There are several different types of salmon that you can find in Alaska. They include Sockeye, Chinook, Coho, and Chum. Each of these species has their own unique characteristics and qualities that you should be aware of.
Chinook salmon
Chinook salmon are an important food source for many apex marine predators. They are also a vital food resource for subsistence fisheries. Some Chinook salmon stocks are hatchery-raised, while others are wild. In Alaska, these stocks are managed using strict regulations. However, production of Chinook salmon has decreased over the past 100 years, resulting in a commercial harvest of only a few thousand pounds per year.
The goal of this study was to provide critical information on the spatial and temporal distribution of Chinook salmon. To this end, data were collected on the age of juvenile Chinook salmon that were sampled from SECM surveys.
There were five distinct ocean age groups of Chinook salmon tagged with coded-wire tags, each originating from different geographic regions. Data were collected on the CPUE (commercial value of one fish) of these juvenile fish for each month up to the 2006 ocean year. These age-specific catch data were used to compare production metrics for wild and hatchery stocks in the SEAK management area.
Coho salmon
Coho salmon are one of the Pacific salmon species. They are anadromous, meaning that they spend part of their life in the ocean and the other part in freshwater streams. They are usually found in coastal waters of Alaska and Oregon.
Unlike chinook salmon, coho salmon are not as large, but they are still excellent. The average weight of coho is between eight and twelve pounds.
Coho salmon are harvested in commercial and recreational fisheries. Their meat is firm and has less fat than other Pacific salmon.
Coho salmon are typically caught in August. When they spawn, the smolts turn red, and the males develop a large hooked snout. As they mature, the smolts move to the ocean, where they spend a year or more before returning to natal streams.
Sockeye salmon
Sockeye salmon are a species of Pacific salmon found throughout Alaska. They are also known as red salmon because of their spawning coloration. These salmon are semelparous, meaning that both males and females breed.
The best fishing spots for sockeye salmon are the Kenai Peninsula, Bristol Bay, and Alagnak River. There are also commercial troll fisheries for Chinook salmon and coho salmon.
Sockeye salmon are found in most rivers in Alaska. This means that you can find them anywhere, but the most common habitats include streams attached to lakes.
Sockeye salmon are considered to be one of the hardest fighting salmon species in the world. While their acrobatics and blistering runs make them a fun sport, they are tough to land and require special techniques.
Several million sockeye salmon return to the Kenai River each year. They are caught in both net and troll fisheries.
Chum salmon
The chum salmon, or dog salmon, is a native species to Alaska. It is one of the most widely distributed Pacific salmon species. They are found in many rivers on the Pacific coast, as well as on the Atlantic coast.
Chum salmon are known for their ability to swim long distances to spawn. A male chum salmon displays impressive canine-like fangs during courtship.
While chum salmon are relatively plentiful in Alaska, a few stocks have been listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Some populations are stable, while others are in decline.
There are hundreds of stocks of chum salmon in Alaska. However, three sockeye stocks are considered to be in danger. In addition, some chum salmon stocks are below target population levels.
King salmon
King salmon in Alaska have become famous worldwide. They are among the largest fish in the world. Adult salmon can weigh up to 90 pounds, and can be as long as 58 inches. These are the ultimate table fare.
Whether you are a salmon aficionado or just a casual angler, you are sure to love Alaska king salmon. Those who love fishing for this delicious seafood can take advantage of both freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities. For those who prefer the river, king salmon are a common sight in southeast and west Alaska.
The Kenai River is perhaps the most famous king salmon in Alaska. This river is home to two separate runs of king salmon. It is also one of the easiest rivers to access.
The early run starts in May and continues through June. At this time, hatchery kings make their way into the river. During this period, salmon will gorge on food to prepare for the spawning season.