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Chinook Salmon

Chinook Salmon

Chinook Salmon in Montana are a non-native Pacific salmon species introduced to Fort Peck Reservoir during the 1980s as part of an experimental trophy fishery program. These are the largest salmon species.

Montana maintains a massive hatchery at Fort Peck with capacity to raise and release over 500,000 Chinook annually, creating a healthy fishable population. These freshwater Chinook are plump, chrome-bright fish with all fins intact.

Physical Characteristics:
  • Montana's state record weighing 32.05 pounds with a 27.5-inch girth and 38.25-inch length, caught in 2020.
  • Fish over 25 pounds have been captured, with typical catches ranging 15-25 pounds.
  • These freshwater Chinook are plump, chrome-bright fish with all fins intact.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Fort Peck Reservoir is currently the only location in Montana where these fish are found.
  • The fish typically inhabit deep, pelagic waters.

Key Locations

  • Fort Peck Reservoir is currently the only location in Montana where these fish are found.
  • The best fishing areas are the main reservoir waters, typically starting about 5-10 miles out from launch points.
  • Fort Peck Marina provides excellent launching facilities and fish cleaning stations.

Specific Spots

  • Fish marks are commonly seen at 60-90 feet on fish finders, with some fish also marking at 160 feet depths.

Chinook Salmon FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Pro-Troll 11-inch flashers in various colors paired with salmon flies, herring, spoons, and other salmon-oriented lures. McOmie's Custom Glow Spoons, Tomic Plugs (4-6 inch), Silver Horde Kingfisher Spoons, and Gold Star Yamashita Octopus Hoochies are proven producers.

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

Prime fishing occurs from August 1 through mid-September, with some activity continuing into October and November when snagging becomes legal (October 1-November 30). These times should be avoided for fishing during late summer-fall periods to allow natural spawning behaviors.

How do you catch Chinook Salmon in Montana?

Trolling speeds should be slower than typical saltwater salmon fishing, with most successful anglers trolling at 1.8-2.2 mph rather than 2.5-2.9 mph. Large dodger flashers trailed with squid or cisco pattern baits are the standard approach. Break-away flashers work well to give fish more fighting room.

What do Chinook Salmon eat?

Adult Chinook are intense fish predators, primarily eating pelagic fishes like cisco and goldeye. They feed aggressively on cisco (lake herring), which were introduced in 1984 and rapidly reproduced to provide an abundant forage base. Young fish eat insects and plankton until large enough to consume fish.

Where do Chinook Salmon live in Montana?

Fort Peck Reservoir is currently the only location in Montana where these fish are found. The fish typically inhabit deep, pelagic waters.

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