Sockeye Salmon
The sea-run form of the same species as kokanee, returning to Washington's rivers in one of the Pacific Northwest's most iconic salmon runs.
- Scientific name
- Oncorhynchus nerka
- Family
- Salmonidae
- Adult size
- Typically 24–28 inches, 5–8 pounds.
Identification
Silvery-blue at sea; spawning adults turn brilliant red with a green head, similar to kokanee but considerably larger.
Habitat
Ocean-going; spawns in rivers connected to nursery lakes, where juveniles rear for a year or more before migrating to sea.
Diet
Primarily zooplankton, filtered through fine gill rakers, both at sea and as lake-rearing juveniles.
Angling
A major Washington fishery, especially in years with strong returns to systems like the Columbia and Baker rivers.
Conservation
Some populations are ESA-listed; run strength varies significantly by watershed and year.
Recommended Tackle & Gear for Sockeye Salmon
Field-tested tackle, baits, and rigging strategies suited for catching Sockeye Salmon.
Mack's Lure Classic Wedding Ring Spinner
A classic Western trolling lure designed to be tipped with shoepeg corn and run behind a dodger in deep thermoclines.
Aluminum Fishing Pliers with Braid Cutters
Safely removes hooks, pinches split-shot sinkers, and cleanly snips braided, mono, and fluorocarbon lines.
Plano Waterproof Utility Tackle Box Tray (3600)
Keeps terminal tackle, weights, and spinners dry and corrosion-free with customizable compartments.
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Where Sockeye Salmon is stocked
When Sockeye Salmon is stocked
Top Sockeye Salmon waters
Cedar River
King County · 2 species · 1310 records
Last stocked May 2026
Lake Whatcom
Whatcom County · 4 species · 1226 records
Last stocked May 2026
Baker Lake
Whatcom County · 4 species · 922 records
Last stocked May 2026
Baker Lake
Whatcom County · 4 species · 432 records
Last stocked March 2026
Lake Shannon
Skagit County · 3 species · 171 records
Last stocked May 2026
Baker River Chnl
Whatcom County · 1 species · 123 records
Last stocked February 2015
Baker River
Whatcom County · 5 species · 92 records
Last stocked November 2025
Baker Lake
Whatcom County · 2 species · 89 records
Last stocked March 2017
Lake Wenatchee
Chelan County · 3 species · 79 records
Last stocked October 2012
Fs 1148 Rd
Whatcom County · 1 species · 64 records
Last stocked April 2026
Baker Lake
Whatcom County · 1 species · 61 records
Last stocked May 2016
Baker Lake
Whatcom County · 2 species · 34 records
Last stocked May 2017
Baker Lake
Whatcom County · 2 species · 19 records
Last stocked May 2018
Baker Lake
Whatcom County · 1 species · 14 records
Last stocked March 2014
Baker Lake
Whatcom County · 1 species · 13 records
Last stocked February 2017
Baker Creek
Whatcom County · 3 species · 7 records
Last stocked February 2019
Cedar River Upr
King County · 1 species · 7 records
Last stocked May 2021
Baker River Trib
Whatcom County · 1 species · 6 records
Last stocked April 2009
White River
Chelan County · 2 species · 5 records
Last stocked May 2011
15 Mile Creek
King County · 2 species · 3 records
Last stocked March 2016
Frequently asked
Where is Sockeye Salmon stocked?
Sockeye Salmon is stocked in 20 waters across 1 state: Washington.
When is Sockeye Salmon stocked?
Sockeye Salmon is typically stocked in spring, most often in March, based on records across every state that stocks it.
How many Sockeye Salmon are stocked?
About 416,149,574 Sockeye Salmon have been stocked on record since 1995, across Washington.
What does a Sockeye Salmon look like?
Silvery-blue at sea; spawning adults turn brilliant red with a green head, similar to kokanee but considerably larger.