Salmon

Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch)

The identifying features of the coho are small black spots on the back, caudal fin and upper lobe of the caudal fin only. The gum line is white to light gray. Ocean coloration: greenish-blue back with silver sides. Spawning adults develop greenish-black heads with dark brown to maroon bodies. The usual weight of adults ranges from 7 to 14 pounds.

Coho, also known as silver salmon, are highly regarded as a sport fish. They return as adults to the waters of southeast Alaska in July to September to spawn in their natal stream. Most returning fish have spent 2 years rearing in fresh water and 1 year in the ocean. At sea, anglers catch them using a variety of trolling lures and by spoons, spinners and large flies in fresh water.

Trolling with herring is the most popular method. A small flasher is often added to help attract fish.

Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)

Also known as king salmon these are the largest of the pacific salmon. The feature generally used by anglers to distinguish the chinook from other salmon (coho) are their black gums. Their body color at sea is blue-gray with silver sides. Small irregular shaped black spots cover their back, dorsal fin and are usually on both lobes of the tail. Spawning adults lose their silvery bright coloration and take on a maroon to olive-brown color. Adults return to their natal streams in July and August.

Chinook are simply magnificent fish. They are very powerful and hard fighting fish. I've seen many snap 60 pound test leaders of anglers not paying them proper respect or attention. They are my personal favorite. The flesh is generally red, but there are some with white meat, a local favorite. Chinook meat has the highest fat content of all the salmon, therefore it is the richest. In southeastern Alaska sport catches from the Juneau and Ketchikan area total 2,000 to 2,500 fish a year. The average fish size ranges from 20 to 30 pounds in the Juneau area. Most anglers troll with whole herring or a cut "plug", in which the head of the herring is cut off. Spin casting from shore or boat is also popular.

Please see Southeast Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations for special regulations pertaining to chinook salmon. If you are going to release a chinook don't bring it in the boat, just cut the line. I replace my leader after every chinook just in case the next fish is the "big one". The hook will dissolve quickly in the fish's stomach or rust fast from the saltwater. Please do not use stainless steel hooks.

Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka)

Also known as red salmon due to their bright red flesh and scarlet spawning color. At sea sockeye have a dark blue-black back with silvery sides. There are no distinct spots on the back, dorsal or caudal fin. Spawning adults develop dull, green colored heads with brick red to scarlet bodies. Fish average 6 to 12 pounds. Adults return to their natal stream from July to October in southeast Alaska.

Sockeye are valuable commercial fish due to their deep red flesh and rich meat. They are also prized sport fish, not just because of their flesh, but because of their fighting ability. Sockeye are sought by serious fly fisherman as they may take a spinner, but usually are only attracted by flies. When hooked sockeye can fight hard like a steelhead and frequently jump. Anglers seek out sockeye when the fish return to their natal streams to spawn.

Pink Salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha)

These fish have very large spots on their back with large, oval black blotches on both lobes of tail. At sea their backs are dark green-black with silvery sides. Spawning adults turn a dull gray on the back and upper sides with a creamy white color below. Males develop a pronounced hump, which is why they are also called humpback or humpy. Adult pink salmon move into their natal streams from June to late September.

Pink salmon are not highly prized sport fish. Though they are fun to catch and they taste fine if they are caught while "ocean bright". The quality of their meat drops quickly as they prepare to enter fresh water. The average size ranges from 2 to 6 pounds. Pinks take a variety of lures, spinners and flies. Generally anglers catch them from shore in front of their spawning stream. However, anglers trolling for chinook or coho often catch pinks.

Chum Salmon (Oncorhynchus keta)

These fish have no distinctive black spots on their backs. At sea their backs are dull gray with yellowish silver sides. Spawning adults develop olive green coloration on the back with maroon sides covered with irregular dull red bars. Males exhibit many large canine teeth. They are also called dog salmon from their long standing use as dog food. The average size ranges from 9 to 13 pounds.

Like pink salmon, chum salmon are not prize sport fish. They will take a variety of spinners and small lures and an angler geared for Dolly Varden who hooks into a chum will have a admirable opponent on their hands. The flesh contains little oil and the yellowish color makes it less desirable then other species of salmon, though I have heard they are fine to eat if caught at sea while they are still bright.

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