They are highly prized by recreational, commercial and subsistence fishers alike. The National Marine Fisheries Service has recently listed four stocks of chinook salmon in the Pacific Northwest as either Threatened or Endangered. Judgment on four other stocks has been deferred until scientific disagreements have been resolved. These join three other stock of chinook already listed as Threatened or Endangered. As juveniles they have distinctive vertical bars on their sides.
Adults stay close to shore compared to some salmon species.
As adults they are silvery, with dramatic blue backs. They will grow to lengths over three feet and are popular recreational catches. Spawners return in the late fall and winter after three years at sea sporting hooked beaks and deep red color. All Oregon coho salmon are considered Threatened by the National Marine Fisheries Service.