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Salmon Identification

In the Lake Washington Watershed and Beyond

Salmon in streams can be very difficult to see; they are camouflaged to blend in with the stream bed. They rest in deep, dark pools, underneath or next to logs, and in shady areas under bridges or shrubs. Look for a glimpse of a moving fin or tail. Older salmon may have white patches around the edges, and dead fish almost always have white on them. Click on the fish names below to find out more about how to identify salmon in streams. Please also visit the Fish Identification Gallery for other photographs and images.

Chinook salmon Chinook


Chum salmon Chum


 Coho


 Kokanee


 Sea-run Cutthroat Trout


 Sockeye


 Steelhead Trout


Now that you know all about identifying salmon in streams, test yourself! Click on the mystery fish page to find out more!

This program is conducted in cooperation with the King County Water and Land Resources Division, Bellevue Stream Team, Redmond Stream Team, and the cities of Seattle, Bothell, Kirkland, Renton, Woodinville, and the Vashon-Maury Island Land Trust, with support from the King Conservation District.

For questions about the
Water and Land Resources Web Site,
please contact Fred Bentler,
Visual Communication & GIS Unit.

For questions about Salmon Watcher, please contact Jennifer Vanderhoof.

Updated: March 2, 2004
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