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Chinook Salmon

Chinook Salmon

Chinook Salmon in Nevada have a unique history - they were historically native to the state's rivers before dam construction eliminated their populations.

Today, the only Chinook Salmon found in Nevada are landlocked populations stocked in reservoirs as part of recreational fisheries programs.

These inland Chinook are sterile triploids produced from Feather River Fish Hatchery stock and released at 2-3 inches to grow in reservoir environments.

Unlike their ocean-going ancestors, these fish spend their entire lives in Nevada's deep, cold-water reservoirs.

Physical Characteristics:
  • Kokanee Salmon, landlocked Sockeye Salmon, are also present in Nevada waters and typically weigh 1-3 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • deep, cold-water reservoirs.

Key Locations

  • Nevada's larger reservoirs, Nevada's mountain reservoirs, Trinity Lake.

Specific Spots

  • deep, cold waters they prefer.

Chinook Salmon FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

During late summer and early fall, avoid targeting these fish as they move into spawning mode.

How do you catch Chinook Salmon in Nevada?

trolling with flashers and various lures that mimic their preferred forage fish. Successful techniques include trolling with flashers and various lures that mimic their preferred forage fish.

What do Chinook Salmon eat?

In their juvenile stage, Chinook feed on terrestrial and aquatic insects, amphipods, and small crustaceans. As they mature, they become primarily piscivorous, feeding on other fish, along with large zooplankton, herring, pilchard, sandlance, squid, and crustaceans.

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  1. 01 · Species map filter

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

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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.

Nevada licenses and regulations

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