Chinook Salmon
Chinook Salmon are the largest Pacific salmon species in New York waters and the most sought-after by anglers. New York stocks approximately 1.
7 million Chinook annually, with natural reproduction accounting for roughly 47% of the Lake Ontario fishery and up to 70% in the Salmon River system.
Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
Also known as King Salmon
- In New York, they average 15-25 pounds with some exceeding 40 pounds.
- These fish are characterized by black mouths with black gums, small dark spots on their heads, backs, and tails (on both lobes), and a streamlined, laterally compressed body that transitions from bright silver in the lake to darker olive-brown colors during spawning.
Fishing in New York
Delaware River
East Branch Delaware River
Susquehanna River
Beaver Kill
Lackawanna River
Chenango River
Rondout Creek
Lehigh River
Tobyhanna Creek
West Branch Delaware River
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Chinook inhabit Lake Ontario and migrate into tributaries.
- They are found in deep lake waters (often over 100 feet) during summer, moving closer to shore and into rivers during fall runs.
Key Locations
- Lake Ontario and tributaries including the Salmon River, Oswego River, Genesee River, Lower Niagara River, Oak Orchard Creek, Black River, Sandy Creek, and Eighteen Mile Creek.
- Prime locations include the Salmon River (Pulaski area, Douglaston Salmon Run), Oswego River, Genesee River, and Lower Niagara River.
Specific Spots
- Focus on deep pools, runs behind structure, tail-outs, and spawning areas.
Chinook Salmon FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Chinook Salmon in New York?
Spoons (Silver Horde Kingfisher, McOmie's Custom Glow Spoons), plugs (Tomic 4-6 inch), flasher and fly combinations, cut-plug herring, crankbaits, spinners, spawn bags, skein, plastic worms, or beads in bright colors (pink, orange, chartreuse).
What flies work for Chinook Salmon in New York?
Egg patterns (Glo-bugs, Estaz e.g.gs), streamers (Wooly Buggers in black, olive, purple, orange), and nymphs.
When is the best time to fish for Chinook Salmon in New York?
Chinook salmon fishing peaks from July through October, with boat fishing best from June through early September and river fishing prime from late September through October.
How do you catch Chinook Salmon in New York?
For boat fishing: troll at depths often exceeding 100 feet. Shore fishing at river mouths, breakwalls, piers, and harbors. River fishing techniques include float fishing, drift fishing, bottom bouncing in shallow water, and fly fishing. Fish 6-18 inches off the bottom using minimal weight.
What do Chinook Salmon eat?
Their diet consists primarily of alewives in the lake, while juveniles feed on zooplankton, insect larvae, and small fish.
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