(All salmon have 13 or more rays in anal fin, rarely 12)

	King (Chinook) Salmon Kings are the most highly prized of the Pacific salmon. Noted for black irregular spots on back, dorsal fin and both lobes of tail, kings have black gums at the base of the teeth. Spotting on tails quite variable and is a poor characteristic for identification. The silvery, iridescent tail and black gum line are the best for identification purposes. Most return to fresh water to spawn in their fourth or fifth year. Some return in a year or so, and are known as "jack" salmon. Average mature weight: 10-50 lbs (Trophy 50 lbs) Edibility "A" return to index
	Coho (Silver) Salmon Ranging along the Pacific Coast from northern California to Kotzebue Sound, silvers are recognized by black spots on the back and top lobe of the tail, and a light gray gum line. Tail spots are quite variable, and the pale gum line is restricted mostly to a line along which teeth emerge. Average mature weight: 2-20 lbs (Trophy 20 lbs) Edibility "A" return to index
	Pink (Humpback) Salmon Smallest of the five species of Pacific salmon. Distinguished by very small scales and large very dark oval spots on back and entire tail. Tail lacks iridescent sheen found on king salmon. Males on spawning migration develop a high hump immediately behind the head, suggesting the common name, humpy or humpback. Average mature weight: 2-6 lbs (Trophy 9 lbs) Edibility "A" return to index
	Sockeye (Red) Salmon The name is a corruption of the name used by Indians of British Columbia originally printed as "sukkai." Sockeye salmon are greenish blue with fine pepper-like specklings, no large dark spots. Breeding male has pale green head, dark jaws, and bright red body and fins. Spawning female is generally the same with green and yellow splotches on the body. Average mature weight: 2-7 lbs (Trophy 12 lbs) Edibility "A" return to index
	Chum (Dog) Salmon Recognizable by the lack of large black spots on the body and fins, although all fins except the dorsal are black tipped and sometimes lightly speckled. In fresh water, spawning fish show reddish or dark streaks or bars, and large pink blotches. Flesh of the fish is pale pink, and the base of the tail is relatively slender. Chum salmon grow to about 36 inches and are rarely caught on sports gear. Average mature weight: 2-15 lbs (Trophy 15 lbs) Edibility "A" return to index

Updated August 25, 2000

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