Alaska is well known for its salmon. Sport fishermen love the variety of wildlife and scenery to be found while looking for salmon. Shoppers and restaurateurs love the firm and oily flesh of wild Alaska kings and Copper River Reds. Although there are hatchery raised salmon in our waters, Alaska’s commercial salmon fisheries are certified as sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council, an added bonus for those wishing to support environmental health through their food choices.

All five species of Pacific Salmon are found in Alaska: Chinook or King, Sockeye (Red), Coho (Silver), Chum, and Pink (Humpy’s). Here’s a summary of the characteristics of each species and popular (and easily accessible) locations to find them.

Chinook or King

The largest of the salmon, the king salmon is Alaska’s state fish. It’s popular with fishermen for its strength and fight; its pink to red flesh is a favorite amongst connoisseurs.

Color: In the ocean, the king salmon is bluish green on back with silvery sides. It has black spots on its back, dorsal fin, and tail. Spawning colors are darker – the fish takes on a reddish tinge the longer it is in fresh water.

Size: Averages 15 to 20 lbs, 20-30 inches

Record: 97 lbs, 4 oz. 1985. Kenai River.

Popular Fishing Spots: Rivers on the Kenai Peninsula, Gulkana and Klutina rivers in the Copper Basin,; Little Susitna River (Knik Arm); Ship Creek in downtown Anchorage; Chena and Salcha rivers in Tanana Valley

Season: Late May thru early August



Sockeye or Red

This is a favorite eating salmon for many (personally, it’s the only salmon I truly enjoy). Its firm, dark orange-red meat is excellent fresh, smoked or canned. Sockeye from the Copper River region are especially prized and bring top dollar at restaurants and fish markets alike.

Color: In the ocean, the sockeye has bright silver sides, a white belly, and a bluish green back and head. Spawning colors are bright red with a green head. Males develop an arched back and hooked nose.

Size: Averages 6 to 10 lbs

Record: 16 lbs, 0 oz. 1974. Kenai River.

Popular Fishing Spots: Kenai, Moose and Russian rivers on the Kenai Peninsula; Gulkana and Klutina Rivers in the Copper Basin

Season: mid-June to late August


Coho or Silver

The silver salmon runs are later in the summer and allow avid fishermen to pursue their quarry when other freshwater fishing has finished for the season. It is also a tasty salmon, though not as prized as the sockeye or king.
Color: In the ocean, the coho has bright silver sides, a white belly, and a metallic blue-green back. The coho gradually reddens as it enters freshwater. Males develop a hooked nose.

Size: Averages 8 to 12 lbs

Record: 26 lbs, 0 oz. 1976. Icy Strait.

Popular Fishing Spots: Rivers on the Kenai Peninsula; Valdez Harbor area, Homer Spit Lagoon, Unalakleet River (for the adventuresome folks)

Season: late July to October


Pink or Humpy

Pinks are the smallest of the Pacific salmon and are widespread in Alaska, though typically not sought after by sport fishermen. Pins comprise an important commercial fishery, however, as they make a good canned product. Pinks spend the shortest amount of time at sea (2 years) of all the salmon resulting in high numbers of return every other year.

Color: In the ocean, pinks appear as the other salmon. Distinguishing marks include large oval spots on the back, fins and tails. Spawning males darken in color and develop brownish green splotches on the side; they also develop a pronouncedly curved spine (thus the common name “humpy).

Size: Averages 3 to 5 lbs

Record: 12 lbs, 9 oz. 1974. Moose River.

Popular Fishing Spots: Rivers on the Kenai Peninsula; Valdez Harbor and Allison Point

Season: mid-July to late August


Chum

Also known as dog, calico, or keta salmon, chums are an important subsistence fish (both for Alaska Natives and their dogs) as they run in nearly every salmon supporting river in Alaska.

Color: In the ocean, silvery sides with a dark metallic blue back. Spawning colors are alternating bars of green and pink-red (resulting in the “calico” nickname). Like other species, males develop deformed mouth.

Size: Averages 7-18 lbs

Record: 32 lbs, 0 oz. 1985. Caamano Point.

Popular Fishing Spots: Resurrection Bay; Allison Point; Chena and Salcha rivers (Tanana Valley)

Season: early July to October