Fish Michigan: A Network of Expert Anglers
Sport Fish Michigan isn’t just about salmon. It’s a carefully curated group of some of Michigan’s top captains and guides, offering fishing opportunities for nearly every species the state has to offer—whether it’s fly fishing for trout, trolling for salmon, casting for bass, or jigging for walleye.
For today’s adventure, though, it’s all about deepwater jigging for coho—a technique that’s becoming more and more popular thanks to its excitement and effectiveness.
High-Tech Tools and Strategic Fishing
We begin by scanning for fish using high-end Humminbird electronics, tracking both fish and jigs in real time. As soon as a school is spotted, Captain Ben hits spot lock on his Minn Kota Ultrex trolling motor, anchoring the boat in place over the fish.
Immediately, jigs are dropped and anticipation builds. On-screen, we see salmon rising to inspect the lures. Then, finally—contact. A coho charges the jig and the battle is on.
While most bites are clean hookups in the mouth, the aggressive nature of the strike sometimes causes fish to be foul-hooked, in which case they’re safely released—snagging is illegal in Michigan.
This kind of reaction strike is similar to what walleye anglers experience with jigging raps: the bait darts and flutters, and fish pounce with explosive speed. It’s a visceral, visual form of fishing that requires attention, skill, and fast reflexes.
A Record Run and Active Schools
Captain Ben shares some eye-popping numbers: the Michigan DNR estimates that the 2023 Platte River coho salmon run could hit 40,000 fish, well above the typical return of 15,000 to 20,000. Already, 20,000 fish have made their way into the river, leaving another potential 20,000 staging in the lake.
Why the increase? It’s largely due to a better predator-prey balance in Lake Michigan, particularly involving alewives, the primary forage for species like coho and king salmon.
Constant Action, Minimal Movement
One of the great joys of this technique is the minimal need for repositioning. Instead of trolling for miles, we simply idle around, scanning for pods of fish. Once found, it’s a quick drop and hookset. Whether it’s cohos, lake trout, or whitefish, the approach is the same: use sonar to locate, then drop and jig.
The spot lock feature is indispensable here. It holds the boat in place even in waves or current, keeping us directly on top of the fish for precise vertical presentations.
A Growing Trend Among Anglers
As we work the water, we’re surrounded by all kinds of boats—from high-tech rigs to kayaks. The accessibility and versatility of this fishery have made it a popular destination for anglers of every kind. And as the technique of vertical jigging grows, more people are discovering the thrill it brings.
The key to success? Reading your electronics, understanding fish behavior, and being ready when they strike. You can feel the moment when a coho commits—and when it does, it’s game on.
An Interactive Fishing Experience
The energy reaches a peak as another fish slams the jig and the battle begins. These fish don’t nibble—they attack with fury, often charging upward and changing direction rapidly. After an exciting fight, we land a beautiful male coho.
Bleeding the fish by cutting the gills ensures a cleaner fillet, a step Captain Ben always recommends for better meat quality.
The Rise of Coho Jigging
Vertical jigging for coho isn’t just effective—it’s fun and interactive. Originally used for lake trout, whitefish, and Cisco, jigging spoons have now become a staple in salmon fishing thanks to anglers like Ben, who recognized the potential and adapted the method.
As a former bass angler, Ben appreciates the tactile nature of this style of fishing: “I like to feel the bite, impart action, and stay connected from start to finish.”
In just a few short years, what started as a novel idea has become one of Sport Fish Michigan’s most popular offerings, and for good reason—it delivers unforgettable experiences every single trip.
