Chinook Salmon
The Chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, is a large, migratory fish found in the North Pacific Ocean and rivers from Alaska to California. Known for its significant size and rich flavor, it is highly prized in commercial, recreational, and subsistence fisheries. This species undergoes long migrations from freshwater spawning grounds to the ocean and back.
Length~70 (max 150)
Weight~7 (max 59)
WaterFresh, brackish, salt
Water Temp8-25° F
Depth398 ft
- Other namesKing salmon, Quinnat salmon, Tsumen, Chrome hog, Blackmouth
- Length~70 (max 150)
- Weight~7 (max 59)
- WaterFresh, brackish, salt
- Water Temp8-25° F
- Depth398 ft
Popular lures for Chinook Salmon
Regulation for Chinook Salmon
- Season-
- Bag limit-
- Vessel limit-
- Trophy limits-
- Max size-
- Min size-
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Living Conditions
🐟 Habitat preferences
- Found in cold, temperate coastal and freshwater habitats
- Prefers deep oceanic waters and clean, well-oxygenated rivers
- Juveniles stay in freshwater for up to a year before migrating to the ocean
- Diet consists of insects, crustaceans, and smaller fish
♻️ Life cycle and mating behavior
- Spawning occurs in freshwater streams in late summer to early autumn
- Females create nests (redds) in gravel beds where eggs are laid
- Eggs hatch in spring; fry may stay in freshwater for several months to years
- Adults return to natal streams to spawn and die, demonstrating strong homing instincts