Chinook salmon identification
Chinook salmon
Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
Photos from Inland Fishes of Washington by Whitney and Wydoski, © 1979 University of Washington Press. Reprinted by permission of the University of Washington Press.
Identification characteristics:
- Olive brown to dark brown in color, almost black on back and sides
- Many spots on its back
- Few spots on fins
- BOTH upper and lower part of tail fin has spots
- Lower gum line is black
- Range in length from 24 inches (2 feet) to 60 inches (5 feet)
Spawn timing:
- September through mid-December
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