How Much Does A King Salmon Weigh? An In-Depth Look At Estimating King Salmon Weights
King salmon, also known as Chinook salmon, are highly prized by anglers for their large size and fighting spirit But how much do these mighty fish actually weigh? Estimating the weight of a king salmon can be tricky without the proper techniques and conversion tools This comprehensive guide takes an in-depth look at the average weights of king salmon and provides useful methods for calculating the weight of your trophy king catch.
Average King Salmon Weights
Most adult king salmon weigh between 15 and 50 pounds, though giants over 100 pounds are possible. However, average weights vary greatly based on location and river system
For example, kings from Alaska’s legendary Kenai River weigh 20 to 40 pounds on average. Meanwhile, Columbia River kings between Oregon and Washington usually range from 15 to 25 pounds. The current sport-caught world record is a 97-pound king salmon from Alaska’s Kenai River in 1985.
Length-To-Weight Conversion Formulas
Since weighing a landed king is not always practical, fisheries scientists have developed length-weight formulas to estimate weight based on the fish’s length and girth.
A common formula is:
Weight (lbs) = Length (in) x Girth (in) x Girth (in) / 800
Where length is the total length in inches and girth is the thickest body part in inches. This formula is most accurate for kings under 40 inches. For larger fish, the following tends to be more precise:
Weight (lbs) = Girth (in)^2 x Length (in) / 800
Accurately measuring total length and maximum girth provides the best weight estimates when applying these formulas.
King Salmon Length-Weight Conversion Charts
Length-weight conversion charts offer a quick way to estimate king salmon weight based on length. Here is an example:
Length (in) – Weight (lbs)
25 – 6
30 – 11
35 – 17
40 – 25
45 – 35
50 – 48
These handy charts provide weight estimates across common king length ranges. However, they represent above-average weights, not absolute averages. Unusually skinny or fat fish may weigh noticeably less or more.
Regional Length-Weight Standards
Generic formulas and charts provide reasonable estimates, but region-specific length-weight data often improves accuracy. For instance, Alaska and Oregon fisheries agencies compile custom charts for major salmon rivers using actual weight data from that system. Checking for a localized chart can remove the guesswork when estimating weights on specific rivers.
Additional Weight Estimating Tips
Here are some other useful tips for dialing-in king salmon weight estimates:
- Carefully measure total length and girth for best accuracy.
- Adjust for body shape – fatter fish weigh more.
- Factor in maturity – spawning kings gain weight.
- Consider fish condition – robust fish weigh more.
- Weigh on ice for most certainty, even if estimating after the fact.
While formulas provide estimates, the only surefire method is weighing your catch directly. But armed with the tips above, anglers can now make much more informed judgments on trophy king salmon weights. Accurate estimating lets you better document catches and fully appreciate these fish’s sheer mammoth size potential.
Alaska King Salmon Names
- Back Bouncing: Cheater (with eggs when legal) and a weight, or straight bait and a weight.
- Back Trolling: Plugs
- Anchoring Up: Spinners, Eggs (where legal), and/or plugs depending on the current.
- Bank Fishing – Spinning/Fly/Bait Caster
- Boat Fishing – Back-Bouncing, Back-trolling
What is Alaskan King Salmon?An Alaskan king salmon, also known as Chinook salmon, is a large and highly prized fish species that is native to the Pacific Northwest region of North America. It is the largest of all Pacific salmon species.Alaskan King salmon have a distinctive red-orange flesh that is rich in flavor and high in omega-3 fatty acids, making it a popular choice for sushi, sashimi, and other culinary applications.The Alaskan salmon is an important cultural and economic resource for the Alaskan people and is carefully managed to ensure sustainable fishing practices.
- Names
- Description
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- Fishing
- Frequently Asked Questions
- King Salmon Fishing on Prince of Wales Island
big king salmon weight revealed !!
FAQ
How many pounds does a king salmon weigh?
Size: King salmon are the largest of the Pacific salmon species, with adults typically weighing between 30 and 80 pounds.
What is a 30 pound salmon called?
The Chinook salmon is the largest of all Pacific salmon, typically measuring 36 inches in length, often exceeding 30 pounds.
How heavy is a 20 inch salmon?
| Length/ins | 16 | 20 |
|---|---|---|
| Sea Trout Salmon / (lbs) | 1.4 | 2.8 |
How long is a 40 pound king salmon?
Also known as Chinooks, kings are the largest of the Pacific salmon species, averaging 20 to 40 pounds and around three to four feet long.
How do you calculate King Salmon weight?
This king salmon length to weight conversion formula is easy to follow. The girth is measured at the thickest portion of the midsection and the length is measured from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail. All measurements should be in inches. Weight Estimator Formula: Weight (lbs.) = length (in.) x girth (in.) x girth (in.) / 740
How much does a king salmon weigh?
This in-depth article will show you how to figure out the weight of a king salmon so that you can get a better idea of how big your catch really is. Most adult king salmon weigh between 15 and 50 pounds, but the biggest ones can weigh 100 pounds or more. However, average weights can be very different depending on the river system and region.
How much does salmon weigh?
Sockeye Salmon: Commonly called red salmon, and weighs about 6 pounds. Coho Salmon: Also known as silver salmon, weighs on average 8 pounds. Masu Salmon: Known as Cherry salmon, Similar in length to the pink salmon, but their average weight is bigger at 4.5 pounds. Atlantic Salmon: Typically, their average weight is around 12 pounds.
How do you weigh a landed King Salmon?
Since weighing a landed king salmon directly is not always feasible formulas exist to estimate weight based on the fish’s length and girth measurements. One such formula is Weight (lbs) = Length (in) x Girth (in) x Girth (in) / 800
Does Alaska have a salmon weight calculator?
In Alaska, we are often fishing without any cell service, and have no access to a Salmon weight calculator app. Fortunately, the fish length to weight formula to estimate their weight is quite easy to remember and follow! Here’s a formula to accurately estimate the weight of a salmon, steelhead or trout from measurements of length and girth.
How big should a 50 pound king salmon be?
If we start with the biggest of the two, the king salmon, a 50 pounder would have to have an approximate length of 48 to 50 inches. An Atlantic salmon of the same weight would probably have to be even longer due to its somewhat more slender and torpedo-like body shape.