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Which Types of Fish You Can Catch on Salmon Fishing Trips in Alaska
It’s no surprise to experienced anglers that Alaska is home to a large variety of salmon. In fact, salmon fishing trips in Alaska are on the must-do list for many. Before you head off to the Frontier, it’s important that you understand the various types of salmon that are available to catch while Alaska salmon fishing.
The first type of salmon fishing trip you can schedule is for the chum. During spawning season this salmon is distinctly recognized by its calico bands. These are a yellow, green, and deep purple color. It’s important to note that both male and female fish develop the same bands. These fish have a white gum-line. Similar to the sockeye, chum salmon can be identified by the white tip of their anal fin. Salmon fishing trips in Alaska are likely to include the chum as a target of choice.
Next up we have the sockeye salmon fishing trips in Alaska. The sockeye is most well-known for the brick red body color both males and females develop during spawning. Sockeye heads turn a greenish color and they have a white mouth. These creatures have a large kype and well-pronounced shoulders which makes them easily distinguishable. Sockeye salmon fishing trips in Alaska are among the most popular. It seems that the brick red color and irregular shape of this fish make it a prized trophy for anglers.
Alaska fishing isn’t complete without the coho salmon. Also called silver salmon, this type of fish develops a maroon coloration during spawning that covers their entire body. This is different from other salmon as the others don’t have their tails and heads turn red. You’ll notice small black dots on the back of coho salmon and dark gray mouths. Coho salmon fishing trips in Alaska tends to be a favorite of fly fishermen.
Chinook salmon, known more popularly by the name king salmon, are the most popular type of salmon fishing trips in Alaska that are available. These are distinct by their black mouth and gum-line. King salmon sport black spots on their back and both lobes of their tail, which isn’t seen in many other types of salmon. King salmon fishing trips in Alaska should be on your list of must-dos as these fish average around 50 pounds each.
Lastly, we have the pink salmon. This is the smallest type of salmon and most easily identifiable of the available species. They have a large hump on their back during spawning and large spots on their back and tail lobes. The mouth of pink salmon is white with a black-gum line. Pink salmon fishing trips in Alaska can be very exciting as there are not much hump-backed fish available for catching across the country.
As you can see, there are many different species of salmon that you can catch on your salmon fishing trips in Alaska. You should have a good idea of what types you want to go after before planning your salmon fishing trips in Alaska. This is simply because different species reside in different areas of the state. You want to ensure that you find salmon fishing trips in Alaska that are in the area in which the fish that you want to catch reside.