Chinook Salmon
Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
FR Saumon royal · ES Salmón real · PT Salmão real · IT Salmone reale · DE Königslachs
Also known as: King SalmonQuinnat SalmonSalmón RealSaumon RoyalSalmón realSaumon royalKönigslachsSalmone realeSalmão real
PelagicShoreBoat
GamefishSalmonidMigratory
Score
—
Prime time
Seasonal salmon runs; specific tide windows in estuaries
Depth
0–200m
Platform
Shore & boat
Season
JanMarJunSepDec
Peak May–AugGood Apr–Sep
Depth range
0–200mDeep
Best fishing techniques
Trolling60%
Sabiki under lights60%
Preferred seabed
SandMud
Findr bio
Heavyweight king of the current – I cruise cold edges, bait stacks, and river mouths, turning casual trollers into accidental big-game anglers.
How to catch
Favourite hangouts
EstuaryOpen seaShallow water
Recommended baits
FlyFlyFish baitsArtificial baits
Diet
HerringSand eelSquidKrillSmall fish
Effective techniques
SpinningBottom FishingSaltwater Fly
Gear
Best times
DawnDayDuskMid flood
Chinook are the largest Pacific salmon, with some 'tyee' kings topping 30 kg and migrating thousands of kilometres between natal rivers and open-ocean feeding grounds.
Field notes
Where to find them
River mouths, estuaries and nearshore migration routes, Pacific NW/Alaska
Where they hang out
Estuary and nearshore, shallow to moderate depth
Prime time
Seasonal salmon runs; specific tide windows in estuaries
Tide game
High in estuaries; fish move on tide stage
What they're into
Cured roe, spinners, plugs; eats baitfish, krill
Temperature vibe
Prefers 8–14°C
Fave weather
Overcast, stable weather often best
Fun fact about me
Biggest Pacific salmon; a 50-pounder is just me in my Sunday best.
Dinner material?
10/10Excellent eating
Play by the rules
Strict seasons, bag/size limits — check locallyState/national fisheries agency (e.g. NOAA, DFO, ADFG)
Looking after them
Least Concern
Other regions where you can target Chinook Salmon