Chinook Salmon
Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
Also called king salmon, Chinook are the largest Pacific salmon species and power world-class fisheries from the Pacific Northwest rivers to the Great Lakes. They stage off river mouths in late summer and run upstream to spawn in fall, offering anglers a shot at a true heavyweight freshwater trophy.
Seasonal Activity
Best Techniques
- big-lake trolling with downriggers
- pier casting
- back-trolling plugs in rivers
- drifting spawn
Top Baits
- spoons
- flashers with flies
- J-plugs
- spawn bags
- crankbaits
Fishing Regulations
Season dates and limits for Chinook Salmon, by state. This list may not cover every state yet — always confirm current rules with your state's wildlife agency before you fish.
Alaska 1 zone
King salmon limits vary greatly by area and drainage. Many areas require a king salmon stamp ($15 resident, $25 nonresident). Check specific area regulations. Most runs are June-July.
Effective 2025 · Source: adfg.alaska.gov
California 1 zone
Inland freshwater seasons vary by river system. Check specific river regulations for closures and gear restrictions.
Effective 2025 · Source: wildlife.ca.gov
Idaho 1 zone
Anadromous chinook return to the Salmon and Clearwater rivers. Hatchery fish only; seasons vary by river.
Effective 2025 · Source: idfg.idaho.gov
Illinois 1 zone
Open year-round on Lake Michigan and tributaries. Combined trout/salmon bag of 5. Chicago lakefront and Waukegan are popular salmon ports.
Effective 2025 · Source: dnr.illinois.gov
Indiana 1 zone
Open year-round on Lake Michigan and tributaries. Combined trout/salmon bag of 5. Michigan City area is the primary port for Lake Michigan salmon fishing in Indiana.
Effective 2025 · Source: in.gov
Michigan 1 zone
Combined 5 salmon/trout daily limit. Up to 5 may be coho, chinook, or pink salmon.
Effective 2026 · Source: michigan.gov
New York 1 zone
Great Lakes tributaries and inland waters. Combined daily limit of 3 for all salmon species.
Effective 2025 · Source: dec.ny.gov
Oregon 1 zone
Seasons vary significantly by river. Hatchery fish only (adipose fin clipped) on many waters.
Effective 2025 · Source: myodfw.com
Washington 1 zone
River-specific seasons and rules. Hatchery fish only (adipose fin clipped) on many rivers.
Effective 2025 · Source: wdfw.wa.gov
State Records
Official rod & reel records by state. Log your catch to see how you compare.
| State | Weight | Length | Angler | Year | Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CA | 88 lb | — | O. Lindberg | 1979 | Sacramento River |
| WA | 68.26 lb | — | Mark Salmon | 1992 | Elochoman River |
| MI | 47.86 lb | 47.5 in | — | 2021 | Lake Michigan |
| NY | 47.81 lb | — | Kurtis Killian | 1991 | Salmon River |
| WI | 44.94 lb | — | Josh Bastedt | 1994 | Lake Michigan |
| IN | 38 lb | — | — | 1980 | Trail Creek |
| IL | 37 lb | — | — | 1976 | Lake Michigan |
| MN | 33.25 lb | — | — | — | Poplar River |
| OH | 29.5 lb | — | Walter Shumaker | 1989 | Lake Erie |
| PA | 28.94 lb | — | Gregory Lasko | 1990 | Lake Erie |
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