Chinook Salmon: Facts, Records, and How to Catch Them | FishyAF
What is a Chinook (King) Salmon?
Chinook Salmon—aka King—are the biggest, baddest of the Pacific salmon clan. Ocean-run chrome, shoulder-thick, and built to bulldoze upriver for the spawn. From Alaska to California (and stocked in the Great Lakes), they crush herring, anchovies, and plugs like they owe them money.
The first FishyAF King was landed by Kurt Rohling—perfect tide, clean mooch, and a freight-train run that lit the reel on fire.
This FishyAF guide covers where Kings roam, the seasons that pop, and the rigs that put steel in their jaw. Click here to see what salmon slayers are wearing.
🐟 Chinook Salmon Quick Facts
| Fact | Info |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Oncorhynchus tshawytscha |
| Average Size | 10–30 lb common; 40–60+ lb in prime runs |
| World Record | 97 lb 4 oz — Kenai River, AK (1985, IGFA) |
| Habitat | North Pacific Ocean & coastal rivers; Great Lakes (introduced) |
| Edible? | Elite — rich, high in fat; grill, bake, smoke |
❓ FAQs About Chinook (King) Salmon
Where can you catch Chinook Salmon?
Alaska through California along the Pacific, plus the Columbia/Sacramento systems and Great Lakes. Ocean seasons focus on bait edges and temp breaks; river seasons follow the runs.
How big do Chinook Salmon get?
Most anglers see 10–30 lb fish; “trophy” Kings break 40–50+. Great Lakes kings often run 10–25 lb with seasonal spikes.
What is the world record Chinook Salmon?
97 lb 4 oz from Alaska’s Kenai River (1985) — a true dinosaur with fins.
What is the size limit for Chinook Salmon?
⚠️ Extremely regional and dynamic (marine vs. river, wild vs. hatchery). Check your current state/province regulations before you fish or keep.
Are Chinook Salmon good to eat?
Absolutely — fatty, buttery fillets. Ocean-bright fish are prime; bleed and ice immediately for best quality.
How do you catch Chinook Salmon?
Ocean: Troll herring/anchovy behind flashers, or spoons/hoochies 1.5–3 knots near bait schools. Rivers: Back-bounce eggs, drift beads, or pull plugs (Mag Lips/Kwikfish) along travel lanes.
What’s the best bait or lure for Chinook Salmon?
Natural baits (herring, anchovy, eggs) are king for Kings. Hardware: spoons, spinners, hoochies, and deep-diving plugs with a steady thump.
When is the best time to catch Chinook Salmon?
Varies by region: springers (spring), summer/fall runs (late summer–fall). Great Lakes peaks late summer into early fall near river mouths.
😂 FishyAF Chinook Salmon Joke
King Salmon — because sometimes your drag needs a reality check.
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Dawn tides to last light, salmon hunters rock our Switchback Hats and Offshore Hoodies. Don’t just catch Kings — look FishyAF doing it.