Spring-run Chinook salmon — among the most endangered salmon runs. Different populations face varied threats from dams to climate change.

Also called: King Salmon, Tyee, Spring Salmon

Native status: Native; multiple ESA-listed populations (threatened/endangered)

§ Quick facts

SizeAdult length 70–110 cm (28–43 in); record 147 cm (58 in)
WeightAverage 9–18 kg (20–40 lb); record 57 kg (126 lb)
Lifespan3–7 years
OrderSalmoniformes
FamilySalmonidae

§ Encyclopedia

The Chinook salmon is the largest and most valuable species of Pacific salmon. Its common name is derived from the Chinookan peoples. Other vernacular names for the species include king salmon, quinnat salmon, tsumen, spring salmon, blackmouth, and tyee salmon. The scientific species name is based on the Russian common name chavycha (чавыча).

Source: Wikipedia — Chinook salmon Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Olive-green back; silver sides with small black spots covering tail; black gum line ("blackmouth" — key field ID). Spawning fish develop red-brown coloration and hooked jaw in males.

Similar species. Coho Salmon (white gum line). Sockeye (different body shape, no tail spots). Pink Salmon (large oval tail spots).

Voice. Silent.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. At sea: herring, anchovies, squid, krill. In fresh water: stops feeding entirely.

Behavior. Largest Pacific salmon species. Spring-run Chinook enter rivers in spring with bodies full of fat reserves, hold in deep pools through summer, and spawn in fall — this prolonged freshwater residency makes them uniquely vulnerable to dams, warming streams, and habitat degradation. Multiple ESA-listed populations.

§ Range

California, Pacific Northwest

§ Habitat

Pacific rivers and ocean

§ Threats

Dams blocking migration, climate change, ocean conditions.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the chinook salmon (spring run) is currently classified as Endangered.

§ What helps

Support dam removals. Buy MSC-certified wild-caught salmon.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • NOAA Fisheries West Coast Region
  • California Department of Fish and Wildlife
  • Wild Salmon Center
  • IUCN Red List 2017