Is it a Chinook or Silver Salmon?

Every year when going salmon fishing I hear a lot of argument and debate between guys over the same thing, "That's a Silver", "No, it's a Chinook". Finally someone will come along and set the record straight.

I had always used the method of the mouth. The Chinook has a black mouth where compared to the silver having a white mouth.

Sometime over the summer I was reading one of my fishing magazines, Fishing & Hunting news, and I come across an article on this very issue. The guide went on to say that rather than investigate or probe the mouth of these fish, there is one distinguishing factor overlooked. The tail.

When bringing in or "landing" a salmon, simply feel the tail from top to bottom. If it is a Chinook, the tail fin will be smooth. If it has humps, it's a Silver. As I went on to finish this little bit of info, I remember thinking to myself- "I wonder why no one has never noticed or mentioned this before?"

My conclusion is that many people may know this, but never take the time to share the info with the new guy. Personally, I love to fish and talk about it. Whenever I find something new I can't wait to share it with a buddy, or fishing partner.

Hopefully this information will shed some light for someone out there. Or maybe you will be one of those guys I mentioned earlier who gets to hear the debate on the question..."Chinook, or Silver"

Happy fishing and tight lines.