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Chinook Salmon

Chinook Salmon

Chinook Salmon are the largest Pacific salmon species and Washington's most prized sport fish.

Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus tshawytscha

Also known as King Salmon

Physical Characteristics:
  • Adults typically weigh 10-40 pounds, though specimens over 100 pounds have been recorded.
  • In marine waters, they display silvery sides with bluish-green backs and distinctive black spots on both lobes of the tail fin.
  • Chinook have black gum lines, distinguishing them from Coho salmon.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found throughout Washington's major river systems and lakes.
  • They inhabit both marine and freshwater environments.

Key Locations

  • Puget Sound areas include Admiralty Inlet (Point Wilson, Mid Channel Bank), Possession Bar, Jefferson Head, Kingston area, Bainbridge Island's east side (Point Monroe, Yeomalt Point), and Tacoma area spots like Clay Banks and Point Defiance.
  • Columbia River, Snake River, Cedar River, Sammamish River, Yakima River, numerous Puget Sound tributaries.
  • Lakes include Lake Washington, Lake Sammamish, Lake Chelan, and Franklin Roosevelt Lake.
  • Columbia River's Buoy 10 fishery around Wing Walls, Desdemona Sands, and channels above the Astoria-Megler Bridge.

Specific Spots

  • Target depths typically range 50-200+ feet in saltwater.

Chinook Salmon FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

McOmie's Custom Glow Spoons (2-5/8" to 3-7/8"), Silver Horde Kingfisher Spoons, Tomic Plugs (4-6 inches), Gold Star Yamashita Octopus Hoochies, Ace Hi Flies, Grand Slam Bucktails. Popular colors are Herring Aide, Irish Flash, Lemon Lime, and glow patterns. Cut-plug herring in Krippled Bait Helmets or whole herring.

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

Prime fishing occurs June through September, with July and August being peak months. Spawning occurs from late summer through fall (August-November).

How do you catch Chinook Salmon in Washington?

Saltwater trolling, vertical jigging, bait fishing with cut-plug herring, anchoring and fishing. For the Columbia River's Buoy 10 fishery, fish during flood tides. Troll herring behind triangle or 360-degree flashers, or anchor and fish with Kwikfish wrapped in sardine strips.

What do Chinook Salmon eat?

Adults feed primarily on herring, sand lance, squid, and other fish in marine environments, while juveniles consume terrestrial insects, aquatic insects, and small crustaceans in freshwater.

Where do Chinook Salmon live in Washington?

Found throughout Washington's major river systems and lakes. They inhabit both marine and freshwater environments.

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