Chinook Salmon

Oncorhynchus tshawytscha

Least Concern Both

Max Length

150.0 cm

Max Weight

61.4 kg

Color

Ocean phase is deep blue-green …

Depth Range

0-375m

Family

Salmonidae

About

The chinook salmon, also known as king salmon, is the largest of the Pacific salmon species. It undertakes epic migrations from the ocean to its natal river to spawn once before dying, providing nutrients to the entire watershed ecosystem.

Physical Description

Measurement	Value
Maximum Length	150.0 cm
Maximum Weight	61.4 kg
Depth Range	0-375m

Coloration

Ocean phase is deep blue-green back with silvery flanks and white belly; irregular black spots on the back, dorsal fin, and both lobes of the tail; spawning adults turn dark red to olive-brown.

Habitat & Distribution

Anadromous; spawns in cold, clear rivers of the Pacific Coast (Alaska to California). Adults spend 1-5 years in the Pacific Ocean before returning to natal streams. Largest Pacific salmon species.

Water Type

Freshwater & Saltwater

Depth Range

0-375m

Geographic Range

Countries

🇨🇦 Canada 🇺🇸 United States

{# Distribution Map — SVG world map highlighting countries where the fish is found. Expects: distribution_country_codes (JSON array of ISO alpha-2 codes) #}

Distribution Map

Present Not recorded countries

Conservation Status

Least Concern IUCN Red List

Chinook Salmon is classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Edibility & Culinary

Taste

The largest Pacific salmon; exceptionally rich, fatty flesh with deep orange-red color and a full, buttery flavor. Superb grilled, smoked, or cured; the benchmark of Pacific salmon quality.

Fishing Information

Game Fish

Yes

Fight Rating

8/5

Recommended Bait

herring, spoons, spinners, flies, plugs

Taxonomy

Order	Salmoniformes (Salmon and trout)
Family	Salmonidae (Salmons and trouts)
Species	Oncorhynchus tshawytscha

Names in Other Languages

Language	Name
French	Saumon royal
Spanish	Salmón real

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you eat Chinook Salmon?

The largest Pacific salmon; exceptionally rich, fatty flesh with deep orange-red color and a full, buttery flavor. Superb grilled, smoked, or cured; the benchmark of Pacific salmon quality.

How big does Chinook Salmon get?

Chinook Salmon can grow up to 150.0 cm long and weigh 61.4 kg.

Where is Chinook Salmon found?

Pacific Rim from California and Oregon north through Alaska and the Aleutian Islands to the Kamchatka Peninsula, Japan, and Korea. Anadromous runs use major river systems like the Columbia, Yukon, and Sacramento rivers. Anadromous; spawns in cold, clear rivers of the Pacific Coast (Alaska to California). Adults spend 1-5 years in the Pacific Ocean before returning to natal streams. Largest Pacific salmon species.

Is Chinook Salmon endangered?

The conservation status of Chinook Salmon is Least Concern according to the IUCN Red List.

What family does Chinook Salmon belong to?

Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) belongs to the family Salmonidae (Salmons and trouts) in the order Salmoniformes (Salmon and trout).