Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: Tylsie on November 01, 2016, 03:42:37 PM

Title: What determines a salmon spawning colour?
Post by: Tylsie on November 01, 2016, 03:42:37 PM
After watching Chris's video about weaver creek sockeye, and my own experience today what causes fish to develop certain spawning colours?

Today on a smaller local river I am very familiar with I saw a Chinook that was as red as any Coho. The red sort of swept down from behind his dorsal fin to fully encompass his tail. I do know that in some rivers Chinook turn red, but of the 1000s of spawning Chinook I have seen in this particular river this is the only one. All the other Chinook him were the usual green and black.

Was this fish lost from another river, affected by the environment, or simply so rare that in the years I have been on this river I have never seen one?

Title: Re: What determines a salmon spawning colour?
Post by: Dave on November 01, 2016, 04:19:47 PM
As a very general rule, the further salmon migrate, the more pronounced (ie. red) they become.  Coastal sockeye (Weaver, Harrison, Widgeon Slough, Cultus) and white chinooks (Chilliwack, Harrison) very seldom exibit darker coloration; more greens and brown.  The transplanted summer reds in the Chilliwack still show their genetic dark coloring.

Salmon that migrate further, ie. Adams, Chilko, Early Stuart sockeye are far redder; same for chinooks. 
Title: Re: What determines a salmon spawning colour?
Post by: wildmanyeah on November 01, 2016, 05:06:29 PM
Took Today from a local Fraser Tributary West of the Mission Bridge. When do coho become to colored up to eat?

(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e147/kostiukmatt/image1_zpsdsuaudk9.jpeg) (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/kostiukmatt/media/image1_zpsdsuaudk9.jpeg.html)
Title: Re: What determines a salmon spawning colour?
Post by: Jk47 on November 01, 2016, 06:57:47 PM
I wouldn't eat that fish
Title: Re: What determines a salmon spawning colour?
Post by: wildmanyeah on November 01, 2016, 07:03:28 PM
I wouldn't eat that fish

lol no doubt
Title: Re: What determines a salmon spawning colour?
Post by: Jk47 on November 01, 2016, 07:13:34 PM
That fish is in full on spawn mode and imho shouldn't not even be targeted
Title: Re: What determines a salmon spawning colour?
Post by: wildmanyeah on November 01, 2016, 07:26:42 PM
That fish is in full on spawn mode and imho shouldn't not even be targeted

same could be said for chum.....There were Bright chromes in the same area....