Several methods are available to estimate the weight of a fish. Some use length as well as girth measurements. Weight also can be estimated using only length measurements based on relationship between length and weight. Length-weight equations can be developed for specific waters, regions (e. g. , states), or for a particular species.
Formulas that take into account both length and girth are often the most accurate ways to guess a fish’s weight because they take into account how fat or plump it is. If you only know the length, length-weight relationships for certain waters or regions can often help you figure out the weight. For example, fish may be “skinny” in some bodies of water, and the weight estimate may be too high if it is based on data from a body of water where fish are “fat” or even “normal.” ” Thats why adding girth to the formula can help with accuracy. But girth-based formulas might not be as accurate as we’d like them to be because fish have different shapes and it can be hard to find the right adjustment factor (or “shape” factor) to use in the formula. And it’s important to carefully measure the fish’s girth at its fattest point, since girth estimates have a big effect on weight estimates.
One easy way to estimate fish weight is through the use of standard length-weight formulas. Biologists who study fisheries have made standard-weight equations for dozens of different fish species that show how the species as a whole usually grows. These connections are often used to judge a fish’s body condition, which is its relative weight or plumpness. This tells us about the fish’s health, like whether it has enough food or not, and can sometimes show how fast it is growing.
These standard length-weight formulas are usually based on thousands of fish from hundreds of populations that live in different parts of the same species’ range. This means that they show the “general” way that species grows. For example, the black crappie equation was made with data from more than 20,000 fish of different sizes from 175 populations spread across the species’ range. Advertisement.
*An important thing to keep in mind is that these standard length-weight formulas describe fish in “above-average” condition. In fact, the weights in the tables are not average weights; they show the 75th percentile of the samples for that length. That is, if you put 100 random bass of the same length in order of weight, and those bass were a good representation of the range of weights for that length, the weight given in the table would be for the 75th heaviest fish. It might have made more sense to use the median weight for these calculations, but fisheries biologists chose the 75th percentile instead. This way, the average weight for a fish of a certain length would be an “ideal” weight to aim for in terms of body condition. So, if your fish appears plump and healthy, the weights from the table should be relatively close. If your fish is average to thin, it will weigh less. If it is very plump and “fat,” it will weigh more. Just make an adjustment. There is no perfect formula, but this should help you get close if you only know the length and not the girth. Your state fishery agency may have standard weight tables based on regional data posted on their website. To use these formulas, you need to measure the fish’s total length from the tip of its nose to the tip of its tail fin.
Anglers love king salmon, which are also called chinook salmon, because they are so big and willing to fight. But just how big do these powerful fish get? Let’s look at how much a typical king salmon weighs.
Typical Size Range
- King salmon are the largest of the pacific salmon species.
- They commonly reach lengths of 24 to 36 inches and weigh between 10 and 50 pounds.
- The largest on record was a 126 pounder caught commercially in Alaska.
- In the sport fishing world, the record stands at 97 pounds caught on the Kenai River in 1985.
King salmon can be very different sizes, but most are between 10 and 50 pounds. Of course, many factors influence their ultimate dimensions.
What Controls King Salmon Size?
Several elements contribute to the final proportions of a adult king
- Age – Chinook can live 5-7 years. Older fish are able to achieve greater size.
- Genetics – Some populations and strains tend to run larger.
- Food availability – Abundant prey equates to faster growth.
- Habitat – Ideal rearing conditions allow kings to thrive.
- Sex – Males and females exhibit different growth rates.
Under optimal circumstances, kings can pile on the pounds quickly. But if conditions are less favorable, they may end up smaller at maturity.
Average Weights by Location
King salmon weight tends to follow geographic trends. Here are some examples of their typical proportions in popular fisheries:
- Kenai River, Alaska – 20-40 lbs
- Copper River, Alaska – 15-35 lbs
- Klamath River, California – 15-30 lbs
- Columbia River, Washington – 15-25 lbs
- Lake Michigan – 15-25 lbs
As you can see, Alaskan kings tend to run larger on average than those in the Lower 48. This owes to abundant food sources and prime habitat.
But remember, these are just generalizations 50 pounders are caught in the Great Lakes and 15 pounders in Alaska. Individual variation is high
Weight Estimates by Length
Since length and weight are closely correlated in fish, scientists have developed formulas to estimate weight from length. Here are some standard weights for kings:
- 20 inches – 3.5-5 lbs
- 25 inches – 6-8 lbs
- 30 inches – 11-13 lbs
- 35 inches – 17-19 lbs
- 40 inches – 25-27 lbs
- 45 inches – 35-37 lbs
These numbers represent above average condition fish. Actual weights may vary quite a bit. But it gives a ballpark figure if you don’t have a scale.
Converting Length to Weight
You can also calculate the estimated weight yourself if you have a length measurement. Here is the standard formula used:
Weight (lbs) = (Length (in) x Length (in) x Length (in)) / 800
Just plug the fork length into the equation. This will provide a rough approximation of weight.
For example, a 33 inch king would weigh:
(33 x 33 x 33) / 800 = 14.5 lbs
So a 33 incher would likely weigh somewhere in the 12-16 pound range based on this formula.
How to Weigh Your Catch
To get an exact weight rather than an estimate, you’ll need to use scales. There are a few options:
-
Handheld spring scales – Clip to the jaw and lift. Reads weight directly.
-
Digital luggage scales – Suspend fish vertically from scale. Deduct weight of gear.
-
Weighing stations – Found at some marinas and outfitters. Hoist fish up and get weight.
-
Grocery scales – For smaller fish, weigh yourself holding the fish versus alone.
No matter the method, be sure to quickly weigh and release your trophy king alive! Recording an accurate weight is part of responsible catch and release fishing.
Outliers: Record-Sized Kings
While most kings fall into the 10-50 pound class, there are some true monsters out there:
-
The Alaska state record was that 126 pounder mentioned earlier.
-
The all tackle world record was a fish weighing 105 lbs caught in Alaska in 1985.
-
Many 50-80 pounders are boated by anglers annually.
-
Fish over 100 pounds are extremely rare, but possible.
-
Oversized kings are more common in Alaska where food is abundant.
So if you have dreams of catching an 80+ pound king, Alaska is your best bet! Even so, these leviathans are uncommon. But there’s always a chance when battling a king salmon.
Key Takeaways on King Salmon Weight
- Typical mature kings range from 10-50 lbs.
- Average weight varies by location and fish size.
- Length-weight formulas allow estimates from measurements.
- Accurately weighing your catch helps manage the fishery.
- While rare, giants over 100 lbs are possible!
So the next time you hook into a chrome bright king, you’ll have a better grasp on what it might weigh. Use a scale for an exact number, but keep these benchmarks in mind for a ballpark figure. After a spirited fight, admire your regal catch and appreciate the true size and power of the king salmon!
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Several methods are available to estimate the weight of a fish. Some use length as well as girth measurements. Weight also can be estimated using only length measurements based on relationship between length and weight. Length-weight equations can be developed for specific waters, regions (e. g. , states), or for a particular species.
Formulas that take into account both length and girth are often the most accurate ways to guess a fish’s weight because they take into account how fat or plump it is. If you only know the length, length-weight relationships for certain waters or regions can often help you figure out the weight. For example, fish may be “skinny” in some bodies of water, and the weight estimate may be too high if it is based on data from a body of water where fish are “fat” or even “normal.” ” Thats why adding girth to the formula can help with accuracy. But girth-based formulas might not be as accurate as we’d like them to be because fish have different shapes and it can be hard to find the right adjustment factor (or “shape” factor) to use in the formula. And it’s important to carefully measure the fish’s girth at its fattest point, since girth estimates have a big effect on weight estimates.
One easy way to estimate fish weight is through the use of standard length-weight formulas. Biologists who study fisheries have made standard-weight equations for dozens of different fish species that show how the species as a whole usually grows. These connections are often used to judge a fish’s body condition, which is its relative weight or plumpness. This tells us about the fish’s health, like whether it has enough food or not, and can sometimes show how fast it is growing.
These standard length-weight formulas are usually based on thousands of fish from hundreds of populations that live in different parts of the same species’ range. This means that they show the “general” way that species grows. For example, the black crappie equation was made with data from more than 20,000 fish of different sizes from 175 populations spread across the species’ range. Advertisement.
*An important thing to keep in mind is that these standard length-weight formulas describe fish in “above-average” condition. In fact, the weights in the tables are not average weights; they show the 75th percentile of the samples for that length. That is, if you put 100 random bass of the same length in order of weight, and those bass were a good representation of the range of weights for that length, the weight given in the table would be for the 75th heaviest fish. It might have made more sense to use the median weight for these calculations, but fisheries biologists chose the 75th percentile instead. This way, the average weight for a fish of a certain length would be an “ideal” weight to aim for in terms of body condition. So, if your fish appears plump and healthy, the weights from the table should be relatively close. If your fish is average to thin, it will weigh less. If it is very plump and “fat,” it will weigh more. Just make an adjustment. There is no perfect formula, but this should help you get close if you only know the length and not the girth. Your state fishery agency may have standard weight tables based on regional data posted on their website. To use these formulas, you need to measure the fish’s total length from the tip of its nose to the tip of its tail fin.
Chinook Salmon Weight Conversion Chart
| 25 in | 6.49 lb |
| 26 in | 7.28 lb |
| 27 in | 8.12 lb |
| 28 in | 9.02 lb |
| 29 in | 9.99 lb |
| 30 in | 11.02 lb |
| 31 in | 12.12 lb |
| 32 in | 13.29 lb |
| 33 in | 14.53 lb |
| 34 in | 15.84 lb |
| 35 in | 17.23 lb |
| 36 in | 18.70 lb |
| 37 in | 20.25 lb |
| 38 in | 21.88 lb |
| 39 in | 23.59 lb |
| 40 in | 25.38 lb |
| 41 in | 27.27 lb |
| 42 in | 29.24 lb |
| 43 in | 31.31 lb |
| 44 in | 33.47 lb |
| 45 in | 35.72 lb |
| 46 in | 38.08 lb |
| 47 in | 40.53 lb |
| 48 in | 43.08 lb |
| 49 in | 45.74 lb |
| 50 in | 48.50 lb |
| 51 in | 51.36 lb |
| 52 in | 54.34 lb |
| 53 in | 57.43 lb |
| 54 in | 60.63 lb |
| 55 in | 63.94 lb |
| 56 in | 67.37 lb |
| 57 in | 70.92 lb |
| 58 in | 74.59 lb |
| 59 in | 78.39 lb |
| 60 in | 82.30 lb |
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big king salmon weight revealed !!
FAQ
How many pounds does a king salmon weigh?
How much does the average king salmon weigh in Michigan?
How much a pound is king salmon?
How big do Alaska king salmon get?
How big does a king salmon get?
King Salmon, also known as Chinook Salmon, is the largest species of salmon and is native to the Pacific Northwest area of North America. These magnificent fish can grow to impressive sizes, with adult males reaching lengths of up to three feet and weighing over 100 pounds. Females are generally smaller, but still substantial in size.
What is a healthy amount of salmon to consume per month?
This will depend on what type of salmon you consume. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not recommend eating salmon more than twice a week due to several types of contaminants present in the fish (if it is salmon from aquaculture, this number increases to once a month). Compared to aquaculture, wild salmon has lower levels of PCBs and better nutrients, however, its price comes to cost almost twice as much, in addition to being more difficult to find this product on the market. Consuming canned salmon is also a good tip – this is because, for the most part, it is of wild origin (apparently, farmed salmon does not keep well when canned).
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.
How big is a king salmon in New Zealand?
While not reaching the outrageously massive size of their North American relatives, NZ king salmon can still grow pretty big. Their average weight is between 10 and 15lb, and they can reach a maximum weight of about 40lb in the waters of New Zealand. How Big Are Salmon When They Go to The Ocean?