Salmon Species

Salmon Fishing Guide

Different Species of Salmon

Salmon species differ in appearance, average size, habitat, and flavor.

Packages of Norwegian salmon displayed at a market

Species Comparison

Species Other Name Common Region Average Size
Chinook King salmon Pacific Coast 10–50 pounds
Coho Silver salmon Pacific Coast 8–12 pounds
Sockeye Red salmon Alaska and Canada 5–15 pounds
Pink Humpback salmon North Pacific 3–5 pounds
Atlantic Sea salmon North Atlantic 8–12 pounds

Species Details

Chinook Salmon
The largest Pacific salmon species. Anglers value it for its strength and size.
Coho Salmon
A powerful fish known for jumping and fighting when caught.
Sockeye Salmon
Recognized for its red spawning color and its deep red meat.
Pink Salmon
The smallest and most common Pacific salmon species.
Atlantic Salmon
A species native to the northern Atlantic Ocean and nearby rivers.