Learn to Fish this summer
The Learn to Fish program is being offered for free around the Lower Mainland at local provincial parks this summer; find a program and park near you!
Sockeye Salmon
Also known as: Red Salmon or Kokanee when they are landlocked
(see the freshwater Fish of B.C. webpage for more information on Kokanee)
Record: 15 lbs 3 oz.
Average size: 2.2 - 3 kg (5 to 7 lbs), occasionally reaching 6.3 kg (14 lbs)
Marine Phase
What they look like: Sockeye are almost toothless with prominent glassy eyes, slim, silver-blue, streamlined body and no spots on the tail. Spawning male sockeye have a silver-purplish tinge, turning to bright scarlet with a green head as they reach the spawning grounds. Females are usually less brightly coloured. The spawning males also develop hooked jaws and humped backs, while the females remain sleek.
Spawning Phase
Where they live: Sockeye return to the Fraser River in the millions every year, headed for destinations such as the Horsefly River near Williams Lake, and the famous Adams River.
What they eat: Sockeye Salmon are particular about what they eat in tidal water concentrating most of their feeding activities on krill and other plankton-like food sources.
