Sockeye salmon are one of the smallest species of Pacific salmon. Sockeye salmon is also known as red or blueback salmon. Most sockeye salmon are harvested in Alaska with gill nets, either drifted from a vessel or set with one end at the shore. The flesh of sockeye salmon is known for its firm, lean, bright orange color. Sockeye salmon that is smoked is generally dry-cured and cold smoked.