For most novice fishermen or women one of the hardest parts about salmon fishing is being able to clearly identify which particular kind of salmon that they have caught. Since fishing regulations are based on species it is very critical that you can tell each from the other to stop being in violation of the license and probably facing fines or more serious outcomes. Studying salmon fishing and assorted species isn't too hard, and the general outlines provided below should be all that is wanted to identify the salmon species.
The following tips about salmon fishing species identification will apply only to mature salmon and may not apply to minors and smelts.
Chinook - it's important to keep in mind when talking about salmon fishing that many species go by different names. The Chinook is also known as the King and blackmouth. It is the biggest of the Pacific salmon, and is easily identified by the distinct black coloration to the lower gums. They are olive or brown in coloration on the back with darker black coloration on the sides. They have many little, dark spots on the back.
Coho - AKA Silver salmon, are smaller than the Chinook or King salmon. They have a bluish green color to the skin on the head and back. Depending on the time of year the sides of the Coho may be wine colored or even a very brilliant red. The cover of the gills will be terribly reddish across the year.
Chum - one of the less common salmon it's important to understand about salmon fishing this species to achieve success. They will generally not move far inland and will stay close to salt water. Chum is the second largest of the Pacific salmon species and are simply distinguished by their red to purplish blue color and horizontal bars. They also have a particularly particular and pronounced set of teeth.
Sockeye - this salmon is extremely red in color and may often be mistaken for the Coho thanks to the coloration. Sockeye spend up to 2 years in a fresh water lake before moving out the sea, and are unique in this aspect. They have any distinct spots and the female is less brilliantly coloured than the male. Male Sockeyes have a noticeable hump on their back just in front of the dorsal fin.
Kokanee - this is the truly land locked salmon, living its complete live cycle in a fresh water lake, never venturing to the salt water. In physical description they are nearly matching the Sockeye, being red in color and males having the dorsal hump.
When studying salmon fishing and fish identification it is a great idea to bring a salmon identification book and don't forget to practice conservation and return fish to the water whenever limits are reached.
If you find this article useful, you should also check out cooking101.org to learn more about some easy techniques of cooking all sorts of quality meals, including clean salmon.
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