Chinook (King) and Coho (Silver) salmon are prize catches for anglers and vital components of their ecosystems. These fish are fun to catch, delicious to eat, and play a crucial role in the health of our rivers and oceans.
But how do you tell the difference between a King and a Silver? This guide will give you the tools you need to accurately identify these fish. Knowing the difference is important for ethical angling and for helping to protect these important species.
Physical characteristics in the ocean phase
When they’re out in the ocean, kings and silvers share the same basic torpedo shape, but there are still some ways to tell them apart.
Size differences
King salmon are usually quite a bit larger than silvers. The average king clocks in at 15 to 20 pounds, with some trophy-sized fish topping 30 pounds. Silvers, on the other hand, average 8 to 10 pounds, although they can sometimes reach 15 pounds or more.
Mouth coloration
Take a look at the gum line to see what kind of salmon you’re dealing with. Kings have a black mouth, while silvers have a gray or white mouth.
Spots and scales
Spot patterns can also help you tell the two species apart. Kings have spots on both their back and tail, while silvers primarily have spots on the upper half of their back and tail.
Also, king salmon scales are larger and fewer in number compared to silver scales, which are smaller and more numerous.
Spawning phase distinctions
When salmon enter their spawning phase, they undergo some notable physical changes.
Color changes
One of the most obvious changes is in their coloration. Silvers develop a distinctive red stripe along their sides. King salmon also change color, but their red hue is typically less defined.
Development of the kype
Male salmon also develop a hooked nose, or kype, during spawning. The kype tends to be more pronounced in male King salmon. Silver salmon also develop a kype, but it’s generally smaller than what you’d see in a King.
Overall appearance
Spawning salmon often look less streamlined than they did earlier in their lives, and they may show signs of wear and tear from their journey upstream.
Other Identifying Factors
Besides the color of the gums, there are other ways to tell a king salmon from a silver.
Fin Characteristics
King salmon tend to have larger fins in proportion to the size of their bodies. Pay close attention to the shape of the anal fin.
Tail Shape and Caudal Peduncle
King salmon have a broader tail. The caudal peduncle, which is where the tail connects to the body, may be thicker in kings.
Fighting Behavior
If you’re a fisherperson, you may be able to tell the difference by the way the fish acts when you hook it. Kings tend to dig in and use their weight to resist, while silvers are known for leaping out of the water.
The Bottom Line
Knowing how to identify salmon species is important for ethical angling. It’s best to avoid targeting any fish that are clearly deep into their spawning phase.
Anglers play a critical role in salmon conservation. By practicing responsible fishing methods, we can all help protect salmon populations for generations to come. So, be sure you know what you’re catching and respect the fish and their habitat.