This guide to the different types of salmon in BC will help you identify each species and understand why our coast is one of the world’s top sport fishing destinations. Salmon are one of the most popular game fish in North America. The fish are fighters and worthy opponents for any angler. Salmon are members of the Salmonidae family, which includes trout, whitefish, and chars. Atlantic salmon belong to the genus Salmo and are more closely related to trout than the Pacific varieties of salmon. There are five types of salmon species found off the west coast of British Columbia. When you come north for the best salmon fishing in Canada, you’ll want to know how to identify the different types.
Types of Pacific Salmon
British Columbia is home to five Pacific salmon species: Chinook (King), Coho (Silver), Pink (Humpies), Chum (Dog or Keta), and Sockeye (Red). These wild salmon begin life in freshwater streams, migrate to the Pacific Ocean, and return to spawn. Anglers often ask, “How many types of salmon are there in Canada?”. The answer is five, and BC salmon species are some of the most sought-after in sport fishing. On our salmon fishing charters at Eagle Nook Resort, Chinook salmon and Coho salmon are the most common catches, though guests may reel in all five types of salmon in BC.
1. Chinook or King Salmon
Chinook salmon are the prized fish for anglers because they are more difficult to catch due to their size and strength. The average size of Chinook salmon is about 17 kilograms, but these fish can get up to 50 kilograms or more. The Chinook is blue-green, red, or purple on the back, with black spots on its tail. You can catch Chinook from April to September, but the largest ones are typically caught in July and August.
2. Coho or Silver Salmon
Coho salmon are the other main salmon we catch. Characterized by silver sides with dark-blue backs, they may darken when they move to their spawning grounds. Although they are a bit smaller than Chinook, weighing a modest 16 kilograms on average, they can be more difficult to catch because they can be aggressive and acrobatic. The season for Coho starts in July, but they are best caught in late fall, October, and November, when they are bigger.
3. Pink Salmon – AKA Humpies
Pink salmon are the smallest of the Pacific salmon. They average around 2.2 kilograms but can get as large as 6 kilograms. Mature pink salmon have a large, humped back, hence their nickname. They have a V-shaped tail fin without any silver. They’re a great sport fish that even children can reel in, and their fishing season is from July to September.
4. Chum or Dog Salmon
Chum salmon have a dark horizontal stripe on each side. They also have canine-like teeth, large pupils, and a forked tail. They’re silvery blue-green when they live in the ocean, but when they return to freshwater, they take on a dark olive-green hue. Chum are the second largest salmon, weighing between 4.4 to 10 kilograms. Chum salmon are abundant. They are strong and will be a worthy catch, but seafood lovers say their meat isn’t as tasty as Chinook or Sockeye. The cooler months are the best times to catch chum.
5. Red Salmon AKA Sockeyes
Sockeye salmon are recognizable by the lack of spots on their tail and back and the long gill rakers. When they are found in the ocean, they will be blue and silver, but when they return to the spawning stream, they turn red with green heads. They weigh between 2 to 7 kilograms and the best season for sockeyes is from July to September.
Experience the Best Salmon Fishing in Canada this Summer
After learning about the five types of salmon species in British Columbia, why not experience them firsthand? Eagle Nook Resort in Barkley Sound is one of the top BC salmon fishing lodges, offering Canadian fishing trips with luxury accommodations, private charters, and fine dining. From Chinook to Coho, guests often reel in different kinds of salmon on our guided trips. Plan your getaway today and enjoy the best salmon fishing in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions About Salmon in BC
What are the 5 types of salmon in BC?
British Columbia is home to five Pacific salmon species: Chinook (King), Coho (Silver), Pink (Humpies), Chum (Dog or Keta), and Sockeye (Red). These wild salmon return from the Pacific Ocean to BC rivers and streams, including the Fraser, to spawn.
How big are salmon in Canada?
Salmon size varies by species. Chinook salmon are the largest, sometimes over 50 kilograms, while Pink salmon average just 2–3 kilograms. Most BC salmon caught on sport fishing charters range from 5–20 kilograms.
What are the different salmon types found in Canada?
Across Canada, anglers can find Pacific salmon species in BC and Atlantic salmon in eastern rivers. The Pacific salmon include Chinook, Coho, Pink, Chum, and Sockeye, while Atlantic salmon belong to the Salmonidae family and are more closely related to trout.
Why is the Fraser River important for BC salmon species?
The Fraser River is one of the most significant salmon fisheries in Canada. It serves as a vital spawning ground for multiple species, supporting wild salmon populations and local ecosystems, including estuaries where young salmon adapt before entering the ocean.
What role does the Salmonidae family play in sport fishing?
The Salmonidae family includes salmon, trout, whitefish, and chars. These fish are prized in both recreational and commercial fisheries for their strength and quality. In BC, wild salmon from this family are at the centre of the sport fishing experience.
