Salmon (King/Chinook)
Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
The heavyweight champion of California Pacific salmon. King Salmon are powerful, deep-diving fighters that reward persistence with unforgettable battles and premium table fare.
Photo: Unsplash
About Salmon (King/Chinook)
King Salmon or Chinook (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) are the largest species of Pacific salmon and highly prized by California anglers. These powerful anadromous fish return to Central California rivers and coastal waters from April through October, with peak fishing from May through June. King Salmon are capable of growing to over 40 pounds and are known for their initial explosive runs followed by dogged, head-shaking battles. Unlike ocean-caught fish, river-returning salmon develop red coloration and spawning characteristics, but ocean-phase fish remain bright silver. They are excellent eating with firm, rich orange flesh that is prized for both fresh consumption and smoking.
Where to Catch Salmon (King/Chinook) in California
- San Francisco Bay and Delta waterways
- Monterey Bay nearshore waters
- Half Moon Bay coastal areas
- Russian River estuary
- Sacramento River and major tributaries
Conditions & Habitat
52–58°F; follow bait schools in cool upwelling water
10–120 ft; troll at 40–80 ft depth with downriggers or leadcore
Anchovies, herring, sardines, krill, squid — feed heavily before river runs
How to Catch Salmon (King/Chinook)
Techniques
- Trolling with large swimbaits offshore
- Drifting live mackerel or anchovies in bays
- Casting large plugs and spoons in rivers
- Backtrolling with roe or cut bait in river systems
- Jigging deep water structures
Recommended Tackle
Heavy medium to heavy-duty conventional or spinning gear. 20-30 lb test line for bay fishing, 15-20 lb for river work. 25-40 lb fluorocarbon leaders. Large swimbaits, spoons, and plugs.
Lures & Baits
- Trolling hoochies and flies behind flasher (chrome/chartreuse)
- Brad's Super Bait Cut Plug (herring pattern) — NorCal staple
- Large Krocodile spoon (chrome/prism, 3/4–2 oz) for trolling
- Live anchovy or herring mooched near bottom
- Cured salmon roe clusters for river fishing
Line & Leader
Ocean trolling: 20–30 lb mono, 25–40 lb fluorocarbon leader with 40 lb test snubber. River: 12–20 lb mono or fluoro.
Rod & Reel Combos
- Ocean trolling: 8–9 ft medium trolling rod with levelwind reel, 30 lb line and downrigger
- Mooching: 10.5 ft mooching rod with large spinning or conventional reel, 25 lb line
- River: 8–9 ft medium spinning rod with 4000 reel, 15–20 lb line
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Regulations
IMPORTANT: Salmon regulations change every year and vary by region. Generally, the ocean recreational limit is 2 fish per day with minimum size requirements that vary by area and season. Season opening dates, area closures, and size limits are set annually by CDFW in conformance with federal regulations. You MUST check the latest CDFW ocean salmon regulations before every trip — visit wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean for current season status.
Did You Know?
King Salmon use an incredible biological feat to return to their natal rivers — they remember the specific chemical signature of their home river and can detect it in concentrations as low as one drop in an Olympic swimming pool.
Book a Salmon (King/Chinook) Fishing Charter
Find charter boats targeting Salmon (King/Chinook) at these California landings:
Learn More About Salmon (King/Chinook)
Check out our fishing blog for seasonal tips, techniques, and expert guides for catching Salmon (King/Chinook).
Read Our BlogSeason Calendar
Peak: April through October (peak: May–June)
Quick Facts
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