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Steep Creek SalmonCam
What was that fish that just swam by?
Click on each drawing for a detailed photographic identification of the
species.
Chinook (King) Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha):

The Chinook is the largest of all the Pacific salmon species. The Chinook
is also the least abundant of the five Pacific salmon. Because of its
size, the king salmon is valued by sportfishers throughout its entire
native range. The average size and weight range for the Chinook salmon
is 28 to 40 inches and 10 to 25 pounds, but given the right circumstances,
they can reach 100 pounds! The average life span of chinook salmon is
3-6 years.
Coho (Silver) Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch):

Coho salmon are popular with sport fishermen because they readily bite
lures and flies, fight hard, and are very good to eat. The coho salmon
averages 24-28 inches in length and 6-10 pounds, but can reach over
20 pounds. The coho salmon has a life span of roughly 2-4 years.
Sockeye (Red) Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka):

Sockeye salmon are prized by sportfishermen for the amazing and enduring
fight they put up when hooked and for their delicious red flesh. Sockeye
salmon are also highly prized by the commercial fishing industry because
of their high oil content, rich flavor, and bright red flesh. Generally
sockeye salmon reach a length of 21-26 inches and usually weighing 4-7
pounds, with large fish reaching 15 pounds. The average lifespan of
sockeye salmon is 2-7 years.
Chum (Dog) Salmon (Oncorhynchus keta):

The chum salmon's spawning colors make it an interesting sight and
many sportfishermen prefer them for their tendency to fight hard and
because they will take a wide variety of lures and flies. On average,
chum salmon reach a length of 24-31 inches and a weight of 6-12 pounds,
with large fish from some stocks tipping the scales over 25 pounds.
The average lifespan of chum salmon is 2-5 years, and in some cases,
7 years.
Pink (Humpy) Salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha):

The male pink salmon, during spawning, boasts a distinctive hump on
its back between the head and dorsal fin, hence the common name "humpy"
or "humpback salmon". Pink salmon are the most abundant of
all the Pacific salmon. They are commonly sought after by sportfishermen
because of their availability. Pink salmon average 18-24 inches in length
and 3-5 pounds, making them the smallest of all 5 North American species
of Pacific salmon. Pink salmon differ from the other species of Pacific
salmon by having a fixed two-year life span.
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