When it comes to salmon fishing, having the right cooler is essential to keep your catch fresh from the time you reel it in until you get it home. Salmon are large, oily fish that require a cooler with ample space, excellent ice retention, and features that cater to the needs of anglers, such as durability and portability. Whether you’re fishing from a boat, kayak, or shore, a good salmon fishing cooler should be easy to clean, have a secure seal to prevent leaks, and be robust enough to handle heavy loads.
Here’s a rundown of some of the best coolers for salmon fishing, focusing on their size, ice retention, durability, portability, and special features that are advantageous for anglers.
Best Coolers for Salmon Fishing
1. YETI Tundra 65 Hard Cooler
Price Range: $375 – $425
Size: 57.2 quarts (holds up to 39 cans or 56 pounds of ice)
Key Features:
- Rotomolded construction for extreme durability
- PermaFrost Insulation for up to 7 days of ice retention
- T-Rex Lid Latches and Interlock Lid System for a secure seal
- BearFoot non-slip feet for stability
- Vortex Drain System for quick drainage
The YETI Tundra 65 is one of the best coolers for salmon fishing due to its outstanding durability, ice retention, and versatile size. With rotomolded construction, it’s nearly indestructible, which is perfect for handling the bumps and knocks that come with fishing trips. The Tundra 65’s PermaFrost Insulation keeps ice for up to 7 days, ensuring your salmon stays fresh even on extended fishing trips. The non-slip feet keep the cooler steady in boats or on slippery surfaces, and the T-Rex lid latches ensure a secure seal to prevent any leaks.
Pros:
- Exceptional ice retention for keeping salmon fresh.
- Extremely durable and built to withstand tough conditions.
- Easy to drain and clean with the Vortex Drain System.
- Versatile size—fits in most boats, trucks, and fishing spots.
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to other coolers.
- Heavy, especially when fully loaded, and does not come with wheels.
2. Engel 65 High-Performance Hard Cooler
Price Range: $300 – $350
Size: 58 quarts (holds approximately 60 pounds of ice)
Key Features:
- Rotomolded construction for durability
- 2-inch thick walls with polyurethane insulation for up to 10 days of ice retention
- Airtight gasket seal for superior cold retention
- IGBC Certified Bear-Resistant
- Non-slip feet and integrated tie-down points
The Engel 65 High-Performance Cooler is known for its excellent ice retention, making it a great choice for salmon fishing. Its 2-inch thick walls and airtight gasket create an exceptionally well-insulated environment, keeping your catch cold for up to 10 days. This cooler is also IGBC certified bear-resistant, which is useful if you’re fishing in bear country. The non-slip feet and tie-down points add to its practicality, especially on boats and rocky shorelines. It also comes with a drain plug for easy clean-up after a long day of fishing.
Pros:
- Superior ice retention for extended fishing trips.
- Durable and bear-resistant, making it perfect for rugged outdoor environments.
- Integrated tie-down points for secure transport.
- Easier to carry with molded handles.
Cons:
- No wheels, which can be a downside for portability when fully loaded.
- Slightly heavy compared to some other models.
3. Igloo Marine Ultra 72 Quart Cooler
Price Range: $100 – $150
Size: 72 quarts
Key Features:
- Ultratherm insulation in both body and lid for up to 5 days of ice retention
- UV inhibitors to protect against sun damage
- Non-slip, comfort-grip handles
- Stain- and odor-resistant liner
- Integrated fish ruler on the lid
The Igloo Marine Ultra 72 Quart Cooler is a more budget-friendly option that still offers great performance for salmon fishing. With a large 72-quart capacity, it can easily accommodate multiple salmon or other large fish. The Ultratherm insulation keeps ice for up to 5 days, which is sufficient for most fishing trips. The UV inhibitors protect the cooler from sun damage, and the integrated fish ruler on the lid is a nice touch for quickly measuring your catch. It also has a stain- and odor-resistant liner, making clean-up much easier.
Pros:
- Large capacity is great for storing big catches like salmon.
- Affordable compared to premium coolers.
- Lightweight and easy to carry with non-slip handles.
- Integrated fish ruler is a useful feature for anglers.
Cons:
- Not as durable or long-lasting as rotomolded coolers.
- Latches and hinges are less robust and may wear out over time.
4. Coleman Xtreme 100 Quart Wheeled Cooler
Price Range: $100 – $130
Size: 100 quarts (holds up to 160 cans)
Key Features:
- Xtreme Technology for up to 5 days of ice retention
- Heavy-duty wheels and a tow handle for easy transport
- Insulated lid and walls for improved cooling performance
- Have-a-Seat Lid supports up to 250 lbs
- Molded cup holders on the lid
The Coleman Xtreme 100 Quart Wheeled Cooler is a fantastic choice for those who want a large-capacity cooler that is easy to transport. With a 100-quart capacity, it can easily store multiple salmon, along with plenty of ice. The heavy-duty wheels and tow handle make it easy to roll across piers, docks, and uneven terrain, which is a major advantage when moving a fully loaded cooler. The Xtreme Technology ensures good ice retention for up to 5 days, making it suitable for weekend fishing trips.
Pros:
- Large capacity with easy transportation features.
- Affordable and great value for the size and performance.
- Multi-functional lid doubles as a seat.
- Molded cup holders are a convenient feature.
Cons:
- Not as durable as premium models; latches and hinges are plastic.
- Ice retention is decent but not on par with higher-end coolers.
5. RTIC 110 QT Hard Cooler
Price Range: $450 – $500
Size: 110 quarts
Key Features:
- Rotomolded construction for maximum durability
- 3-inch foam insulated walls for up to 10 days of ice retention
- Heavy-duty rubber T-latches for a secure seal
- Non-slip feet and molded tie-down slots
- Leak-proof drain plug
The RTIC 110 QT Hard Cooler is built for serious anglers who need a large, robust cooler that can keep ice for extended periods. With a 110-quart capacity, it offers ample space for large salmon and other big catches. The thick foam insulation and heavy-duty construction provide up to 10 days of ice retention, ensuring your fish stays fresh during long fishing trips. The cooler also features heavy-duty T-latches, non-slip feet, and molded tie-down slots for secure transport.
Pros:
- Huge capacity for storing large catches.
- Excellent ice retention for long fishing trips.
- Durable rotomolded construction can withstand tough conditions.
- Leak-proof drain plug for easy cleaning.
Cons:
- Expensive and on the heavier side.
- No wheels, making it difficult to move when fully loaded.
Choosing the Right Salmon Fishing Cooler
Factors to Consider:
- Capacity: Salmon can be quite large, so a cooler with a capacity of at least 65 quarts is recommended. If you plan to store multiple fish or additional items like drinks and bait, consider a cooler with a capacity of 100 quarts or more.
- Ice Retention: Look for coolers with excellent ice retention to keep your catch fresh, especially if you’re on extended fishing trips. Rotomolded coolers like YETI, Engel, and RTIC provide up to 10 days of ice retention, making them ideal for serious anglers.
- Durability: Fishing coolers need to withstand the elements, rough surfaces, and frequent use. Rotomolded construction is the gold standard for durability, but even mid-range options like Igloo Marine Ultra offer decent durability for less demanding conditions.
- Portability: Depending on where and how you fish, portability may be crucial. Coolers with wheels (like the Coleman Xtreme) or lighter options are easier to transport. For those without wheels, look for coolers with sturdy handles and tie-down points for easier carrying and securing.
- Additional Features: Consider features like non-slip feet, fish rulers, drain plugs, and tie-down points that can enhance your fishing experience and provide added convenience.
By choosing the right cooler based on these considerations, you can ensure that your salmon fishing adventures are more successful, keeping your catch fresh and ready to enjoy once you’re back on land