Photo: U.S. Geological Survey / Public domain (via Wikimedia Commons)
Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
Chinook Salmon
Saltwater
About this species
The largest Pacific salmon, also called king salmon, prized for its size and rich, oily flesh. It undertakes long migrations up major West Coast and Asian rivers to spawn. Trolling with cut-plug herring and spinners in tidal rivers targets fresh-run fish.
Season
123456789101112
Depth
5 – 50 m
Habitat Spots
RiverEstuaryNearshore
Fishing Methods
TrollingLureFloat
Bait & Rig
Cut-plug herring or anchovy under a flasher on downriggers in salt water; spinners and roe bags in tidal rivers.
Edibility & Taste
Exceptionally rich and oily deep-orange flesh; the most prized Pacific salmon for eating, sashimi, and smoking.
Similar Species
A black gum line on the lower jaw and black spots on all fin lobes distinguish chinook from coho salmon, which has a white gum line.
Record Weight
57.27 kg