Wild salmon species

In Alaska there are five different species of salmon (Chinook, Sockeye, Coho, Humpy, Chum) which each have their own characteristics. The chinook, sockeye and coho are high quality species, while the humpy and chum are of rather lower quality, but are becoming more popular due to their lower price:

King salmon (Chinook) | Oncorhynchus tshawytscha

Life span:
5 - 7 years

Weight:
15 - 40+ lbs

Appearance:
Largest Alaskan Salmon. Blue-green or brownish back, flanks spotted with black, accented by a pale belly and spotted tail.

Specialty:
Due to its size, high fat content, firm and juicy flesh, flavorful taste, orange/red hue that retains its gorgeous color, and versatility as an excellent fresh, frozen, or smoked product, the most popular Alaska salmon.

Season:
Mid-May to late June. Chinook salmon account for about 1% of Alaska's annual salmon catch.

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Red Salmon (Sockeye) | Oncorhynchus nerka

Life span:
4 – 5 years

Weight:
5 – 8 lbs

Appearance:
Greenish blue back, silvery flanks and light belly. Elongated and slender body shape.

Specialties:
High fat content, firm and juicy flesh, bright red meat that retains its intensity even after cooking. Delicious fresh, frozen or smoked.

Season:
Mid-May to the end of July. Sockeye salmon account for about 28.5% of Alaska's annual salmon catch.

Silver Salmon (Coho) | Oncorhynchus kisutch

Life span:
3 – 4 years

Weight:
8 – 12 lbs

Appearance:
Dark blue metallic back, light blue/silver flanks and light belly.

Specialties:
Relatively high fat content, firm fairly orange/red flesh, delicate flavor with distinct salmon aroma.

Season:
Mid-August to late September. Coho salmon account for about 3.5% of Alaska's annual salmon catch.

Pink Salmon (Humpy) | Oncorhynchus gorbuscha

Lifespan:
2 years

Weight:
3 – 4 lbs

Appearance:
Silvery body with black spots.

Specialties:
Firm pink flesh, fine texture and mild flavor. Mostly canned, but is visibly becoming recognized as a food fish, especially grilled.

Season:
End of June to end of August. Humpy salmon account for about 51.7% of Alaska's annual salmon catch.

Chum Salmon (Chum) | Oncorhynchus keta

Life span:
3 – 5 years

Weight:
7 – 9 lbs

Appearance:
Dark greenish blue metallic colored back and flanks which blend into a silvery belly. Distinctive green and red-purple vertical bands on flanks.

Specialties:
Limited fat content, firm pink meat, mild flavor. Sold canned, smoked, fresh or frozen.

Season:
Early June to mid-July. Chum salmon account for approximately 15.3% of Alaska's annual salmon catch.

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