Skip to main content

Chinook Salmon

Chinook Salmon

Chinook Salmon in Indiana waters are the largest Pacific salmon species, averaging 20-30 pounds but capable of reaching up to 38 pounds.

They were introduced to Lake Michigan in 1967 from the Pacific Northwest to control invasive alewife populations and now support a significant recreational fishery.

Physical Characteristics:
  • Averaging 20-30 pounds but capable of reaching up to 38 pounds.
  • Chinook are distinguished by black spots on their back, dorsal fins, and both lobes of the tail fin, plus black gum lines.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • These salmon are anadromous, spending their adult lives in Lake Michigan before returning to spawn in streams where they were stocked.
  • In Indiana waters, they can be found year-round in Lake Michigan, with prime fishing in rivers limited to the St.
  • Joseph River, Trail Creek, Salt Creek, and Little Calumet River systems.

Key Locations

  • Lake Michigan, St.
  • Joseph River, Trail Creek, Salt Creek, Little Calumet River systems.
  • Shore fishing hotspots include Michigan City pier, East Chicago Marina, Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk, and warm water discharges at BP Whiting and NIPSCO Michigan City.

Specific Spots

  • Effective river locations include Trail Creek (10 public access sites), Salt Creek near Valparaiso, and the Little Calumet River.
  • For trolling, move 6-20 miles offshore at depths of 80-200 feet.

Chinook Salmon FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Prime trolling lures include spoons (McOmie's Custom Glow Spoons, Silver Horde Kingfisher), large plugs like Tomic Plugs in 4-6 inch sizes, and Gold Star Yamashita Octopus hoochies behind 11-inch flashers.

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

The best fishing for Chinook salmon in Indiana runs from February through April for shore fishing, with March being peak season when water temperatures are in the high 30s to low 40s. Lake fishing is productive year-round. For trolling on Lake Michigan, fish during summer months (May-July).

How do you catch Chinook Salmon in Indiana?

For trolling on Lake Michigan, fish depths of 80-200 feet using downriggers, moving 6-20 miles offshore. For river fishing, use float fishing. Shore fishing at warm water discharges and pier fishing.

What do Chinook Salmon eat?

Their diet is heavily dominated by alewife, comprising 97% of stomach contents in recent studies, though they also consume yellow perch, rainbow smelt, and bloaters. They show strong selectivity for alewife even as populations decline.

Where do Chinook Salmon live in Indiana?

These salmon are anadromous, spending their adult lives in Lake Michigan before returning to spawn in streams where they were stocked. In Indiana waters, they can be found year-round in Lake Michigan, with prime fishing in rivers limited to the St.

Fish smarter with real-time insights

Whether you're en route and conditions shift or you're looking for the best spot based on current flows, we enable you to make informed decisions on the fly.

See it in the app

Most maps show you water.
onWater shows you Chinook Salmon.

  1. 01 · Species map filter

    Map every Chinook Salmon water

    Pick Chinook Salmon and the map zeroes in on the waters they call home. No more guessing which lake holds them.

  2. 02 · Waterbody species

    Tap any water. See what lives there.

    Species, behavior and seasonal patterns for every lake, river and pond, before you leave the driveway.

  3. 03 · Angler Intelligence

    Ask how to catch Chinook Salmon

    Tactics, gear and timing from onWater's AI fishing guide, tuned to the species and the water you're on.

Stop guessing where Chinook Salmon are.

Open the map, filter by Chinook Salmon, and head to water that holds them. Download onWater and plan your next trip in minutes.

  • Species map filter
  • Angler Intelligence
  • Fishing journal
Try onWater+ for free

Explore other species

Trout, bass, salmon, panfish and everything in between. Each guide unpacks the behavior, seasons, and tactics that put fish in the net.

No species information available.

Indiana licenses and regulations

Explore nearby waters

Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.

onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.