Sockeye Salmon

ENVIRONMENT YUKON

Yukon Fish Species

Sockeye

The body of the sockeye is slightly elongated, the head is conical and the teeth are small and weak.
They are distinguished from other salmon by the absence of black spots on the back and tail fins, and from chum salmon by their numerous, slender gillrakers.
They average about 45 to 70 cm (18 to 28”) in length and 1.5 to 3 kg (3 to 7 lbs) 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.

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 a highly prized salmon because of the rich red, firm flesh.

Contact Fish and Wildlife, Fisheries

Environment Yukon

Government of Yukon

Box 2703 (V-5A)
Whitehorse, Yukon
Canada Y1A 2C6

Phone: 867-667-5721
Toll free (in Yukon): 1-800-661-0408 local 5721
Fax: 867-393-6263

Email: fisheries@gov.yk.ca