8 Types of Salmon in Washington
Yes, Washington hosts six species of Pacific salmon and trout, each with distinct appearance, behavior, and seasonal patterns. Coho, Chum, and Chinook salmon are the most abundant, while Pink and Sockeye salmon arrive in predictable cycles. These fish migrate from ocean to freshwater streams to spawn, making Washington's rivers and coastal waters some of North America's richest salmon habitat. Understanding which species you might encounter helps you time your visit and recognize them in the field.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
- 8
- species recorded
- November, October, September
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
8 types of salmon recorded in Washington
8 salmon species have a verified observation record in Washington, each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Plus 2 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
More on salmon in Washington:
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
5,870 verified observations on iNaturalist of salmon have been recorded in Washington, most often in November, October, September.
When salmon are recorded in Washington
Yes, Washington hosts six species of Pacific salmon and trout, each with distinct appearance, behavior, and seasonal patterns. Coho, Chum, and Chinook salmon are the most abundant, while Pink and Sockeye salmon arrive in predictable cycles. These fish migrate from ocean to freshwater streams to spawn, making Washington's rivers and coastal waters some of North America's richest salmon habitat. Understanding which species you might encounter helps you time your visit and recognize them in the field.
Coho Salmon: The most common species in Washington
Coho salmon are the most frequently observed salmon in Washington, with over 1,000 iNaturalist records. These fish average 24 to 30 inches long and display distinctive hooked jaws and reddish sides during their spawning phase. Males develop a prominent kype, or jaw curve, that makes them easily recognizable from other species. In the ocean, coho appear silvery. They are strong jumpers and acrobatic when caught, making them popular with anglers. Coho return to Washington streams from August through November, with peak numbers in October and November. They support major fisheries in Puget Sound and coastal rivers.
How do you tell Chum Salmon apart from Coho?
Chum salmon are the second most abundant species in Washington and are often mistaken for coho, but key differences exist. Chum salmon typically reach 24 to 36 inches and have a more rounded snout than coho. During spawning, chum display vertical red and black bars on their flanks, resembling tiger stripes, while coho develop a solid reddish coloration. Chum jaws remain less dramatically hooked than coho jaws. Chum salmon appear stockier in overall body shape. These fish migrate through Washington rivers from July onward, with highest counts in October and November. Chum support both commercial and recreational fisheries throughout the state.
Chinook Salmon: The largest Pacific salmon species
Chinook salmon, also called king salmon, are the largest salmons in Washington, weighing up to 50 pounds or more and reaching lengths of 36 inches and beyond. These fish display dark spots on their dorsal fin and tail, a feature that distinguishes them from smaller salmon species. Chinook have relatively small scales and a silvery coloration in ocean phase that transitions to bronze or burgundy during spawning. Their large size and powerful build make them the most prized fish for recreational anglers. Chinook enter Washington rivers primarily from June through September, though some populations return later. There are two distinct runs of Chinook, spring and fall, each with different timing and spawning habitat preferences.
What are Pink and Sockeye Salmon?
Pink salmon are the smallest Pacific salmon, typically 20 to 24 inches long and weighing 3 to 5 pounds. They have a distinctive large oval spot on their tail fin that resembles a thumb print. Pink salmon appear in Washington on even-numbered years in abundance, with lower numbers on odd years, creating a predictable cycle. Sockeye salmon are medium-sized, reaching 24 to 33 inches, and are the most distinctive in color, turning a deep red on the head and upper body during spawning while maintaining a green coloration on the lower body. Sockeye salmon in Washington peak in October and November. Both species support smaller commercial and recreational fisheries compared to coho and chum.
When do salmon move through Washington?
Salmon migration timing varies by species and river system. Peak months across all species in Washington are November, October, and September, when most salmon concentrate in rivers for spawning. Coho arrive from August onward, with numbers building through fall. Chum salmon move through rivers from July, but peak activity occurs in October and November. Chinook enter rivers from June through September for spring and fall runs. Pink salmon appear in cycles but peak in fall months when present. This staggered timing means that autumn, particularly October through November, offers the best chances to encounter multiple salmon species in Washington rivers and coastal areas.
Where can you identify these species in Washington?
The trunk page for salmon in Washington lists six geographic regions: San Juan Islands, Puget Sound, Olympic Peninsula, Mount Rainier gateway routes, Skagit Valley, and North Cascades. Each region receives different salmon species on different schedules. Puget Sound receives year-round runs of coho and chum. The Skagit Valley is famous for chum salmon viewing in fall. Olympic Peninsula rivers see both spring and fall Chinook, plus coho. North Cascades rivers host Sockeye during their spawning season. San Juan Islands offer marine views of salmon during ocean phases. Linking with the /wildlife/washington/salmon trunk page will guide you to specific viewing locations matched to the species you want to see.
Do trout and salmon live in the same waters?
Yes, Washington's rivers and coastal areas support both salmon and trout species. The iNaturalist dataset for Washington salmon includes Rainbow Trout, Coastal Cutthroat Trout, and Westslope Cutthroat Trout among the most frequently recorded fish in salmon habitat. These trout species are resident year-round in many Washington streams and lakes, while salmon migrate in seasonally. In some rivers, trout and salmon occupy different water layers and feeding zones, reducing direct competition. Trout anglers and salmon viewers often encounter both species in the same outing. Understanding this overlap helps when planning multi-species wildlife trips.
Which salmon species is best for beginners to identify?
Chinook salmon are the easiest to identify because of their large size, prominent spots on the dorsal fin and tail, and distinctive powerful build. Once you know what a 50-pound Chinook looks like, smaller species become easier to rule out by comparison. Sockeye salmon are also distinctive because of their bright red spawning coloration on the head and upper body, making them unmistakable. Pink salmon, with their characteristic thumb-print spot on the tail, are equally straightforward. Coho and chum are more challenging to distinguish because they are similar in size and basic shape, so side-by-side comparison of their jaw shape, spot patterns, and flanking colors helps separate them in the field.
What do salmon eat when they return to freshwater?
Salmon undergo a remarkable physiological change when they enter freshwater to spawn. Most salmon species cease feeding once they leave the ocean and enter rivers. Their digestive systems shut down, and their mouths and teeth begin to deteriorate as they prepare exclusively for reproduction. This is why salmon caught in freshwater fisheries are not being caught for food but rather for sport, as these fish will not feed on natural prey or traditional bait. The energy they use for their spawning journey is entirely drawn from their stored body reserves accumulated during ocean feeding. This fasting period can last from weeks to months depending on species and distance traveled.
Frequently asked questions
How do you tell Chum Salmon apart from Coho?+
Chum salmon are the second most abundant species in Washington and are often mistaken for coho, but key differences exist. Chum salmon typically reach 24 to 36 inches and have a more rounded snout than coho. During spawning, chum display vertical red and black bars on their flanks, resembling tiger stripes, while coho develop a solid reddish coloration. Chum jaws remain less dramatically hooked than coho jaws. Chum salmon appear stockier in overall body shape. These fish migrate through Washington rivers from July onward, with highest counts in October and November. Chum support both commercial and recreational fisheries throughout the state.
What are Pink and Sockeye Salmon?+
Pink salmon are the smallest Pacific salmon, typically 20 to 24 inches long and weighing 3 to 5 pounds. They have a distinctive large oval spot on their tail fin that resembles a thumb print. Pink salmon appear in Washington on even-numbered years in abundance, with lower numbers on odd years, creating a predictable cycle. Sockeye salmon are medium-sized, reaching 24 to 33 inches, and are the most distinctive in color, turning a deep red on the head and upper body during spawning while maintaining a green coloration on the lower body. Sockeye salmon in Washington peak in October and November. Both species support smaller commercial and recreational fisheries compared to coho and chum.
When do salmon move through Washington?+
Salmon migration timing varies by species and river system. Peak months across all species in Washington are November, October, and September, when most salmon concentrate in rivers for spawning. Coho arrive from August onward, with numbers building through fall. Chum salmon move through rivers from July, but peak activity occurs in October and November. Chinook enter rivers from June through September for spring and fall runs. Pink salmon appear in cycles but peak in fall months when present. This staggered timing means that autumn, particularly October through November, offers the best chances to encounter multiple salmon species in Washington rivers and coastal areas.
Where can you identify these species in Washington?+
The trunk page for salmon in Washington lists six geographic regions: San Juan Islands, Puget Sound, Olympic Peninsula, Mount Rainier gateway routes, Skagit Valley, and North Cascades. Each region receives different salmon species on different schedules. Puget Sound receives year-round runs of coho and chum. The Skagit Valley is famous for chum salmon viewing in fall. Olympic Peninsula rivers see both spring and fall Chinook, plus coho. North Cascades rivers host Sockeye during their spawning season. San Juan Islands offer marine views of salmon during ocean phases. Linking with the /wildlife/washington/salmon trunk page will guide you to specific viewing locations matched to the species you want to see.
Do trout and salmon live in the same waters?+
Yes, Washington's rivers and coastal areas support both salmon and trout species. The iNaturalist dataset for Washington salmon includes Rainbow Trout, Coastal Cutthroat Trout, and Westslope Cutthroat Trout among the most frequently recorded fish in salmon habitat. These trout species are resident year-round in many Washington streams and lakes, while salmon migrate in seasonally. In some rivers, trout and salmon occupy different water layers and feeding zones, reducing direct competition. Trout anglers and salmon viewers often encounter both species in the same outing. Understanding this overlap helps when planning multi-species wildlife trips.
Which salmon species is best for beginners to identify?+
Chinook salmon are the easiest to identify because of their large size, prominent spots on the dorsal fin and tail, and distinctive powerful build. Once you know what a 50-pound Chinook looks like, smaller species become easier to rule out by comparison. Sockeye salmon are also distinctive because of their bright red spawning coloration on the head and upper body, making them unmistakable. Pink salmon, with their characteristic thumb-print spot on the tail, are equally straightforward. Coho and chum are more challenging to distinguish because they are similar in size and basic shape, so side-by-side comparison of their jaw shape, spot patterns, and flanking colors helps separate them in the field.
What do salmon eat when they return to freshwater?+
Salmon undergo a remarkable physiological change when they enter freshwater to spawn. Most salmon species cease feeding once they leave the ocean and enter rivers. Their digestive systems shut down, and their mouths and teeth begin to deteriorate as they prepare exclusively for reproduction. This is why salmon caught in freshwater fisheries are not being caught for food but rather for sport, as these fish will not feed on natural prey or traditional bait. The energy they use for their spawning journey is entirely drawn from their stored body reserves accumulated during ocean feeding. This fasting period can last from weeks to months depending on species and distance traveled.
Keep exploring
More places to see salmon
More wildlife in Washington
Common questions about salmon