7 Types of Salmon in Alaska

Five Pacific salmon species spawn in Alaska every year. Chinook salmon, also called king salmon, grow the largest and can exceed 50 pounds. Sockeye salmon, sometimes called red salmon, are smaller and turn brilliant red during spawning. Coho salmon, or silver salmon, have a mid-range size and silvery sides with dark spots. Pink salmon are the smallest species and often have spotted backs and vertical bars on their sides. Chum salmon, also called dog salmon, have large teeth and distinctive vertical bars or saddle marks on their sides during spawning.

Size is the first clue. Chinook salmon have large heads and thick bodies, often with dark coloring on the back and spots on the dorsal fin and tail. Sockeye salmon develop deep red bodies and greenish heads during spawning, with no spots on their fins or tail. Coho salmon have white gums and lips with black mouths and dark spots on their upper back. Pink salmon have a small mouth and are light-colored at sea but develop large spots and humped backs during spawning. Chum salmon lack spots on their fins and tail and develop distinctive vertical bars when spawning.

At sea, most salmon are silver and blend with the water. Once they enter freshwater, their bodies change dramatically. Males often develop hooked jaws called kype. Colors shift from silver to red, green, pink, or brown depending on species. Some species develop stripes or bars on their sides. The humped backs and tooth enlargements are most dramatic in pink and chum salmon. These changes help them defend territory and attract mates in the freshwater environment.

Chinook salmon arrive first, typically from May through July, depending on the river system. They are followed by sockeye salmon in June and July. Pink and chum salmon arrive later in the summer and early fall. Coho salmon return in late summer and fall. These timing differences mean that the species you see in a particular month or river depends on which run is active.

No. Pink and sockeye salmon are the most abundant species in Alaska overall, making up the bulk of commercial harvests. Chinook salmon are the largest but less numerous and are therefore highly prized by anglers. Coho and chum salmon fall in between in terms of abundance. Different rivers support different mixes of species, so knowing the target river helps predict which species will be present.

At sea, salmon grow rapidly and develop silver scales for camouflage in the open water. They feed on smaller fish and gain most of their weight during this ocean phase. Once they return to freshwater, they stop eating. All their energy goes into traveling upstream, competing for mates, and spawning. Their bodies deteriorate after spawning, and most salmon die soon after. This complete life cycle transformation is one of the most dramatic in the animal world.

Chinook salmon tend to hold in deeper pools and move deliberately. Sockeye salmon often leap out of the water as they swim upstream, making them very visible. Pink salmon tend to swim in schools and can be seen jumping in groups. Chum salmon are strong swimmers and often hold in current. Coho salmon are acrobatic leapers and will jump repeatedly, creating dramatic displays. Watching a run of salmon on their way upstream gives clear clues to species based on these behaviors.

No. Most salmon species spend 2 to 4 years at sea before returning to spawn. Chinook salmon often spend 3 to 4 years at sea and grow the largest. Pink salmon typically spend only 2 years at sea, making them smaller. Sockeye and coho salmon usually spend 3 years at sea. Chum salmon often spend 3 to 4 years at sea. These differences in ocean time contribute to their final size and the timing of their return to Alaska.

Some rivers support multiple species, especially large systems like the Kenai River and streams in Southeast Alaska. However, each species has preferred river conditions and spawning gravel types. A small stream might support only one or two species, while a major river system could have all five, though typically in different sections or at different times of year. Checking recent reports for your target river narrows down which species you are likely to see.