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Chinook Salmon

Chinook Salmon

Chinook Salmon are the largest members of the trout family found in North Dakota waters.

These beautiful, sporty fish are exclusively found in Lake Sakakawea, where they're stocked annually by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department since North Dakota conditions don't allow for natural reproduction.

These powerful fish provide excellent fighting action and are considered fine eating, making them a prized catch for North Dakota anglers.

Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus tshawytscha

Also known as King Salmon

Physical Characteristics:
  • These salmon average about 2 years old when mature, with recent fish showing good condition - females averaging 2 pounds larger than previous years.
  • Since Chinooks are stocked as 5-inch fish in spring and grow rapidly feeding on the lake's forage base, they can reach impressive sizes.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Exclusively found in Lake Sakakawea.
  • These salmon are stocked as 5-inch fish in spring and grow rapidly feeding on the lake's forage base in the cold-water habitat they share with smelt.

Key Locations

  • Lake Sakakawea, Garrison Dam area.

Specific Spots

  • Focus efforts around the Garrison Dam area, back bays, and along the dam structure where salmon frequently congregate.
  • Target the deeper, colder sections of the lake where smelt concentrate.
  • The salmon collect around the Garrison Dam intake structure and in back bays during fall spawning season.

Chinook Salmon FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Effective lures include large spoons, plugs resembling smelt or other baitfish, and flasher-and-fly combinations.

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

The best fishing occurs from early June through September when salmon are actively feeding on abundant rainbow smelt and other forage fish. Winter ice fishing can also be productive, though access and safety are important considerations on this massive reservoir.

How do you catch Chinook Salmon in North Dakota?

Use trolling techniques with downriggers to reach the cold-water depths where salmon and their smelt prey reside. Winter ice fishing can also be productive.

What do Chinook Salmon eat?

Rainbow smelt are the primary food source driving Chinook salmon health in Lake Sakakawea, with salmon size directly correlating to smelt abundance and size. When smelt populations are robust with larger individuals, salmon grow bigger and healthier. Chinooks also feed on goldeye, suckers, and other forage fish.

Where do Chinook Salmon live in North Dakota?

Exclusively found in Lake Sakakawea. These salmon are stocked as 5-inch fish in spring and grow rapidly feeding on the lake's forage base in the cold-water habitat they share with smelt.

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