Chinook Salmon
Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
The largest of the Pacific salmon, Chinook are a heavy-water, heavy-rod fish, and hooking one on a swung fly is a goal for many fly anglers.
- 8States
- 47River guides
- Varies by runBest time
Where to find Chinook salmon
Darker states have more Chinook salmon river guides. Tap a state to see its rivers.
Most Chinook salmon rivers
- Washington17 rivers
- Michigan12 rivers
- California5 rivers
- Idaho4 rivers
- Minnesota3 rivers
- New York3 rivers
- Oregon2 rivers
- Wisconsin1 river
Top rivers for Chinook salmon
The best-known Chinook salmon water in our river guides.
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- Gold Medal
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- Gold Medal
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- Gold Medal
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- Gold Medal
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South Branch White River
- Gold Medal
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Big Sable River
- Gold Medal
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- Gold Medal
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- Gold Medal
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- Gold Medal
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Little South Branch Pere Marquette River
- Gold Medal
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Bear Creek
- Gold Medal
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Baldwin River
- Gold Medal
Fly fishing for Chinook salmon
Chinook salmon, also called king salmon, are the largest Pacific salmon. They are born in fresh water, grow in the ocean and return to their home rivers to spawn and die. Many river fish run 15 to 40 pounds, and some are much larger.
In the US, Chinook run in rivers from California to Alaska, including the Columbia and Snake systems, Oregon and Washington coastal rivers and many Alaska rivers. Chinook were also stocked in the Great Lakes, where fall runs push into tributaries in Michigan, Wisconsin and New York, such as the Salmon River.
Fly fishing for Chinook takes heavy gear, sinking lines and patience. Salmon stop feeding once they enter fresh water, but they still strike flies, especially fresh fish early in the run. Many Pacific runs are protected or closely managed, so seasons and rules change often.
How to identify Chinook salmon
Chinook have black spots on the back and on both lobes of the tail, and a black gum line along the lower jaw. Coho have spots only on the upper lobe of the tail and white gums.
How to catch Chinook salmon
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Use heavy gear
A 9- or 10-weight rod, a reel with a strong drag and plenty of backing, and 15- to 20-pound tippet are standard for Chinook.
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Get the fly down
Chinook hold deep. Use sink-tips or sinking lines heavy enough to reach the bottom in the water you fish.
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Fish fresh fish
Bright, newly arrived salmon strike far more often than dark fish that have been in the river for weeks.
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Hook fish fairly
Snagging is illegal. Most states require fish to be hooked in the mouth, and some have special gear rules.
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Check seasons closely
Many Chinook runs are protected under the Endangered Species Act or managed with short seasons. Rules can change mid-season.
Find Chinook salmon water near you.
- Fishability score for every river near you, updated live
- Live flows and water temps for the rivers you fish
- Hatch timing for your watershed
Chinook salmon FAQ
Can you catch Chinook salmon on a fly?
Yes. Swinging big flies on sink-tips or stripping flies deep in slow runs catches Chinook, especially fresh fish early in the run.
What weight fly rod for king salmon?
A 9- or 10-weight single-hand rod or a two-handed Spey rod in a similar line weight is standard.
What flies work for Chinook salmon?
Large, bright Spey flies like the Intruder, along with flashy streamers in chartreuse, pink, orange and purple, work well.
Do salmon eat in fresh water?
No. Salmon stop feeding after they enter rivers, but they still strike flies out of habit or aggression.
When do Chinook run in the Great Lakes?
Most Great Lakes Chinook run into tributaries from late August through October, depending on water temperature and rain.
What is the difference between a Chinook and a coho?
Chinook have black gums and spots on both tail lobes. Coho have white gums and spots only on the upper tail lobe.
