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Recreation » Fishing
» Fish Identification
Salmon Species
(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"
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 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"
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 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"
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 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"
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 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"
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