Information on Wild Alaska Salmon Skin and Flesh Color

King Salmon Sockeye Salmon Coho Salmon Chum Salmon Pink Salmon Color evaluation guide for Pacific Salmon The great Alaskan salmon fishing season starts in May and ends in September/October, at the end of the feeding cycle and before the fish go up-river to breed. Fish returning to fresh water at the start of the season have a brighter skin color than those that come later, but all darken as spawning time comes closer. The darkest skin and palest flesh generally indicate more mature fish with lower commercial value than fish with a bright silvery skin and more intense flesh color. However, the flesh and skin color vary from region to region, and between species, and do not always reflect the intrinsic quality of the salmon. Approximately 10% of King salmon have a white flesh color and are considered by many as the finest salmon in the world.