Five species, remote destinations
There are five separate species of Pacific salmon:
"Is it possible to fly fish for chinook salmon?" This is a question asked all the time, and the answer to this simple question is an absolute and positive "yes."
Chinook also known as the king salmon are the largest of the Pacific salmon, weighing from 15lb to 40lb, when they return to spawn. Chinook are also called spring salmon because some populations return to their river in the spring. Others return during the summer and autumn. They are one of the most prized sport fish due to their size and excellent fighting ability. Chinook salmon are such a formidable foe for the fly fisherman with their enormous size you have equal chance of breaking a record or a rod.
Pink salmon also known as humpback and are the most abundant salmon species in the North Pacific. It is the smallest of the Pacific salmon, but they fight hard for their size with leaps and quick runs and can challenge an angler's skills with light tackle. Averaging 4 - 10lbs, they will act very aggressively toward flies. When casting near a school of pinks, many times 4 or 5 fish will run at the fly at the same time. They can provide much excitement and heart stopping visual fishing for the light tackle fisherman.
Sockeye also called "reds", are one of the most unique of the Pacific salmon in that they require a lake for part of their lifecycle. They range from 5lbs and the older fish can reach weights in excess of 10lbs. Sockeye salmon fishing requires a great deal of patience and will be productive if the water conditions allow for good visibility, as sockeye's take readily from the surface making the riffle hitch a very exciting prospect.
Chum salmon's nickname "dog salmon" is not deserved, especially when you consider its fighting ability. They range in weight from 8lbs to 18lbs. Chum salmon are the second largest species of Pacific salmon, with large fish weighing over 20lbs. Chum salmon are often overlooked by sport fishermen who view the tiger striped body of chum as an indication of inferiority, but don't let that fool you. These are a true salmon and put up one of the hardest fights of any salmon species.
In Alaska the age-old question is still asked, "Which are more exciting to catch, the mighty king salmon, or the acrobatic coho?"
When Coho are fresh from the ocean, it's easy to understand why the coho's most common nickname is "silver" salmon. They are also known as hooknose or blueback salmon. It is one of the most popular game fish for anglers on the Pacific coast. They're spectacular fighters notorious for their wild, fast and erratic fight, frequently punctuated by acrobatic leaps out of the water. They range in length from 17 to 38 inches; typical adult coho weighs 4 to 10lbs and can be found in most waters that drain into the Pacific Ocean, coho are very similar to Atlantic salmon in appearance and fighting prowess.
June until September
