Chinook Salmon are the king of our rivers. They are the largest salmon we catch on the Pacific Coast. When they leave their ocean feeding grounds and return to the river to spawn, it can be one of the most exciting times to fish in the Pacific Northwest. I have some tips that will help you catch these big fish, whether you want to fish from a boat or the bank of the river.
Chinook salmon, also known as king salmon, are the ultimate prize for anglers targeting anadromous fish species. These largest of the Pacific salmon exceed 50 pounds in some cases and fight with unmatched power. When Chinook return from the ocean to spawn in rivers across North America, savvy anglers have many techniques to catch them. Follow this guide to learn the best methods for hooking a trophy “king”.
Understand Chinook Behavior
Chinook act in different ways depending on the time of year and where they are in their spawning migration. They like to hold in deep pools and slots along the bottom in the spring. Fall Chinook are more likely to suspend at mid-depth while actively traveling upstream. Knowing these tendencies helps anglers select the right techniques.
Fish Near the Bottom for Spring Chinook
Early returning spring Chinook hold in pools and slots along the river bottom waiting for ideal spawning conditions upstream. Presenting baits and lures right on the bottom maximizes strikes from these fish. Backbouncing roe, jigging large spoons, or backtrolling plugs are excellent ways to keep your offering in the strike zone. Make constant contact with the bottom.
Target Mid-Depths for Fall Chinook
Later returning fall Chinook are actively migrating upstream to spawn They tend to suspend at mid-depth rather than hugging the bottom While you should still try depths from surface to bottom, targeting the 10-20 foot depth range yields consistent bites. Backtrolling diving plugs or casting spinners into pools targets suspended fall kings well.
Use Proven Lure Colors
Chinook respond best to baitfish imitation colors like black, blue, green, and silver. Brighter fluorescent hues like chartreuse, hot pink, and purple also attract strikes Having a selection of plugs, spoons, and spinners in these prime colors gives you versatility across fishing conditions Local tackle shops can advise on popular selections.
Add Scent to Lures
A Chinook’s strong sense of smell is activated by adding strong scents to plugs, spoons, and baits. Plug wrap baits that are made of oily fish (sardines, herring, and anchovies) or shellfish (shrimp or krill) work really well. You can also add bait scents like Pro-Cure to any lure. The combination of action, flash, and scent tri.
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Float Fishing for Chinook Salmon
One of the best ways to catch Chinook Salmon in the river’s deepest and slowest pools is to use a bobber and cured salmon eggs. Chinook will often hold in those deep spots. Most of the time, you want to have your bait as close to the river bottom as possible. As deep as 20 feet, some of my favorite Chinook holes are, and I want my cured eggs to be able to hold on to the bottom. A braided mainline that floats is very important. You will be fixing it and keeping it under control so that it doesn’t pull or push your float and bait as they naturally drift. I reel as fast as I can to catch up to the float as soon as it goes under. After I bend the rod and load it over on a Chinook, I’ll set a heavy set of hooks.
Drift Fishing for Chinook Salmon
I love and hate drift fishing for Chinook. I love it when I can find a deep, gentle run where I can hit the bottom with a bunch of cured salmon eggs and get bit by a Chinook. But I hate it when people drift fish for Chinook with beads or yarn because they know, just like I do, that they are most likely snagging them. Drift fish with something they are going to bite! Use just enough lead to occasionally tap bottom. Knowing that your presentation is near the river bottom, in the zone. If you’re trying to hook a Chinook but it won’t bite, you should feel very bad about yourself. Your fishing career should also be cursed.
HOW TO CATCH BIG CHINOOK SALMON? Somass River Salmon Fishing Strategy Explained | Fishing with Rod
FAQ
What is the best bait for Chinook Salmon?
How are Chinook Salmon caught?
How deep to fish for Chinook Salmon?
How to target Chinook Salmon?
What is the best chinook salmon fishing technique?
Bobber fishing with cured salmon eggs is one of the best Chinook Salmon fishing techniques in the river’s deepest and slowest pools. Chinook will often hold in those deep spots. Most of the time, you want to have your bait as close to the river bottom as possible.
How do you catch a Chinook?
If they are travelling, you can anchor with confidence and wait for them to come to you. In other situations, maneuvering your drift boat, raft or jet sled slowly down with the currents can put the plugs directly in front of Chinook and force them to either back down river or strike.
Are chinook salmon a good catch?
When Chinook Salmon return to the river, they are an exciting catch! This one was caught anchor fishing with a Kwikfish on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. Chinook Salmon are the king of our rivers. They are the largest salmon we catch on the Pacific Coast.
How do you catch Chinook salmon?
Chinook salmon are generally targeted during the early morning and later evening. There are also anglers that target them after dark with glow-in-the-dark spoons. Artificial baits work well, as do salmon eggs and cut baits. Coho are the most prevalent type in the region and are targeted using spoons, spinners and plugs.