Salmon Species
The five species of Alaskan salmon, Chinook, Sockeye, Coho, Pink and Chum are members of a large family of fish recognized as salmonidae plentiful throughout the Temperate Zones of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Though similar, each specie has its own identifying characteristics that make it a unique addition to the salmonidae family.
Chinook (King) Salmon - Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
| Life Span: | 5-7 years |
| Weight: | 15-40+ lbs |
| Appearance: | Largest Alaska salmon. Blue-green or brownish back, sides freckled with black spots, accented by a fair belly and spotted tail. |
| Attributes: | Most desirable Alaska Salmon due to size, high fat content, firm and succulent flesh, savory flavor, orange/red hue that maintains splendorous color after cooking, and versatility as a terrific fresh, frozen or smoked product. |
| Season: | Mid May through most of June. Chinook salmon account for approximately 1% of total salmon harvested in Alaska every year. |
Sockeye (Red) Salmon - Oncorhynchus nerka
| Life Span: | 4-5 years |
| Weight: | 5-8 lbs |
| Appearance: | Greenish-blue back, stunning silver sides and fair belly. Elongated and lean body shape. |
| Attributes: | High fat content, delectable medium taste, moist and firm flesh, bright red flesh that retains brilliance after cooking. Tasty fresh, frozen or smoked. |
| Season: | Mid May through July. Sockeye salmon account for approximately 28.5% of total salmon harvested in Alaska every year. |
Coho (Silver) Salmon - Oncorhynchus kisutch
| Life Span: | 3-4 years |
| Weight: | 8-12 lbs |
| Appearance: | Dark metallic blue back, bright blue/silvery sides and fair belly. |
| Attributes: | Reasonably high fat content, firm texture, pretty orange/red flesh and subtle taste touched with distinctive salmon flavor. |
| Season: | Mid August through September. Coho salmon account for approximately 3.5% of total salmon harvested in Alaska every year. |
Pink (Humpy) Salmon - Oncorhynchus gorbuscha
| Life Span: | 2 years |
| Weight: | 3-4 lbs |
| Appearance: | Silver body dotted with black spots. |
| Attributes: | Firm rose-colored flesh, fine texture and light flavor. Generally canned but increasing recognition as a table fish, especially grilled. |
| Season: | Late June through August. Humpy salmon accounts for approximately 51.7% of total salmon harvested in Alaska every year. |
Chum (Keta) Salmon - Oncorhynchus keta
| Life Span: | 3-5 years |
| Weight: | 7-9 lbs |
| Appearance: | Dark metallic greenish-blue back and sides fading into a silvery belly. Sometimes accented by shadowy bar shapes along the sides. |
| Attributes: | Moderate fat content, firm pink colored flesh, mild flavor. Marketed canned, smoked, fresh or frozen. |
| Availability: | Early June through mid July. Keta salmon account for approximately 15.3% of total salmon harvested in Alaska every year |