How to Identify a Tule Salmon – Key Features and Differences

It is important for fishermen in the Pacific Northwest to be able to tell the difference between the different species of salmon they catch. One salmon that generates a lot of interest is the Tule salmon. There are some things that make tule salmon different from other salmon, like Chinook, coho, and sockeye. Find out more about what makes a Tule salmon unique and how to spot one for sure by reading on.

Overview of Tule Salmon

Tule salmon also known as Tule Chinook are one of the many subspecies of Chinook or king salmon. Their distinct name comes from their ancestral spawning grounds in the tule marshes and wetlands of California’s Central Valley. However, Tule salmon are now found from California all the way up to Alaska.

During their ocean phase Tule salmon migrate northward along the Pacific Coast up to Alaska. After several years feeding and maturing in the ocean they return to their natal streams and rivers to spawn, primarily in the Columbia River basin.

Tule salmon begin their spawning run earlier than most other Chinook salmon. They start entering the Columbia River as early as July, with peak migration in August and September. This early return gives Tule salmon their nickname of “fall Chinook.”

Why Identifying Tule Salmon Matters

Being able to recognize Tule salmon is important for both ethical and regulatory reasons:

• Tule salmon populations are under pressure and classified as a “species of concern.” Proper identification allows anglers to release them to help conserve wild stocks.

• Many regions have specific regulations, seasons, and limits regarding Tule salmon Identifying them helps anglers follow local fishing rules

• Tule salmon tend to have lower quality flesh as they near their spawning time. Identifying them means retaining only the best salmon for eating.

Distinguishing Physical Features of Tule Salmon

Tule salmon are different from other salmon species because they have a few physical traits that make them stand out:

• Body shape: Tule salmon have a short, stout, football-shaped body profile unlike the more streamlined shape of other salmon.

• Spotting pattern: Tule salmon typically display larger spots that extend along their entire tail section. The spots appear denser and darker.

• Tail size: Relative to body length, Tule salmon have taller, larger tails compared to other salmon.

• Head shape: A conspicuous hump on the head is often visible on Tule salmon. Their heads tend to be large and blunt.

• Anal fin: The anal fin on Tule salmon is distinctly rounded with the fin rays angling steeply downwards. It often has a pinkish hue at the base.

• Coloration: Tule salmon generally exhibit a bronze or olive green back with a pinkish-hued belly. The sides have a dull, brass or brown tone.

• Adipose fin: Wild Tule salmon always have an intact adipose fin compared to missing on hatchery fish.

Behavioral and Physical Changes Near Spawning

In addition to their steady physical appearance, Tule salmon undergoing their pre-spawn transformations display some identifiable behavioral and physical changes:

• Increase in aggression and willingness to strike at bait and lures.

• Development of a pronounced kype or hook jaw on male Tule salmon.

• Fading of the salmon’s silvery color and transition to darker spawning hues.

• Pronounced sharp teeth as mouth structure changes to become a spawning tool.

• Presence of a thick, slimy coating on skin.

• Visible deterioration of tail, fins, and body as fish near end of life cycle.

• Strong “fishy” odor resulting from changes in skin, scales, and slime composition.

Tule Salmon vs. Other Columbia River Salmon

The Columbia River watershed harbors multiple overlapping salmon runs. Here is how Tule salmon differ from some other frequently encountered Columbia River salmon species:

• Chinook “Upriver Brights” – More silvery appearance, fewer spots, and smaller tails than Tule salmon.

• Coho – Smaller size, lack of spots, and silver coloration distinguish coho from Tule salmon.

• Sockeye – Sockeye have a streamlined shape, smooth red color, and no spots like Tule salmon display.

• Pink – Much smaller size and very large spots not extending on tail separate pink salmon from Tule salmon.

Tips for Releasing Tule Salmon

When angling in waters where Tule salmon are present during spawning season, follow these best practices for safely releasing any hooked Tule salmon:

• Land the Tule salmon as rapidly and carefully as possible. Use wet hands or nets to minimize slime loss.

• Keep the fish horizontal and supported at all times when handling. Avoid vertical holds.

• Hold Tule salmon by the head and tail only. Never grip the sensitive belly area.

• Minimize time out of water. Photographs should take no more than 15-20 seconds.

• Remove hooks gently using pliers or hook removers. Don’t handle or squeeze the fish.

• Revive a exhausted Tule salmon in calm water holding it upright until it swims away strongly.

• Look for signs of injury like bleeding or lack of equilibrium and nurse these fish if releasing.

Releasing Tule salmon with care allows them to continue their critical spawning journey and contribute to future salmon runs.

Identifying Tule Salmon Ensures Sustainable Salmon Fishing

Tule salmon have unique characteristics setting them apart from other Pacific salmon species. Being able to accurately identify Tule salmon helps anglers abide by fishing regulations, selectively harvest salmon, and protect vulnerable wild Tule populations. Familiarizing yourself with the key features of Tule salmon makes you a more informed angler and steward of sustainable salmon fisheries.