What species of fish found in North Fork of CdA river can get 24" and has a red color?

I saw a large fish swimming in the North Fork of CdA. It was probably at least 2 ft long and had a maroon tint.
Answer: 
It could be an early-spawning kokanee or it could be a fall Chinook salmon.  Although, fall Chinook are not typically red in color, there are color variations that have a dark red hue. F08
Answered on: 
Tuesday, July 16, 2013 - 1:52 PM MDT