The Sockeye Salmon was listed endangered on November 20, 1991. Their habitat. is designated and people don't know if they are increasing or decreasing in number. The current estimated population is 10 adults per year. The adults that return to Redfish Lake in 1989 was 1, 1990 was 0, 1991 was 4, 1992 was 1, 1993 was 8, 1994 was 1, 1995 was 0, and 1996 was 1. The Sockeye Salmon lives in the Snake River.

The Sockeye Salmon, which is anadromous, and Kokanee, which is catadromous, are distinguished from other Pacific salmons by their long slender body, closely spaced gills on the first arch, and the fine black speckling on the back. Mature Kokanees are not that different from the Sockeyes except they are a bit smaller. They are about 8 - 9 inches (20-23cm). However, some Kokanees were found to measure up to 21 inches (53cm) at various lakes. A typical 4-year old Columbia River Sockeye is about 20 inches (51cm) long and weighs up to 4 pounds (1.7kg). In Redfish Lake, they range from 19 - 25 inches (48-64cm).