GTDFishing

Caught All Year Round

Quick Facts:

• Scientific name: Oncorhynchus tshawytscha.
• The chinook is the largest of the Pacific salmon species, the world record standing at 57.27 kilograms (126 pounds).
• Chinook are also known as "spring" salmon because they return to some rivers earlier than other Pacific salmon species.
• This species is known as piscivorous, meaning that they eat other fish.

Description of chinook salmon in marine phase

Black gums and a silver, spotted tail distinguish the chinook from other salmonids. It has a lightly spotted blue-green back and is the largest, most prized game fish. The chinook lives from three to seven years. It weighs between 1.5 kg and 30 kg. Average-size chinooks are often known as springs in B.C. Those over 13.5 kg are called tyees, and in the U.S., chinook are called king salmon.

Description of chinook salmon in freshwater phase

Fresh run fish are very similar in appearance to salt water fish - lightly spotted blue-green back, black gums and a silver, spotted tail. As chinook mature, they become very dark in colour - some dark reddish, and others almost black.

The chinook has black gums at the base of its teeth and its mouth is dark. In some areas it is known as "black mouth".

The chinook has a flowing V-shaped, silvery tail that is generally covered with spots. The tail becomes more square as the chinook reaches adult stage.