At sea sockeye have a dark blue- black back with silvery sides. There are no distinct spots on the back, dorsal or caudal fin. Spawning adults develop dull, green colored heads with brick red to scarlet bodies. Fish average 6 to 12 pounds. Adults return to their natal stream from July to October in southeast Alaska.
Sockeye are valuable commercial fish due to their deep red flesh and rich meat.
They are also prized sport fish, not just because of their flesh, but because of their fighting ability. Sockeye are sought by serious fly fisherman as they may take a spinner, but usually are only attracted by flies. When hooked sockeye can fight hard like a steelhead and frequently jump. Anglers seek out sockeye when the fish return to their natal streams to spawn. These fish have very large spots on their back with large, oval black blotches on both lobes of tail.