Species guide
How to catch Chinook salmon
Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
freshwaterbrackishsaltwatergame fishSalmonidae
The Chinook salmon, also known as King salmon or Blackmouth, is prized for its size and strength. It migrates from the ocean to freshwater streams to spawn. Known for extensive migrations, some populations stay close to shore while others travel far.
Where they live
Chinook salmon live in saltwater but migrate to freshwater streams to spawn. Found across North America, South America, Asia, Europe, and Oceania, they inhabit depths from the surface down to 375 meters.
Typical size
Up to about 150 cm
What they eat
- small fish
- anchovies
- squid
- macrofauna
- crustaceans
Best baits
- salmon roe
- shrimp
- anchovies
- minnows
Best lures
- spoons
- spinnerbaits
- swimbaits
- plugs
How to fish for them
- trolling
- fly fishing
- drift fishing
- bait fishing
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