If Alaska had to be represented by a single symbol, it wouldn’t be the glaciers, the aurora, or the mountains. It would be salmon. Five distinct species of Pacific salmon form the backbone of Alaska’s natural and commercial ecosystem — feeding bears, eagles, Indigenous communities, commercial fleets, and sport fishermen from around the world. Nothing else comes close to representing what Alaska actually is.
I’ve spent years filming the people who live and work alongside these fish — salmon trollers in Port Protection, subsistence fishermen on the Kenai, commercial operations in Bristol Bay. I caught my first king salmon with a fisherman in Southeast Alaska who’d been working the same waters for decades. He knew these fish the way most people know their neighborhood. This guide reflects what I’ve learned from people like him.
Quick Alaska Salmon Facts
| Species | Also Called | Avg Weight | Flavor | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| King (Chinook) | King | 20–30 lbs | Rich, buttery | Grilling, sashimi |
| Coho | Silver | 8–12 lbs | Mild, versatile | Pan searing, baking |
| Sockeye | Red | 4–15 lbs | Bold, robust | Roasting, smoking |
| Pink | Humpy | 3–5 lbs | Mild, soft | Canning, smoking |
| Chum | Dog | 6–15 lbs | Moderate, dry | Dog food, roe/caviar |
| Ivory King | White King | 20–30 lbs | Rich, fattier than King | Eating immediately |
My Experience Alaska Salmon
For most of my career I’ve spent my time documenting the lives and lifestyles of Alaskans. After spending so much time on these shows, my fellow co workers and I like to joke about, how all we do is film tree felling, hunting, and fishing. And while I might get tired of spending hours in a boat or waist deep in a freezing river, it’s just a reflection of how much salmon is an integral part of Alaskan life. It’s my job to document life in Alaska, so naturally a lot of my time has been spent focusing on the different types of salmon and how they are connected to its residents.
I’ve been on salmon fishing stories in the Kachemak bay where the salmon are so thick you could kick them out of the water. I’ve seen the end of spawning season in Valdez, when the fish turn into zombies and literally start to disintegrate, it’s pretty gross. In addition to these experiences, I’ve gotten to know the people that rely on the different types of Alaskan salmon for their livelihood.
A lot of time we are filming in super remote areas and there aren’t hotels or normal accommodations, so the production companies will rent cabins from local fishermen to put us up in. This is how I’ve meet some of my favorite people in Alaska actually. I’ve lived with a Salmon troller and his wife on and off for years while working on a show in Port Protection, AK. I caught my first king salmon with him and he personally taught me a lot about Alaska and its different types of salmon.
Alaska boasts five distinct species of Pacific salmon, each with unique characteristics, spawning behaviors, flavors, and fishing methods.
King Salmon (Chinook Salmon)
The undisputed king of the salmon world, this behemoth is the largest type of salmon in Alaska. The world record king salmon was caught in 1985 and weighed 97 pounds! This species of Alaska salmon has a rich, oily, flesh and melts in your mouth, making it a prized catch for more than just its size. Think sushi-grade sashimi or moderately seasoned fillets that preserve the natural flavor.
- Appearance: This type of Alaska salmon is mostly known for its large size. The Chinook salmon has a blueish green back and silvery sides with small black spots.
- Size: Adult Chinook salmon can weigh up to almost 100 pounds, with an average size of 20-30 pounds.
- Spawning: Chinook salmon typically spawn from late spring to early summer, with variations depending on the specific river or region.
- Flavor and Texture: Prized for their rich flavor and high oil content, Chinook salmon offers buttery-textured orange flesh.
Coho Salmon (Silver Salmon)
Don’t underestimate the smaller coho salmon. While this type of Alaska Salmon isn’t going to break any scales, its still a wonderful fish. A silver salmons meat is leaner and has a lower fat content that other species, making it a great canvas for chefs to paint in other bold flavors.
- Appearance: Coho salmon display a bright silver color with small black spots, turning reddish during spawning.
- Size: Adult Coho salmon usually weigh between 8-12 pounds.
- Spawning: Coho salmon usually spawn in the fall, typically from late July to November.
- Flavor and Texture: Coho salmon presents a milder flavor than Chinook and sockeye, with light red to orange flesh and a medium texture.
Sockeye Salmon (Red Salmon)
Renowned for its vibrant red flesh and robust flavor, sockeye salmon are one of the more iconic types of salmon in Alaska. This species of pacific salmon is only found in the wild, where they swim freely making the species much more nutritious and lower in fat content. Its vibrant red hue flesh has a dense texture and is flavorful enough to be served with minimal seasoning but strong enough to still shine through with other bold flavors.
- Appearance: Sockeye salmon showcase a vibrant red body during spawning, with a slender, streamlined shape.
- Size: Adult sockeye salmon typically weigh between 4-15 pounds.
- Spawning: Sockeye salmon primarily spawn during the summer months, typically June to July.
- Flavor and Texture: Known for deep red flesh and robust flavor, sockeye salmon has a firmer dense texture.
Pink Salmon (Humpy Salmon/Humpies)
The smallest and most abundant type of salmon species in Alaska, is the pink salmon. Its mild flavor and sheer abundance make it one of the most affordable types of salmon in Alaska. A lot of fisher folks say that this species of pacific salmon is only good for canning, but if you manage to get ocean caught humpies before they start spawning, they can be quite tasty when grilled or roasted.
- Appearance: Pink salmon feature a light-colored body with large, irregular spots, and males develop a pronounced hump during spawning.
- Size: Adult pink salmon usually weigh between 3-5 pounds.
- Spawning: Pink salmon have a two year life cycle, with odd numbered years being dominant for spawning. They usually spawn from June to late October.
- Flavor and Texture: Pink salmon has a milder flavor and softer texture, making it suitable for various culinary applications.
Chum Salmon (Dog Salmon)
Often overlooked, chum salmon are the red headed step children of the pacific salmon species. My only experience with this type of Alaska salmon has been filming folks catch and make dog food out of them. Maybe that’s what they’re also referred to as dog salmon, or maybe because they are pretty ugly. When they spawn the males grow gnarly teeth and look like something from a John carpenter film. It’s doubtful you would ever find this type of Alaska salmon for sale in the lower 48.
- Appearance: Chum salmon exhibit vertical stripes and a silver body, with males developing canine-like teeth during spawning.
- Size: Adult chum salmon usually weigh between 6-15 pounds.
- Spawning: Chum salmon spawn during the winter, from the late October to March.
- Flavor and Texture: Chum salmon has pale pink to white flesh with a moderate flavor and dry firm texture.
Alaska’s Secret Salmon, The Ivory King
So I didn’t even know this type of salmon existed in Alaska for years. I only learned about it when I was living with a local fisherman while working in a remote part of southeast, AK. One day, our wonderful host treated us with a rare catch. The Ivory King Salmon, the most special type of salmon in Alaska. The Ivory King or White King as he called it, is a super rare fish. Only around 1-5% of King salmon are ivory.
Apparently, fisherman have trouble selling them because they don’t have the iconic red meat that everyone associates with salmon. So most fishermen would bring them home because they couldn’t get top dollar for them. And, because they taste freaking great! Ivory King salmon have a much higher fat content making them super delicious and melt in your mouth tender. If you ever get a chance to try this special type of Alaska salmon, consider yourself lucky.
How to Remember the Types of Salmon in Alaska
The first time I worked in Alaska my sister came up to visit me and we went fishing on the Kenai River just outside of Soldotna. Our guide taught us a fun way to remember the different types of salmon in Alaska. I’m not sure who originally came up with it, but its always helped me remember.
So a good way to remember the different types of salmon in Alaska is to use your hand. I’ll explain in list form:
- Chum Salmon: Is closest to your thumb
- SockEYE Salmon: use your pointer finger to poke someones eye out!
- King Salmon: Your middle finger is the largest of the five, just like the King salmon.
- Silver Salmon: The ring finger is the one that wears jewelry, which is usually gold or SILVER.
- Pink Salmon: You can probably guess this one, but I’ll spell it out anyway. The pinky finger is for the pink salmon.
And there ya have it! A fun easy way to remember the five different types of salmon in Alaska.
How to Catch Alaska Salmon: Techniques by Species
Catching each species of salmon in Alaska involves various methods, and both recreational and commercial fisher-folk employ distinct techniques. Here’s a breakdown of how to catch each type of salmon in Alaska:
- Chinook Salmon (King Salmon): Preferred methods include trolling with down riggers, or drifting, still fishing, or casting lines with lures or using bait such as herring or anchovies.
- Coho Salmon (Silver Salmon): Popular methods used to catch this type of salmon in Alaska include, trolling with flashers and lures, casting spinners, and spoons, and fly fishing.
- Sockeye Salmon (Red Salmon): Most sockeye salmon are caught with gill nets or a method called purse seining, which is when the fish are encircled with a long net and drawn to the bottom to be captured. I had to watch this video to get a good idea of what that is. Watch a purse seining demonstration.
- Pink Salmon (Humpy Salmon): Pink salmon are often caught using casting techniques with spinners, jigs, or flies.
- Chum Salmon (Dog Salmon): Techniques include drift fishing with bait, using jigs, and casting spoons. Commercial fishing methods for this type of Alaska salmon include using gill-nets, purse seines, and troll gear.
Book a Salmon Fishing Charter in Alaska
The best way to catch Alaska salmon isn’t from the bank — it’s on the water with someone who knows where the fish are. Charter fishing puts you on the right species at the right time.
Or check our dedicated charter guides:
Best Rivers & Run Timing for Each Salmon Species in Alaska
Knowing when and where each species runs is the difference between a great fishing trip and a slow one. Here’s a quick overview of peak run timing by species, followed by the best rivers for each.
Salmon Run Calendar
King Salmon (Chinook) — Best Rivers
King salmon run May through July with peak season in June. The Kenai River on the Kenai Peninsula is the most famous King salmon fishery in the world, the 97-pound world record was caught here in 1985. Other top rivers include the Yukon River, Kuskokwim River, Copper River, and the Nushagak River in Bristol Bay. The Homer halibut charters also access excellent King salmon water in Kachemak Bay during peak season.
Sockeye Salmon (Red) — Best Rivers
Sockeye peak in June and July. Bristol Bay is the crown jewel — the Kvichak River, Naknek River, and Nushagak River drain into it and host the largest sockeye run on earth, up to 60 million fish annually. The Kenai River sockeye run is the most accessible for visitors. Thousands of anglers line the banks every July in a technique called “flossing” that’s unique to this fishery. Brooks River in Katmai National Park offers the famous bear-viewing experience where brown bears catch sockeye mid-air at Brooks Falls.
Coho Salmon (Silver) — Best Rivers
Coho run July through November with peak action in August and September. The Kenai River, Copper River, and Prince William Sound are top producers. Coho are the most acrobatic fighters of the five species — they jump repeatedly when hooked and are many anglers’ favorite to catch on a fly rod. Seward fishing charters target Coho heavily in late summer.
Pink Salmon (Humpy) — Best Rivers
Pink salmon run on odd-numbered years only — 2025, 2027, 2029 — in July and August. They’re found in virtually every river and stream in Alaska during their run years, often in staggering numbers. Southeast Alaska streams, Prince William Sound, and the Kenai Peninsula all produce massive Pink runs. They’re the easiest salmon to catch on light tackle and make excellent smoked fish.
Chum Salmon (Dog) — Best Rivers
Chum run June through October with peak timing in August and September. The Yukon River hosts one of the largest Chum runs in the state. These fish travel up to 2,000 miles upriver to spawn, making them among the most impressive migrators in the animal kingdom. The Kuskokwim River and rivers in Norton Sound also produce strong Chum runs. Their roe is prized for caviar production and exported primarily to Japan.
Alaska Salmon Nutrition Comparison
One reason people care about which salmon they’re eating, beyond taste, is nutrition. Here’s how the five species of Alaska Salmon compare per 3oz cooked serving:
| Species | Calories | Protein | Omega-3s | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| King (Chinook) | 175 | 25g | 1.9g | 9g |
| Sockeye (Red) | 144 | 24g | 1.1g | 6g |
| Coho (Silver) | 118 | 20g | 0.9g | 4g |
| Pink (Humpy) | 99 | 17g | 0.7g | 3g |
| Chum (Dog) | 102 | 17g | 0.7g | 3g |
King salmon leads in omega-3s and fat content by a significant margin — which is exactly why it commands the highest price and has the richest flavor. Sockeye is the best balance of flavor, nutrition, and price. Pink and Chum are the leanest options and the most affordable.
Where to Buy Wild Alaska Salmon
Not everyone can fish it themselves. Here’s how to get quality wild Alaska salmon wherever you are:
Online Direct-to-Consumer
The best option for quality and traceability. A few worth knowing:
- Wild Alaskan Company — subscription-based, community-supported fishery model, excellent quality control
- Sitka Salmon Shares — direct from small-boat fishermen in Sitka, Southeast Alaska
- Copper River Seafoods — one of the most famous salmon brands, ships direct
Grocery Stores
Look for “Wild Caught Alaska” on the label. Avoid anything labeled just “Pacific salmon” without a species name — that’s usually a red flag for lower quality. Costco carries excellent wild sockeye and King salmon, particularly in season. Whole Foods and specialty seafood markets carry fresh wild Alaska salmon May through October.
Canned Salmon
Canned wild Alaska sockeye is genuinely nutritious and affordable, one of the best value proteins available. Wild Planet makes excellent canned sockeye with no added water or oil. Use it for salmon cakes, salads, or pasta. It’s a completely different product from the pink salmon in the generic store brand cans.
Direct from Alaska
If you’re visiting Alaska, buy directly from fishermen at harbor docks in Homer, Seward, Sitka, and Juneau. Many will vacuum-seal and freeze your purchase for travel. It’s the freshest you’ll ever eat and the money goes directly to the people who caught it.
How to Cook the Different Types of Salmon in Alaska
As you peruse your local fish market, you’ll notice by the price tag that not every type of salmon in Alaska is created equal. So let’s go over some basics and explore the art of the all the different types of salmon in Alaska, understanding why each deserves a distinctive culinary approach.
- King Salmon: Chinook salmon boasts a luscious, buttery texture. So keep it relatively simple and use a gentle heat to allow its natural fats to infuse throughout. A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon, and herbs is a great way to let the flavor of this type of Alaska salmon stand out. If you wanna try something with a little more pop however, check out this Honey Miso Ginger recipe.
- Coho Salmon: This type of Alaska salmon has a much more mild flavor and delicate texture, which make it a canvas for diverse culinary creations. Pan-searing with a crispy skin or baking with a lemon-dill sauce highlights its versatility. The goal is to preserve its tenderness while adding complementary flavors that accentuate its subtle taste. Try this Sweet & Sour Thai Curry recipe.
- Sockeye Salmon: Sockeye salmon’s is going to be much thinner and leaner than King Salmon, but it still has a rich “salmon” taste. Roasting this type of Alaska Salmon is a safe beat. Just remember it has a low fat content so be careful you don’t cook it too long and it dries out.
- Pink Salmon: With its mild flavor you’ll usually find this type of Alaska salmon in can form. Make a salmon salad spread or dip.
- Chum Salmon: I’d be genuinely impressed if you found dog salmon on a menu in the Lower 48. I don’t have much experience cooking it myself, most of my chum encounters have involved filming people make dog food out of them. Please drop a comment if you’ve cooked it and proved me wrong!
Wild Alaska Salmon vs Atlantic Salmon
This question comes up constantly and the answer matters more than most people realize.
All five species covered in this article are Pacific salmon. Wild-caught in Alaskan waters under strict state and federal management. Atlantic salmon sold in stores is almost entirely farmed raised in net pens in Norway, Chile, Scotland, and Canada. The two products are nutritionally and culinarily different in several key ways:
| Trait | Wild Alaska Salmon | Atlantic Farmed Salmon |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Wild-caught, Alaska | Farm-raised, net pens |
| Omega-3s | Naturally high | High but from feed |
| Color | Natural (from diet) | Added astaxanthin |
| Flavor | Complex, varies by species | Mild, consistent |
| Sustainability | Among world’s best managed | Varies significantly |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
| Availability | Seasonal (May–October fresh) | Year-round |
When you see “salmon” on a restaurant menu without further specification, it’s almost certainly farmed Atlantic salmon. When you see “wild Alaskan” or a specific species name like “sockeye” or “King,” that’s what this article is about. The difference in flavor is significant, wild Alaska salmon tastes like what it ate, which was the ocean. Farmed salmon tastes like what it ate, which was pellets.
Types of Salmon in Alaska FAQs
How many types of salmon are in Alaska?
Alaska has five main species of Pacific salmon: King (Chinook), Coho (Silver), Sockeye (Red), Pink (Humpy), and Chum (Dog). There’s also the Ivory King — a rare genetic variant of King salmon with white flesh instead of red, found in roughly 1-5% of King salmon catches. Most guides count five species; we count six.
What is the best tasting salmon in Alaska?
King salmon is almost universally considered the finest eating salmon. It’s rich, buttery, high in omega-3s, and expensive enough that people take it seriously. Sockeye is a close second for its bold, robust flavor and beautiful red flesh. In our opinion, the Ivory King is the best of all. Good luck finding one though.
What is the most common salmon in Alaska?
Pink salmon, also called Humpies, are by far the most abundant species. Annual commercial catches regularly exceed 100 million fish. They’re small, they run in two-year cycles on odd-numbered years, and they’re the backbone of Alaska’s canned salmon industry.
What is the rarest salmon in Alaska?
The Ivory King, also called White King, is the rarest find. Only 1-5% of King salmon carry the genetic mutation that produces white flesh instead of red.
What is the difference between King salmon and Sockeye?
King salmon is larger, fattier, and milder — the buttery, high-fat fish that commands top dollar at fish markets. Sockeye is leaner, smaller, and has a more pronounced salmon flavor with vibrant red flesh.
When is salmon season in Alaska?
It depends on the species. King salmon run May through July. Sockeye peak in June and July — the Bristol Bay sockeye run is one of the largest salmon runs in the world. Coho run July through November. Pink salmon run July through September on odd-numbered years. Chum run June through September.
What is the Kenai River famous for?
The Kenai River on the Kenai Peninsula is one of the most famous salmon rivers in the world — particularly for King salmon and Sockeye. The world record King salmon was caught in the Kenai in 1985 at 97 pounds. The river draws sport fishermen from around the world and the peninsula has a massive charter fishing industry built around it.
What is the difference between Atlantic and Pacific salmon?
All five species of salmon in Alaska are Pacific salmon. Atlantic salmon are a separate species found in the North Atlantic — they’re the fish most commonly farmed and sold in grocery stores worldwide. Wild Alaska salmon is Pacific salmon and is nutritionally different — leaner, more omega-3s, and entirely wild-caught.
Is Alaska salmon sustainable?
Alaska’s salmon fisheries are among the most carefully managed in the world. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game monitors runs in real time and can close fisheries within hours if numbers drop below sustainable levels. The state constitution actually requires sustainable management of natural resources. Alaska salmon is widely certified sustainable by organizations like the Marine Stewardship Council.
What is Bristol Bay known for?
Bristol Bay in Southwest Alaska hosts the largest sockeye salmon run on earth — up to 60 million fish return annually. It’s the most productive wild salmon fishery in the world and supplies a significant portion of the world’s wild sockeye supply. The Pebble Mine controversy has centered on protecting this fishery from potential mining impacts upstream.
Looking for a complete overview of fishing in Alaska? Check out our Alaska Fishing Guide — every location, species, and resource in one place
More Alaska Fishing Guides
- Bear Viewing From Homer — watch bears catching the same fish you’re after
- King Salmon Fishing Alaska – an entire article dedicated to Alaska’s favorite fish
- Alaska Fishing Guide — the complete hub for all Alaska fishing
- Fly Fishing in Alaska — Alaska’s world-class fly fishing scene
- Homer Halibut Charters — the best halibut fishing in the state
- Seward Fishing Charters — fjords, wildlife, and king salmon
- Whittier Fishing Charters — Southcentral Alaska’s best kept secret
- Fishing Gear Alaska — what to bring on an Alaska fishing trip
- Black Bear vs Grizzly Bear — the other predators competing for your salmon