The theory behind summer runs is that they do not spawn until the winters start arriving. They typically are in the rivers several months so they definitely stay brighter for far longer than a winter ever will. I am not sure but I have to assume they have more fat reserves than winters much like spring chinook do. If it is a hatchery fish/bright--I say konk it---it should taste great! I have not noticed a difference when it has come to eating them compared to winter runs. There are plenty of guys on this board that are much more "in the know" than me, but it has been my experience that no matter when you catch them, if they are still table quality looking, they should taste fine.

Crayfin