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Chinook Salmon

Chinook Salmon

Chinook Salmon represent the largest Pacific salmon species and California marks their southern-most range on the west coast.

Known as 'King Salmon,' these anadromous fish migrate upstream to spawn in freshwater and juveniles migrate downstream to mature in the ocean.

Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus tshawytscha

Also known as King Salmon

Physical Characteristics:
  • Adult Chinook average 20-30 pounds and are distinguished by black irregular spotting on back, dorsal fins, and both tail lobes, plus black pigment along the gum line.
  • In ocean waters, they display bluish-green backs fading to silver sides.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • California supports six distinct Evolutionarily Significant Units (ESUs) including California Coastal Chinook, Central Valley runs, and Upper Klamath-Trinity River populations.

Key Locations

  • Key fishing areas include Sacramento River system, San Francisco Bay, Klamath River, Trinity River, American River, and Feather River.
  • California's major Chinook waters include the Sacramento-San Joaquin River system (Central Valley), Klamath River system including Trinity River, and coastal streams from Russian River north.
  • Key spawning tributaries include Sacramento River mainstem, American River, Feather River, Butte Creek, Mill Creek, and various Klamath system waters like Salmon River and Scott River.

Specific Spots

  • In high water, focus on rest spots and travel lanes; in low water, fish deep holes 7-12 feet deep.
  • Focus on areas with current breaks, deep pools, and structure.

Chinook Salmon FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Chinook Salmon in California?

For ocean trolling, use frozen anchovy or herring. Effective saltwater lures include McOmie's Custom Glow Spoons (2-5/8" to 3-7/8"), Tomic Plugs (4-6 inches) fished without flashers on 40-pound leaders, Silver Horde Kingfisher and Coho Killer spoons, and Ace Hi flies with herring strips.

When is the best time to fish for Chinook Salmon in California?

California's Chinook salmon season varies by location and run timing, with ocean fishing typically opening in April-May and running through fall, though seasons are subject to quotas and can close early.

How do you catch Chinook Salmon in California?

For ocean trolling, use downriggers or 2-3 pound sinker release rigs, paired with flashers or dodgers on 25-40 pound fluorocarbon leaders 30-42 inches long. For river fishing, target Chinook in 4-8 feet of water flowing at brisk walking speed during prime water levels.

What do Chinook Salmon eat?

Their diet consists primarily of northern anchovy, juvenile rockfish, euphausiids, Pacific herring, osmerids, and crab megalopae when at sea, with juveniles feeding on terrestrial insects and small crustaceans in freshwater.

Where do Chinook Salmon live in California?

California supports six distinct Evolutionarily Significant Units (ESUs) including California Coastal Chinook, Central Valley runs, and Upper Klamath-Trinity River populations.

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