Salmon Types
Chinook
Also known as Kings
The largest of the species, up to 125 lbs
Can live up to seven years
Spawn most often in large rivers or streams and in deep, fast water
Flesh color may vary from white to pink to red
Least abundant of North American Pacific salmon
Coho
Also known as Silvers
Spend one to two years in freshwater before migrating to sea
Require small headwater streams for pre-migration
period
Originally one of the most commercially sought after species; now depleted in
many areas
Chum
Also known as Dogs for their canine-like teeth, or as Keta after their Nanai
Broadest geographic range of all the species, extending from California to Korea
Spawn low in river systems
Migrate to sea soon after hatching
Flesh color may vary from white to pink to red
Drier flesh well-suited for smoking
Pink
Also known as Humpies
Most abundant of the species and smallest of the species
Often spawn in estuaries or lower reaches of rivers
Migrate to sea soon after hatching
Two-year life cycle with alternate even and odd year runs
Lowest fat content of the species, frequently used for canning
Sockeye
Also known as Reds
Darkest flesh of the species
Name comes from the First Nation sukkai, meaning "fish"
Greatest variety of life history patterns — spawn not only in rivers but also in lakes
Often spend one to three years in freshwater before migrating to sea
Some populations have become land-locked, and are known as kokanee salmon
Steelhead
Live as much as four years in freshwater before migrating to sea
May mature without ever leaving fresh water, in which case they are called rainbow trout
Often do not die after spawning, but will re-migrate to the ocean
Highly prized by anglers for their fighting spirit
