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Chinook Salmon

Chinook Salmon

Chinook Salmon are the largest non-native salmonid species in Lake Superior.

In Minnesota waters, they're significantly smaller than their counterparts in other Great Lakes, averaging 4-7 pounds with some reaching over 10 pounds, compared to the typical 25+ pounds found elsewhere.

This smaller size is attributed to Lake Superior's very cold water and possibly limited food availability, causing salmon to spawn 1-2 years early.

Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus tshawytscha

Also known as King Salmon

Physical Characteristics:
  • Characterized by small dark spots on their head, back, and caudal fin, black gums on the lower jaw, and a streamlined, laterally compressed body.
  • In Minnesota waters, averaging 4-7 pounds with some reaching over 10 pounds.
  • Minnesota's state record Chinook is 33 lbs. 4 oz., with two fish tied for the record.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They inhabit Lake Superior year-round but move closer to shore during specific times.
  • Most fish harvested in Minnesota waters actually originate from larger rivers in other jurisdictions.

Key Locations

  • Lake Superior, North Shore rivers including the Knife River, Brule River, Sucker River, Baptism River, and Poplar River.
  • Minnesota's state record locations: Poplar River in Cook County and Lake Superior in St.
  • Louis County.

Specific Spots

  • River mouths, areas below the first impassable falls on North Shore streams, piers, breakwalls, and points near spawning rivers.
  • During summer, deeper water beyond 60 feet.

Chinook Salmon FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Shiny spoons like McOmie's Custom Glow Spoons (2-5/8" to 3-7/8"), Silver Horde Kingfisher Spoons in colors like Lemon Lime, Irish Flash, and Herring Aide, and Coho Killer Spoons. Tomic Plugs in 4-6" sizes. Soft plastic beads (14-16mm) in orange, red, peach, and chartreuse colors, often tipped with scented wool.

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

The best fishing for Chinook Salmon in Minnesota spans all 12 months, with prime opportunities from late July through September for lake fishing and river fishing from July to November. Focus trolling closer to shore during April through June and September to November.

How do you catch Chinook Salmon in Minnesota?

Trolling at depths of 80-100+ feet using downriggers. Run spoons behind 11" flashers. Float-fishing and twitching jigs with 'pop and drop' technique. Shore fishing at piers, river mouths, breakwalls, and points. Bait fishing with cured roe chunks under floats.

What do Chinook Salmon eat?

Young Chinook feed on terrestrial insects, aquatic insects, and scuds (side swimmers) while in streams. After moving to Lake Superior, they transition to eating fish, especially smelt and ciscoes.

Where do Chinook Salmon live in Minnesota?

They inhabit Lake Superior year-round but move closer to shore during specific times. Most fish harvested in Minnesota waters actually originate from larger rivers in other jurisdictions.

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