Chinook Salmon
Chinook salmon, also known as King salmon, are the largest Pacific salmon species and Alaska's state fish.
Also known as King salmon
- They're distinguished by black irregular spotting on their back and dorsal fins, spots on both lobes of the tail fin, and a distinctive black gum line.
- Adult Chinook in Alaska typically measure 36 inches and often exceed 30 pounds, with the Kenai River producing particularly large specimens - the world record 97.25-pound Chinook was caught there in 1985.
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- In Alaska, Chinook are abundant from the southeastern panhandle to the Yukon River.
- They're anadromous, spending 1-5 years feeding in the ocean before returning to spawn.
Key Locations
- Prime locations include the Kenai River (famous for trophy-sized fish), Copper River, Gulkana River, and Klutina River.
- Major populations returning to the Yukon, Kuskokwim, Nushagak, Susitna, Kenai, Copper, Alsek, Taku, and Stikine rivers.
Specific Spots
- Fish deeper pools and main channel areas where Chinook prefer to hold.
- For saltwater trolling, use downriggers to reach 150-250 foot depths where large Chinook often hold.
Chinook Salmon FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Chinook Salmon in Alaska?
Large lures like Vibrax spinners sizes 5-6, Mepps spinners sizes 5-6, Pixee spoons (7/8 ounce), and Tee Spoons sizes 4-6. Effective baits include salmon e.g.g clusters, cured roe, herring chunks, or eulachon. Cut-plug herring, hoochies, or large spoons behind flashers. Kwikfish plugs.
What flies work for Chinook Salmon in Alaska?
Large bright flies like Fat Freddies, Bunny bugs, Popsicles, or bucktail streamers.
When is the best time to fish for Chinook Salmon in Alaska?
In Alaska, Chinook salmon fishing is best from May through July when they're actively migrating and feeding. Alaska streams normally receive a single run of Chinook from May through July. Gulkana River peak run around July 4th, Klutina River mid to late June through third week of July.
How do you catch Chinook Salmon in Alaska?
Trolling techniques with cut-plug herring, hoochies, or large spoons behind flashers for saltwater. In rivers, drift fishing with roe sacks or back-trolling Kwikfish plugs can be very effective.
What do Chinook Salmon eat?
Juvenile Chinook initially feed on plankton and insects in freshwater, then transition to a diet of herring, pilchard, sandlance, squid, and crustaceans in the ocean.
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