Species of Pacific Salmon
There are six species of Pacific Salmon, five of which are found in North America. Pacific salmon die after spawning (semelparous) with one exception.
Pacific salmon and trout belong to the genus Oncorhynchus. The name is in reference to the mature males’ hooked snout, or kype.
Pink Salmon
Also known as the humpy, the pink salmon is the most abundant Pacific salmonid. Its two-year life cycle is unique among salmon and trout.
Pink salmon take center-stage in this in-depth guide.
Chum Salmon
Known as the dog salmon, the chum is the third-most abundant salmon. This beefy fish lives between three and five years and dies after spawning.
Dive into the fascinating world of chum salmon.
Sockeye Salmon / Kokanee
The sockeye, or red salmon, is an iconic species of Pacific salmon. It’s one of the most popular salmon for the table. And its abundance makes it a more sustainable option.
Learn all about sockeye salmon and kokanee.
Coho Salmon
The coho, or silver salmon, is a popular salmon known for its leaping ability. This salmon spends more time in freshwater than the above three species. And it often spawns in small tributaries of larger river systems.
Learn about the coho salmon and its life cycle.
Chinook Salmon
Commonly called king salmon, the chinook is the largest of the Pacific salmon. It’s also the least abundant.
The chinook utilizes larger river systems for spawning. It’s a fish that often holds in deep and fast water and can be difficult to catch.
Learn about chinook salmon and its life history.
Masu Salmon
The masu salmon is native to the western side of the Pacific Ocean. Curiously, this species often remains in freshwater near the southern end of its range. The freshwater forms often spawn repeatedly (iteroparous), whereas anadromous masu dies after spawning.
Pacific Trout Species
There are two species of Pacific trout.
Rainbow Trout and Steelhead
The rainbow trout is one of the world’s most popular fish. Along with its ocean migrating form the steelhead, it’s an iconic gamefish, eaten around the world, and introduced to almost every continent.
Plunge into the remarkable world of rainbow trout.
Cutthroat Trout
The cutthroat is an adaptable fish capable of surviving where so many others cannot. From the Pacific Ocean to the tiniest headwater streams, the cutthroat trout is ready for adventure.
Learn more about the fascinating cutthroat trout.