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Chinook Salmon

Chinook Salmon

Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), Oregon's state fish and the largest Pacific salmon species, are anadromous fish that migrate between freshwater and saltwater.

Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus tshawytscha

Physical Characteristics:
  • In Oregon, they typically weigh 10-25 pounds but can reach upwards of 50 pounds, with some legendary "June Hogs" in Tillamook Bay reaching the 50-pound mark.
  • Chinook are distinguished by their black mouths and gum lines, large irregularly-shaped black spots on their backs, and spots on both tail fin lobes.
  • Ocean-phase fish display blue-green backs with silvery sides, but darken and develop red coloration on bellies and fins when returning to spawn.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • In Oregon waters, they're found throughout the Columbia River system (with three separate runs), Willamette River, coastal bays including Tillamook and Coos Bay, and numerous coastal rivers like the Rogue, Umpqua, Nestucca, Wilson, and Trask rivers.
  • Spring Chinook are found in larger river basins including the upper Umpqua and Rogue rivers, while fall Chinook are present in most Oregon coastal basins.

Key Locations

  • Prime locations include the Columbia River (especially near Bonneville Dam and Buoy 10 at Astoria), Tillamook Bay system (Wilson, Trask, Kilchis, and Miami rivers), Willamette River above and below Willamette Falls, and the Rogue River.

Chinook Salmon FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Effective lures include McOmie's Custom Glow Spoons (2-5/8" to 3-7/8"), Tomic Plugs (4-6 inches in patterns like glow mother of pearl), Silver Horde Kingfisher Spoons (Lemon Lime, Irish Flash, Herring Aide), and Gold Star Yamashita Octopus Hoochies.

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

Chinook fishing peaks from March through November, with the spring run starting in March (15-25 pound fish) and building to summer when "June Hogs" up to 50 pounds become available, particularly in Tillamook Bay. Fall runs from August onward provide the best combination of size and table quality.

How do you catch Chinook Salmon in Oregon?

For ocean fishing, trolling is the primary technique using downriggers at depths of 150-250 feet. For river fishing, effective techniques include trolling with herring (whole or cut), spinners, and mooching with 2-5 ounce sinkers and 4-5 foot leaders.

What do Chinook Salmon eat?

Chinook feed primarily on amphipods, dipterans (chironomids), cladocerans, homopterans, and other fish as adults. Juveniles consume chironomids and other aquatic invertebrates during freshwater rearing.

Where do Chinook Salmon live in Oregon?

In Oregon waters, they're found throughout the Columbia River system (with three separate runs), Willamette River, coastal bays including Tillamook and Coos Bay, and numerous coastal rivers like the Rogue, Umpqua, Nestucca, Wilson, and Trask rivers.

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