Chinook Salmon
Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
The largest Pacific salmon species, also known as king salmon, Chinook make dramatic upstream migrations from the Pacific Ocean into rivers along the western coast of North America. They are prized both for their size, often exceeding 30 pounds, and their rich, fatty flesh.
Pacific coastal rivers during migration; deep ocean waters otherwise.
How to Catch Chinook Salmon
Whether you're new to targeting Chinook Salmon or refining your approach, success starts with matching your tactics to where the fish lives. Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) is typically found in river water and coastal water, so concentrate your effort where those conditions line up. Mature Chinook Salmon average around 36 inches, which helps you choose the right line, lure size, and tackle for the fight.
Where to Find Chinook Salmon in the USA & Canada
Chinook Salmon is recorded across a range of North American waters, including spots in Alaska, British Columbia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New York, North Dakota, Ontario, Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin, and Yukon. Browse the linked water guides below to see the specific lakes, rivers, and coastal waters where anglers report catching Chinook Salmon, then plan a trip around the water closest to you.
Chinook Salmon Fishing Regulations & Limits
Fishing rules for Chinook Salmon vary by state and province. Before you head out, check the daily bag limits, minimum size limits, and open seasons that apply in your area. When FishFinder has matching records, the regulations link below takes you to the rules hub. Following local limits keeps Chinook Salmon populations healthy for future seasons.
Related Water Guides for Chinook Salmon
Explore these FishFinder water guides for places where Chinook Salmon is recorded:
- Columbia River — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Lake Ontario — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Fraser River — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Lake Superior — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Nottawasaga River — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Saugeen River — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Credit River — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Niagara River — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Cowichan River — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Campbell River — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Chilliwack (Vedder) River — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Squamish River — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Shuswap Lake — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Thompson River — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Dean River — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Skeena River — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Bulkley River — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Kispiox River — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Nechako River — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Klukshu River — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Tatshenshini River — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Klondike River — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Takhini River — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Tatchun River — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Kenai River — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Kasilof River — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Anchor River — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Deep Creek — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Naknek River — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Kvichak River — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Nushagak River — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Alagnak River — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Tanana River — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Yukon River — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Coeur d'Alene Lake — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Salmon River — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Lake Michigan (Illinois Waters) — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- St. Joseph River — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Lake Michigan (Indiana Waters) — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- St. Marys River (Michigan) — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Pere Marquette River — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Lake Superior (Minnesota) — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Fort Peck Reservoir — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Lake Ontario (New York) — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Lower Niagara River — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Salmon River (New York) — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Lake Sakakawea — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Lake Oahe — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Garrison Dam Tailrace — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Nehalem River — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Siletz River — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Alsea River — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Willamette River — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- McKenzie River — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Clackamas River — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Sandy River — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Rogue River — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- North Umpqua River — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Umpqua River — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Chetco River — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Deschutes River — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Umatilla River — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Lake Chelan — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Riffe Lake — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Green Bay — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Lake Michigan (Wisconsin Waters) — Chinook Salmon fishing water
- Lake Superior (Wisconsin Waters) — Chinook Salmon fishing water
Chinook Salmon Regulations
Review current FishFinder regulation records before targeting Chinook Salmon:
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of water is best for catching Chinook Salmon?
Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) is typically found in river water and coastal water. Focus your effort where those conditions line up to improve your chances.
How big does Chinook Salmon get?
Mature Chinook Salmon average around 36 inches, though individual fish can run larger. Matching your line, lure size, and tackle to that range makes for a better fight and landing rate.
Where can I catch Chinook Salmon in the USA and Canada?
Chinook Salmon is reported across North American waters, including spots in Alaska, British Columbia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New York, North Dakota, Ontario, Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin, and Yukon. Check the locations listed on this page to find the lakes, rivers, and coastal waters closest to you.
Do I need a fishing license to catch Chinook Salmon?
A valid fishing license is required in most US states and Canadian provinces. Daily bag limits, minimum size limits, and open seasons for Chinook Salmon vary by region, so review the regulations on this page and with your local wildlife authority before heading out.