I find it absolutely amazing that a fish that is born in fresh water, migrates to the ocean, then returns to fresh water to reproduce. Tracking studies have found that certain species will return to the exact spot where they were born to spawn. Amazing.
But here is the really good news; there will be a Pacific Salmon Season along the California and Oregon coast for the first time since 2007!
Chinook - King Salmon
Here's The 411 of My Top Salmon Varieties:
Chinook- aka King Salmon (left) is the largest, weighing in over 30 pounds.
Coho- aka Silver Salmon, likes sea life in Alaska and British Columbia.
Sockeye- Red Salmon prefers a diet of shrimp and squid, lives in the Pacific.
Steelhead Salmon - the true salmon found in the Columbia River, near my friends in Portland, OR.
Buying Tip: Avoid Farm Raised Salmon. Instead choose Wild-Caught Salmon from Alaska, which is considered a "Best Choice" and is certified as sustainable to the standard of the Marine Stewardship Council.
On Thursday April 15th, the Pacific Fishery Management Council voted to allow both commercial and recreational boats to head out to sea. They will limit the number of fishing days, and carefully monitor the number of fish caught.
To keep the river system healthy with a plentiful supply of salmon for our future; I suggest keeping a catch, as well as releasing a catch. You know - only keep what you can eat.