identifying a hen?

[crossover]

Hey guys, how do you distinguish between a salmon full of eggs and one with no eggs/a male?

[MJL]

At this time of year, the males will try to fertilize your shoes when you pick them up...Look for the kype and the canines.

[mike rousseau]

males have a large head with hooked jaws...and a uniform body... kinda tall and thin...

 

females have a small head without hooked jaws... and a fat belly... shaped more like a trout with a less tall body and thick across...

 

in some cases you can give the belly a sqeeze and see what comes out...

[BillM]

Anal vent of the female should be extremely visible this time of year. She'll most likely be squirting eggs with a slight push of her belly.