As someone who loves to fish and explore the bounties of the sea, I’ve always been fascinated by the question – are there salmon in Hawaii? At first glance, it may seem unlikely that a cold water fish like salmon would be found in the warm, tropical waters surrounding the Hawaiian islands. But occasionally, adventurous salmon do in fact make their way to Hawaii, creating an intriguing aquatic anomaly. In this article, I’ll examine the factors that bring salmon to Hawaii, look at first-hand accounts of salmon catches in Hawaii, and explore the cultural impact of this unusual phenomenon.
Why Would Salmon Be in Hawaii?
The main factor that draws salmon to Hawaii is their remarkable migration patterns. Salmon are anadromous fish meaning they hatch in freshwater rivers and streams migrate to the ocean to feed and grow, and then return to their original freshwater source to spawn. Some salmon species, like Chinook, are known to migrate tremendous distances. So while Hawaii lies far from their usual range, it is within the realm of possibility for salmon to reach the islands during their ocean-going phase.
Ocean currents and upwellings may also play a role. Hawaii benefits from the Alaska current and gyre that brings in cooler waters and nutrients. These conditions mimic the northern Salmon’s natural habitat enough that they may linger. Hawaii’s winter months also see an influx of these currents which coincides with peak salmon migration season from November to March.
Eyewitness Accounts of Salmon in Hawaii
It’s not common, but there are enough reports of fishermen catching salmon in Hawaii to prove it does happen. A local fisherman said on the Hawaii Fishing Forum that he caught a 20-pound Chinook salmon off the coast of Kona on the Big Island. There was a downrigger trolled lure meant for marlin that the salmon hit at 225 feet deep. It has been said that trollers and long-liners set deep to catch salmon and ahi tuna.
These deep water techniques seem to be the key to hooking a Hawaiian salmon. Though extremely rare in shallow waters, stories of salmon catches increase dramatically in the deep sea ranges of 200 feet and greater. This aligns with the understanding of salmon’s preference for cooler waters.
The Cultural Impact of Hawaiian Salmon
The Hawaiian name for salmon is kāmano. Salmon is native to the waters around the Pacific Northwest, but lomi lomi salmon, a type of salmon cooked in Hawaii, is a favorite dish there. It might not seem like a good idea for a faraway Pacific archipelago to have this raw salmon salad with tomatoes, Maui onions, and chili pepper. But the fact that this dish exists shows how early Pacific settlers, traders, whalers, and fishermen changed Hawaii’s food culture in a way that will last for a long time.
Though kāmano is not abundant or caught locally, lomi salmon offers a literal taste of the cultural melting pot Hawaii has become. It reflects the emerging cuisine born when new ingredients and recipes arrived with immigrants, were embraced by locals, and became infused with Hawaiian tradition. Salmon – the fish itself – may only occasionally be Hawaiian. But lomi lomi salmon – the dish – is undoubtedly Hawaiian now.
Frequently Asked Questions About Salmon in Hawaii
Over the years, I’ve encountered many questions about the idea of salmon in Hawaii. Here are some common queries and quick answers on this fascinating topic:
Which kind of salmon have been caught in Hawaii? The Chinook or King salmon are most often caught in Hawaii. Their large size makes them well suited for lengthy ocean migrations.
What time of year are salmon most likely found?
Salmon have the highest probability of occurring in Hawaiian waters during the winter months between November-March when ocean currents bring in cooler waters.
Where in Hawaii are salmon more likely to be caught?
Most salmon catches occur offshore in very deep waters, 100 fathoms or more. The cooler temperatures found at these depths attract migrating salmon.
Can you fish specifically for salmon in Hawaii?
Targeting salmon intentionally is extremely challenging given their rarity. Most Hawaiian salmon catches are incidental while fishing for other deep water species.
What fishing methods work best to catch salmon?
Slow trolling with downriggers or surface trolling methods used for tuna and marlin have proven effective for hooking Hawaiian salmon. Heavy gear is required.
What other fish species swim with salmon in Hawaii?
In the deep, nutrient-rich waters salmon migrate through, anglers might also encounter ahi tuna, mahimahi, many shark species, and a variety of bottom fish.
Can you eat salmon caught in Hawaiian waters?
Yes, any salmon caught can be retained and eaten, though check for any consumption advisories. Care must be taken to bleed and chill the fish properly at sea.
Conclusion
In the end, the question remains – are there wild, ocean-going salmon to be found in Hawaii? The answer is yes, though encountering one is extremely rare and difficult. Yet even without an abundance of kāmano, Hawaii has embraced salmon and its traditions. So while a fresh Hawaiian-caught salmon may not often grace the plate, the dish of lomi lomi salmon will continue to hold an esteemed place at the table for generations to come.
