A single river can have several chinook runs during different seasons because of the species’ variable spawning patterns. Generally fish that migrate farther upstream turn up at the river mouth earlier. While some fish swim only short distances to spawn, others, such as the Fraser River chinook, may migrate 960 km or more. Depending on the food and habitat of the fish, the colour of its flesh may also vary from white to red.
As the largest Pacific salmon, the chinook has rightfully earned the nickname “king salmon” by tipping the scales at a whopping 57kg. Only ocean chinook grow this large; landlocked specimens remain much smaller because of a lack of suitable prey
Where found
saltwater and freshwater habitats; western B.C.