Jack salmon is a peculiar name for a fish that often causes confusion. Some people might think that jack salmon is really salmon, but it’s not. In the Midwest, the name “jack salmon” is mostly used for different types of whitefish, especially Pacific whiting (also called hake).
This guide will tell you everything you need to know about jack salmon, including what it is, how it tastes, where it comes from, and how it became a popular food item, especially in St. Louis.
What Kind of Fish is Jack Salmon?
The term “jack salmon” is a bit of a misnomer. True salmon are in the salmonidae family of fish while jack salmon belongs to the cod or hake families.
Here are the most common types of whitefish that jack salmon refers to
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This is the fish that is most often sold as jack salmon: Pacific Whiting or Hake. Fish that look like cod are called Pacific whiting. They live along the Pacific coast of North America. It’s a mild, inexpensive whitefish.
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Walleye: In some areas, especially the Midwest, jack salmon may refer to freshwater walleye from the Mississippi and Missouri river systems. Walleye is a popular game fish.
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Sauger: Similar to walleye, the sauger is another freshwater game fish that may be called jack salmon locally. It’s closely related to walleye.
What Does Jack Salmon Taste Like?
Since jack salmon can refer to a few different fish, the flavor profile can vary slightly. Here’s a quick overview of the taste of the most common jack salmon species:
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Pacific Whiting/Hake: This has a delicate, mild flavor similar to cod or pollock. The meat is lean, white, and flaky.
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Walleye: Walleye is considered a premium-tasting freshwater fish. It has a delicate, mild flavor with a light sweetness and firmer flesh compared to whiting.
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Sauger: Similar to walleye but not quite as prized for its flavor. Still a relatively mild tasting fish.
No matter which specific fish is being sold as jack salmon, they all have a mild, subtle flavor. There’s no “fishy” taste. Their muted flavor makes them perfect for frying, breading, or seasoning with spices and herbs.
Where Does Jack Salmon Come From?
As you now know, jack salmon isn’t one specific fish but rather a generic marketing name used for various whitefish. Here are the main sources for the fish commonly sold as jack salmon:
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Pacific Whiting/Hake: These schooling fish are abundant along the Pacific Coast from Alaska to Baja California. Large quantities are fished commercially, making this an inexpensive fish.
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Walleye and Sauger: These freshwater cousins are native to lakes and rivers of the central United States and Canada. They are popular sport fish targeted by anglers throughout the Midwest.
So Pacific whiting comes predominantly from the Pacific Ocean, while walleye and sauger originate from freshwater lakes and rivers. Walleye and sauger are restricted to North America, while Pacific whiting is also found along the Asian coast of the Pacific.
Why Is It Called Jack Salmon?
The name jack salmon is peculiar, and there are a few theories regarding how this fish earned its misleading moniker:
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Appearance: Pacific whiting in particular bears a resemblance to salmon in its elongated, torpedo-shaped body and forked tail. When cut into steaks, it looks quite similar.
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Use of Smaller Fish: One theory claims that “jack” refers to the use of smaller, younger male salmon. These jack salmon return a year earlier than mature adults to their native waters. The use of smaller fish resulted in the name jack salmon.
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Affordable Alternative: Jack salmon provided a more affordable alternative to true, more expensive salmon. It was nicknamed jack salmon to attract buyers who wanted that salmon flavor at a lower cost.
Whatever the exact origin, jack salmon is clearly an invented marketing name meant to sell consumers on a salmon-like fish that costs a fraction of the price of real salmon. The misleading name has clearly caused plenty of confusion over the years!
Is Jack Salmon a St. Louis Thing?
Jack salmon has a peculiar history and strong local association with St. Louis. During the early 20th century, jack salmon grew into a menu staple and regional favorite around St. Louis and throughout the Midwest.
Some key points about jack salmon in St. Louis:
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According to local lore, the original Dohack’s restaurant in St. Louis started serving Pacific whiting as jack salmon on their menus as early as 1923. This practice helped popularize the name at eateries around the city.
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To this day, jack salmon remains a common menu item at old school seafood restaurants and fish frys across the St. Louis metro area. It’s hard to find a fish fry without jack salmon on the menu!
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The strong cultural association even led some to claim jack salmon was “invented” in St. Louis, although it was certainly being sold under that name throughout the Midwest region.
So while jack salmon can be found on menus throughout the Midwest, it has a particularly strong history and local popularity in good ole St. Louis where the tradition continues today.
How is Jack Salmon Served?
Throughout the St. Louis area and Midwest, you’ll almost always find jack salmon served one of two ways:
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Fried Jack Salmon: The most common preparation is fried whole. Jack salmon is covered in an egg wash or batter, then fried until golden and crispy. This helps keep the lean fish nice and moist. Fried jack is often served as a fish sandwich or dinner.
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Jack Salmon Fillet: Less common, but some restaurants bread and fry filleted chunks of jack salmon. This removes the annoying bones and makes it easier to eat.
Beyond that, fried jack salmon is most often served plain, but occasionally restaurants get creative and top it with pesto, marinara, or other sauces. Most keep it simple and let the fish stand on its own alongside traditional fries or coleslaw.
Is Jack Salmon Healthy to Eat?
Jack salmon is not only delicious but also nutritious! Here are some of the key health benefits:
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Lean Protein: Jack salmon provide 20-25 grams of protein in a 3-4 ounce serving. Protein helps satisfy hunger and provides lasting energy.
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Heart Healthy Omega-3s: All fish contain omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation and lower heart disease risk. Jack salmon has moderate levels.
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Low Mercury: Since jack salmon actually isn’t an apex predator like true salmon, mercury levels are very low. It’s responsibly fished.
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Affordable: Jack salmon provides heavy doses of nutrition at a fraction of the cost of many other seafood options.
The main downside of fried preparations is the extra fat and calories from breading and frying. Opt for lighter cooking methods or balance fried jack salmon with vegetable sides.
How to Cook Jack Salmon at Home
Want to enjoy jack salmon at home? Here are some simple recipe ideas to recreate the flavor:
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Fried Jack Salmon: Dip thick jack steaks in egg wash and breadcrumbs and pan fry in 1/2 inch oil for 2-3 minutes per side.
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Fish Tacos: Season grilled or baked jack salmon with Cajun spices. Break into flakes and serve in warm tortillas with cabbage slaw.
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Salmon Patties: Mash jack salmon with eggs, bread crumbs, onions, and seasonings. Form into patties and pan fry until golden brown and cooked through.
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Salmon Salad: Flake cooked jack salmon and mix with yogurt or mayo. Add diced celery, onions, pepper, and parsley. Serve over greens.
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Salmon Cakes: Similar to salmon patties but formed into round cakes and browned in a skillet. Top with lemon cream sauce.
Jack salmon takes well to almost any preparation you’d use for true salmon. Experiment with healthy Mediterranean and Asian style recipes for variety.
Where to Find Jack Salmon Near Me?
If you live anywhere near St. Louis or the broader Midwest region, tracking down jack salmon is easy. Here are some tips:
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Seafood Shacks: Check out the menus at traditional seafood restaurants, shacks, and fish frys. Jack salmon is a standard menu item.
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Grocery Stores: Many local grocery stores sell fresh or frozen jack salmon, especially around Lent for fish frys. Consult the fish counter or freezer section.
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Fish Markets: Make friends with fishmongers at fresh seafood markets and ask them to source Pacific whiting or jack salmon.
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Online: You can order fresh frozen jack salmon fillets from online retailers if availability is low locally
By Rodney Hsu, Fishing with Rod | Published in December 2001
Every fisherman knows that fish come in different sizes, but a fish has to reach a certain size to be able to reproduce. Based on the species, Pacific salmon reach sexual maturity anywhere from 2 to 5 years after birth. During this process, the male and female will change from having the same look in the ocean to having different traits. The males are usually bigger than the females, and there isn’t a big difference in size between individuals in the same school of run. However there are exceptions. Anglers who frequently target salmonids during their returns will often encounter the odd fish that are distinctly smaller. This is often seen in chinook and coho salmon. What makes a male and a female spawning salmon look so different from each other? Why do some fish go back into the river before they’re supposed to? More importantly, does size really matter? The theory behind these strange behaviors is pretty complicated, and it’s a lot like how people choose partners.
Biologists have made up the word “sexual dimorphism” (di = two, morph = look) to describe the way that boys and girls look so different. Biologists have found the answer to the age-old question of who is in charge between the sexes by studying how animals look and act when they are mating.
In the ocean, it’s hard to tell the difference between male and female salmon because they look the same. Once entering the freshwater prior to spawning, both genders go through certain changes that will set them apart.
These changes are more evidently shown in male individuals. Their jaws get hooked and their teeth get sharp. Some species, like pink salmon, have a hump back. The purpose of these changes are thought to be both offensive and defensive. To find the woman of their dreams, men need to look big to stand their ground and fend off any threats. These changes are also ways for the males to show the females how big and fit he is so they will choose him to be the father of their children.
Such phenomenon is not only seen in salmon, but also in just about every species on this planet. Male individuals of some species possess colourful displays. The more colourful you are, the larger chance that you will be chosen by a female. Why do women get to make all the decisions? The answer to this million-dollar question is easy. Because eggs are pricey and sperm are cheap, a female has to be smart about her choice because she doesn’t have much to spare.
What is a Jack Salmon?
FAQ
What is considered a jack salmon?
Why is it called Jack Salmon?
Do jack salmon go back to the ocean?
What is the difference between a jack and an adult chinook?
What is the difference between a jack salmon and a regular salmon?
Technically, a “jack” is a male salmon that returns to spawn one year sooner than other adult salmon and therefore is smaller in size. Realistically, jack salmon aren’t salmon at all, but most often refer to the Midwestern name given to the Pacific whiting, a saltwater fish also known as hake.
How can you identify a jack salmon?
Jack salmon fish have a silver body with greenish hues on their back. They have a black spot near their dorsal fin, and a black stripe that runs from their gills to their tail. Jack salmon fish can grow up to 3 feet in length and weigh up to 25 pounds. Jack salmon fish are found in the Pacific Ocean, from Alaska to Baja California.
What other names is a jack salmon known by?
Realistically, jack salmon aren’t salmon at all, but most often refer to the Midwestern name given to the Pacific whiting, a saltwater fish also known as hake. At this point, the discussion gets murky.
What is the limit of jack salmon that you can keep per day?
When fishing for Chinook salmon you are allowed to keep 2 jack salmon (salmon under 24 inches) per day as long as they are hatchery fish as evidence by the heald scar on the adipose fin. Since jack salmon are sexually immature and not considered as breeding fish, why does it matter if the jack is a hatchery fish or a wild fish?