The Chinook salmon, called king salmon in Alaska, is the state fish and the largest Pacific salmon. The sport-caught world record, 44.1 kilograms (97¼ pounds), was taken in the Kenai River, Alaska, on 17 May 1985.[1]
| Sport record | 44.1 kg, Kenai River, 1985 |
|---|---|
| Typical length | 60–90 cm, up to 150 cm |
| Average weight | 4.5–22.7 kg |
| Ocean years | 1–8, averaging 3–4 |
| Longest migration | Yukon River, over 3,000 km |
Size
Typical adults are 60 to 90 centimetres and can reach 150 centimetres. Mature Chinook in the Kenai River averaged 16.8 kilograms, and fish termed tyee are typically over 14 kilograms.[1]
Life cycle
Chinook spend one to eight years in the ocean, averaging three to four, before returning to home rivers to spawn from September to December. Young fish usually stay in fresh water 12 to 18 months, then spend several months as smolts in estuaries. Northern populations tend to live longer, and some fish reach age eight.[1]
Range
Chinook are native to the North Pacific from the Ventura River, California, north to Kotzebue Sound, Alaska. The Yukon River has the longest freshwater migration of any salmon, over 3,000 kilometres. Alaska’s state fish is the Chinook, called king salmon.[1]
FAQs
Is the king salmon the same as Chinook? Yes, king is the Alaska name.
What is the record Kenai king? 44.1 kg (97¼ lb) in 1985.
How far do Yukon kings migrate? Over 3,000 km.
Sources
Key facts
- 97¼ lb record
- Yukon 3,000 km run
- 1–8 ocean years
Quick checkState fish?Show answer
Chinook (king) salmon.
Sources
- Wikipedia. Chinook salmon. 2026 (accessed 2026-11-12)
Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 12, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue