Sockeye Salmon
Oncorhynchus nerka
FR Saumon rouge · ES Salmón rojo (sockeye) · PT Salmão-vermelho
Also known as: Red SalmonBlueback SalmonSalmón RojoSaumon RougeSalmón rojo (sockeye)Saumon rougeSalmão-vermelho
PelagicBoat
GamefishSalmonidMigratory
Score
—
Prime time
Seasonal runs; morning bite
Depth
0–100m
Platform
Boat
Season
JanMarJunSepDec
Peak Jul–AugGood Jun–Sep
Depth range
0–100mDeep
Best fishing techniques
Trolling60%
Sabiki under lights60%
Preferred seabed
SandMud
Findr bio
Daylight river entry summer to fall. Flies or small spoons in red — it's my color...
How to catch
Favourite hangouts
EstuaryOpen sea
Recommended baits
Surface luresSpinnersPrawnsFly
Diet
ZooplanktonCopepodsKrillAmphipodsSmall fish
Effective techniques
DriftingSaltwater Fly
Gear
Best times
DawnDuskFlooding tide
Lake-loving juveniles, kokanee cousins on land, and that iconic fire-red spawn suit.
Field notes
Where to find them
Pacific NW/Alaska nearshore and estuary waters
Where they hang out
Nearshore, shallow to moderate depth
Prime time
Seasonal runs; morning bite
Tide game
Moderate; fish move on tide in estuaries
What they're into
Small spoons/flies, bait near surface
Temperature vibe
Prefers 5–12°C
Fave weather
Stable conditions aid consistent fishing
Fun fact about me
Lake-loving juveniles, kokanee cousins on land, and that iconic fire-red spawn suit.
Dinner material?
10/10Excellent eating
Play by the rules
Strict seasons, bag/size limits — check locallyState/national fisheries agency (e.g. NOAA, DFO, ADFG)
Looking after them
Least Concern