U.S. and Canadian boats fish five types of Pacific salmon: King, Sockeye, Silver, Pink, and Chum. Each of these has at least one other name, as noted below. I learned an easy way to remember them on your hand years ago and was recently reminded of it: Chum is your thumb, Pink is your pinkie, Silver is your ring finger, Sockeye is your index finger (imagine poking someone's eye out), and King is your middle finger.
1. Chinook Salmon/ King Salmon
Photo © Molly Watson
Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tschawytscha), also known as King salmon, are considered by many to be the best-tasting salmon. They have a very high fat content and corresponding rich flesh that ranges from white to a deep red color.
2. Chum Salmon/ Keta Salmon/ Silverbrite Salmon/ Dog Salmon
Chum (Oncorhynchus keta) is also called dog salmon for its dog-like teeth. Keta comes from it's species name and is a way to get away from the negative association chum sometimes has. It's a smaller fish – averaging about 8 pounds – with pale to medium-colored flesh and a lower fat content than other salmon. Chum is usually canned or sold frozen to foreign markets.
