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Government of Yukon > Environment > Fishing > Yukon Fish Species > Sockeye Salmon

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 Fish Species

• Arctic Char
• Arctic Grayling
• Bull Trout
• Burbot
• Dolly Varden
• Inconnu
• Lake Trout
• Pike
• Rainbow Trout/Stealhead
• Whitefish - Broad
• Whitefish - Lake (Humpback)
• Whitefish - Pygmy
• Whitefish - Round
• Salmon - Chinook
• Salmon - Chum
• Salmon - Coho
• Salmon - Sockeye
• Salmon - Kokanee

Sockeye Salmon - Oncorhynchus nerka (Walbaum)

Physical Characteristics

• The body of the sockeye is slightly elongated, the head is conical and the teeth are small and weak.
• They are distinguished from the other salmon by the absence of black spots on the back and tail fins.
• They average about 2.5 feet in length and under 5 pounds in weight.
• When male sockeye reach the Alsek-Tatshenshini waters at spawning time, their bodies turn brilliant red with metallic green heads. The upper jaw develops its characteristic hook and a slight hump forms behind the head.
• The female fish are a dark red with green and yellow blotches.

 

Habitat

• After they hatch, young fry spend two years in freshwater lakes before migrating to the ocean where they spend the next three years.
• Sockeye are the most highly prized salmon because of the rich red, firm flesh.

 

Additional Resources

• How to Catch Them - Salmon

 

Last Updated: August 20, 2009 | © 2009 Government of Yukon | Copyright | Privacy Statement | Disclaimer