Other names: King salmon, Quinnat salmon, Tsumen, Chrome hog, Blackmouth
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.
Other names
King salmon, Quinnat salmon, Tsumen, Chrome hog, Blackmouth
Length
~70" (max 150)
Weight
~7" (max 59)
Water
Fresh, brackish, salt
Water Temp
8-25° F
Depth
398 ft
Acme Kastmaster Spoon
Alewives
Anchovy
Berkley Power Minnow Grub
Earthworms
Franko Bait Rotator
Gibbs Skinny G
Herring
Hot Spot Flasher
Lighthouse Lures Big Eye SpoonFound 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
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
