How to Identify Salmon Species: Chinook, Coho, Sockeye, Pink, Chum

Five species of Pacific salmon are found in North American waters — Chinook, Coho, Sockeye, Pink, and Chum. In the Great Lakes, Chinook and Coho have been successfully introduced. Here's how to identify each species.

Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)

Also known as: King Salmon, Spring Salmon

• Black mouth and gums — the most reliable identification feature. Lower gums are black or dark grey.
• Small black spots on the back, both lobes of the tail, and the upper half of the body
• Size: The largest Pacific salmon. Typically 60-120 cm (24-48 in), up to 50 kg (110 lb)
• Spawning colours: Dark olive to reddish-brown, sometimes with a maroon or purple tint

Chinook are the largest and most prized Pacific salmon. In the Great Lakes, they're the primary sport fish for offshore trollers. They run into tributary rivers from August to October.

Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch)

Also known as: Silver Salmon

• White mouth and gums — the easiest way to distinguish from Chinook. Upper gums are white.
• Small black spots on the back and the upper lobe of the tail only (not both lobes like Chinook)
• Size: Smaller than Chinook. Typically 40-70 cm (16-28 in), up to 15 kg (33 lb)
• Spawning colours: Dark back with a red to maroon side, hooked jaw (kype) on males

Coho are more abundant than Chinook in most Great Lakes. They're known for spectacular aerial displays when hooked. Fall runs into tributary rivers.

Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka)

Also known as: Red Salmon

• No distinct black spots on the back or tail — differs from all other Pacific salmon
• Fine, delicate scales that are easily rubbed off
• Size: Typically 30-60 cm (12-24 in), up to 7 kg (15 lb)
• Spawning colours: Brilliant red body, green head — the most dramatic colour change of any salmon

Sockeye are not established in the Great Lakes. They're primarily fished in Pacific waters and in BC rivers like the Fraser and Skeena. They're valued for their deep red flesh and excellent flavour.

Pink Salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha)

Also known as: Humpy Salmon

• Very small scales — much smaller than other salmon species
• Large, oval black spots on the back and both lobes of the tail
• Size: The smallest Pacific salmon. Typically 30-50 cm (12-20 in), up to 3 kg (7 lb)
• Spawning colours: Olive-green back with a dark belly, males develop a large hump on the back
• Run cycle: Spawns every other year (odd-numbered years in most areas)

Pink salmon have become naturalized in Lake Superior and are spreading to other Great Lakes. They're abundant in Pacific waters and popular for canning.

Chum Salmon (Oncorhynchus keta)

Also known as: Dog Salmon

• No distinct spots on the back or tail (like Sockeye, but with larger scales)
• Pale, white-tipped anal and pelvic fins
• Size: Typically 50-70 cm (20-28 in), up to 10 kg (22 lb)
• Spawning colours: Dark olive with vertical bars of purple and red, males develop massive hooked jaws (kype)

Chum salmon are not established in the Great Lakes. They're found in Pacific waters and are the last salmon species to run in fall. They have lower oil content and are often smoked or dried.

Quick Identification Tips

• Black mouth and gums = Chinook (King) Salmon
• White mouth and gums = Coho (Silver) Salmon
• No black spots on back or tail = Sockeye or Chum. Check fin tips: white tips = Chum; all dark = Sockeye.
• Very small scales, large oval spots = Pink Salmon (Humpy)
• Huge size (over 20 kg) = Almost certainly Chinook

Published July 2026 by the CatchTales team.