Salmon and trout identification

In the King County Watersheds and beyond

Salmon in streams can be very difficult to see; they are camouflaged to blend in with the stream bed. They rest in deep, dark pools, underneath or next to logs, and in shady areas under bridges or shrubs. Look for a glimpse of a moving fin or tail. Salmon that have been in the stream for a while may have white patches around the edges, and dead fish almost always have white on them. Click on the fish names below to learn more about how to identify our local salmon in King County. Please also visit the fish identification gallery for other photographs and images.

Chinook