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Chinook Salmon

Chinook Salmon

Chinook Salmon in Wisconsin are the largest Pacific salmon species. They are not native to Wisconsin but were introduced starting in 1967 as part of the Great Lakes fisheries rehabilitation program.

Wisconsin's Chinook fishery is entirely dependent on stocking as there is no successful natural reproduction, though some natural reproduction from Michigan streams contributes to Wisconsin catches.

The species is the lake's top predator, spending 3-5 years in Lake Michigan. Wisconsin stocks approximately 2. 1 million Chinook annually, with anglers catching 200,000-300,000 per year.

Physical Characteristics:
  • Averaging 20-35 inches and 5-35 pounds, with the state record at 43 pounds, 3 ounces from Lake Michigan.
  • Distinguished by their iridescent green to blue-green backs, silvery sides turning to white bellies, black spots on the upper body and fins, and distinctive grey or black mouth coloration with black gums.
  • Adults undergo dramatic color changes when maturing, becoming darker with males developing a hooked jaw called a 'kype.'.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found throughout Wisconsin waters of Lake Michigan from Kenosha to Washington Island and into Green Bay.
  • Feeding primarily on alewife and smelt in waters less than 100 feet deep.

Key Locations

  • Wisconsin waters of Lake Michigan from Kenosha to Washington Island and into Green Bay.
  • Milwaukee River (especially at Estabrook and Kletzsch Parks for fly fishing), Kewaunee River, and the Bank Reef outside Sturgeon Bay in Door County.
  • Along the shore from Kenosha north to Gills Rock.

Specific Spots

  • Waters less than 100 feet deep, around river mouths during spring and fall.

Chinook Salmon FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Plugs, spoons, alewives, spawn bags (small bags of fish e.g.gs), cut baits, crankbaits.

What flies work for Chinook Salmon in Wisconsin?

Yarn flies, streamer flies, Woolly Buggers in black, Egg Sucking Leeches, Glo Bugs, general e.g.g patterns in colors from yellow to vivid green, and brightly colored streamers.

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

Chinook fishing in Wisconsin begins in early June and remains productive through October. Peak fishing occurs during summer months (July-October) when mature fish return for spawning runs. For river fishing during autumn runs.

How do you catch Chinook Salmon in Wisconsin?

Trolling with downriggers, shore and pier casting, float fishing, centerpin fishing, drift fishing, and plunking in rivers. Crankbaits effective during spring and fall when salmon stage around river mouths.

Where do Chinook Salmon live in Wisconsin?

Found throughout Wisconsin waters of Lake Michigan from Kenosha to Washington Island and into Green Bay. Feeding primarily on alewife and smelt in waters less than 100 feet deep.

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