Hobbies And Interests
King Chinook Salmon
The King Chinook (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) salmon gets its name because it is the largest of all Alaskan salmons. Most of the King Chinook salmon caught in Alaska weigh between 10 and 15 pounds, but records show this fish reaching a maximum weight of up to 135 pounds. This type of salmon is generally silver in color but has some dark gray or black spotting along its back.
The King Chinook salmon lives in saltwater but spawns in freshwater lakes and rivers. As such, it travels hundreds of miles to reach its spawning destination. Young King Chinook salmon live in freshwater for three months to a year of age before starting their route to the Pacific saltwater. Kin Chinook salmon can be found swimming in the Kenai, Kasilof, Susitna and Yentna Rivers.
Silver Coho Salmon
Silver Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) can be identified by their silver sides and belly and their metallic blue or green backs. Typically, these fish are caught when they weigh about 8 pounds. If they mature to their full size, the Silver Coho salmon is capable of reaching a weight of 36 pounds and can measure more than 2 feet long. Because they spawn in freshwater rivers and streams, this fish spends half its life in freshwater and half in saltwater. Silver Coho salmon is commonly caught in the Kenai, Kasilof, Susitna and Yentna Rivers.
Red Sockeye Salmon
Red Sockeye salmon (Oncoryhynchus nerka) are also sometimes referred to as Red salmon or Sockeye salmon. Most of the Red Sockeye salmon that are caught weigh between 5 and 8 pounds although they have been known to reach an adult weight of up to 15 pounds. Young Red Sockeye salmon spend the first two years of their life in the freshwater locations where they were spawned prior to making their way to the Pacific. Red Sockeye salmon populates the Kenai, Russian, Kasilof, Susitna and Yentna Rivers in Alaska.
Pink Humpback Salmon
In Alaska, the Pink Humpback salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) is commonly referred to as the "bread and butter" fish of Alaskan fishing because of its value to the industry. Although the smallest of the Alaskan salmon, Pink Humpback salmon are caught in such large numbers that the catch helps support fishing in the state. Typically, when the fish is caught, it weighs between 3 1/2 and 4 pounds and measures between 20 to 25 inches long. Eggs of this variety hatch in freshwater streams, and young Pink Humpbacks take roughly three months to reach the Pacific saltwater. Pink Humpback salmon can be found in both the Susitna and Kenai Rivers.
Chum Keta Salmon
Chum Keta salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) are known primarily for the teeth they develop during spawning, which has led to their nickname as "dog salmon." This variety of fish spawns near the ocean so they do not need to travel as far as many Alaskan salmon. After the eggs hatch, they stay in these estuaries for several months. When caught, the Chum Keta typically weighs between 10 and 15 pounds. Full-grown adult Chum Keta salmon are capable of reaching a weight of up to 33 pounds. Chum Keta salmon is readily available in the Susitna River in Alaska.