Fish Tales

Let’s enter the debate over white and red (and marble) Chinook Salmon. Also know as King salmon, or Tyee Salmon.

Doing some research on the subject gave me some very interesting insights, and even after researching I still have not found “the evidence” as to who is right.

Ok as I said I did some research and the Americans in the south, as well as those in southern B.C. think they are the only ones who get the white or marbled version of the Chinook Salmon.

Likewise I found similar claims made by our American neighbors north of us.

However despite their claims we know that both the Kitimat River, the Skeena River and the Nass River hold a hefty share of these now famous “Ivory Kings” thanks to a number of head chefs in famous restaurants.

The attention they are getting by these head chefs is now reflected in their cost per pound, now higher than the reds with the claim they present and taste better.

We also heard claims that those that white and marbled (a light pink) eat a different diet in the ocean and thus have the different color.

As for me, the only thing I have observed is that all biggest Chinooks seemed to have been the "Ivory Kings", (coincidence maybe) and as for facts, I am waiting to see what our expert marine biologists have to say. Till then we will just enjoy catching, and eating them, or simply releasing them back into the river.

Below are photos of  a red and a white, for those who have not yet seen the two colors.

A white Chinook (click image to enlarge) aka (Ivory King Salmon)



A red Chinook (Click image to enlarge)




A white and red Chinook, side by side.