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Chinook Salmon
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(Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) |
Chinook can be identified by a black lower gum line, many irregular shaped spots on the back, and spots on both upper and lower parts of tail fin. The anal fin usually has 15 to 17 rays. Chinook do not jump and roll as much as Coho Salmon, but have tremendous power and make long reel-screaming runs. Many experienced fishermen can identify a chinook salmon by its distinctive smell.Also called “king” or “tyee,” these are the largest of the Pacific salmon, and typically weigh 18 to 22 pounds, sometimes reaching much larger in size. Average lengths range from 24 inches to 5 feet. Any given river supporting chinook will have a fall, spring or summer run. Some rivers have all three. Spring-run fish enter our rivers as early as January and usually spawn in September and October. Summer runs appear in July and spawn in September and October. The fall chinook begin arriving in August and spawn from September through December. Some Chinook will spend up to five years in the ocean before returning to their place of birth. Feeding and weight gain is a favorite pass-time for these "Salties."
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