Oncorhynchus tshawytscha

Chinook salmon

Q: What is the best season to catch Chinook salmon?

March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November. This species shows peak fishing activity in spring, summer and autumn, when the productivity index (FPI) reaches its highest values.

The largest Pacific salmon, a highly prized migratory species.

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Chinook salmon — Oncorhynchus tshawytscha

Size60-120 cm

Weight5-30 kg

Depth0-100 m

Difficulty★★★★★

Lifespan7 years

FamilySalmonidae

Overview

The largest Pacific salmon, a highly prized migratory species.

Identification

Adipose finsBlack spots on back and tailLarge head with strong jawsLarge eyesColor changes during spawningForked tailLarge scalesPronounced premaxillary tooth

Body: Fusiform and powerful body, suited for long migrations.
Colouration: Silvery coloration with bluish sheen, darkening during spawning.
Sexual dimorphism: Present, males develop a hump and brighter colors during spawning.
Growth: Fast, quickly grows to adult size.

Taxonomy

Family: Salmonidae
Order: Salmoniformes
Class: Actinopterygii

Related species

Oncorhynchus kisutchOncorhynchus ketaOncorhynchus nerkaOncorhynchus gorbuschaOncorhynchus mykiss

Habitat & distribution

Environment: coast, open_sea, estuaries
Preferred bottom: gravel, rock
Geographic distribution: Found in the North Pacific, from California's coast to Alaska and the Aleutian Islands. Present also in Pacific Northwest rivers.
Micro-habitat: Uses rivers and streams for spawning, seeking gravel or rocky substrates.

Uses rivers for spawning and marine waters for feeding.

Presence by sea area

Na Pacifico NwPeak

Na Costa Ovest NordPeak

Na Costa Ovest CentroPeak

Na Costa Ovest SudPeak

As Giappone NordPeak

As OkhotskPeak

Diet

Primary prey: small fish, krill, squid
Secondary prey: shrimp, crustaceans, zooplankton
Occasional prey: aquatic insects, larvae, annelids
Feeding behaviour: Active predator, hunts both in open sea and near coasts. Primarily feeds during the day.
Natural predators: bears, otters, eagles, seals, orca

In the sea, opens mouth wide to catch fast prey and some filter-feeding substances.

Behaviour

Activity: diurnal
Social behaviour: solitary
Aggressiveness: medium
Migration: Undertakes long migrations from the sea to freshwater for spawning.
Seasonal behaviour: Migrates to rivers in fall for spawning. Often found in rivers during winter.
Juveniles: Young stay in rivers for a period before migrating to the sea.
Adults: Adults mainly live in the sea until reaching sexual maturity.

Reproduction

Spawning season: September, October, November
Spawning depth: between 12 to 79 inches
Eggs: Large, spherical, pink, benthic eggs.
Larval stage: Larvae emerge as fully formed fry ready to disperse.
Sexual maturity: 3-4 years

When to catch Chinook salmon

Activity calendar

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

PeakGoodLowInactive

Activity by season

Spring

85%

Summer

95%

Autumn

85%

Winter

60%

Best times

Dayalba, mattina

Night—

This species shows peak fishing activity in spring, summer and autumn, when the productivity index (FPI) reaches its highest values.

Fishing activity decreases in winter, when conditions are less favourable.

Ideal conditions

Atmospheric pressure

Low

Very active on surface.

Medium

Hunts at mid-water.

High

Deeper and less reactive.

Barometric trend

Water temperature

10°COptimal zone: 14-24°C27°C

Preferred tide: moving

Where to catch it

Best spots

river mouthsrocky coastnear islandsdeep channels

Bottom preference

Sand

80%

Mixed

80%

Rock

70%

Seagrass

70%

Mud

60%

Spot type

Beach

80%

Reef

80%

Harbour

70%

Pier

70%

Cliff

70%

Estuary

70%

Fishing techniques

Recommended

trollingdrift fishingbeach castingfly fishing

Other applicable

SpinningTrolling OceanicoSpinning MedioDriftingLive BaitingSpinning PesanteTraina Costiera

Recommended baits

sardinesherringsartificial fliesshrimp baits

Baits by pressure

Low

Cedar plugCucchiaino casting (gold/silver)Cucchiaino ondulanteDeep diver / Down-rigger lureHoochie / Octopus rigRapala magnum / lungo da trainaBuzz bomb

Medium

Aringa interaAringa vivaTrancio/Filetto di aringaEsca viva (generica)Sardina vivaSgombro intero

High

Aringa interaAringa vivaCedar plug

Catch & handling tips

Fight: Fights vigorously with spectacular jumps and powerful runs.
Handling: Use gloves or wet material to prevent skin damage.
Release: Ensure it recovers before gently releasing it back into the water.

Curiosities & culture

Record catches: The IGFA all-tackle record for king salmon is 97 lbs 4 oz, caught in 1985 on the Kenai River, Alaska. In Italy, king salmon is uncommon and there are no official records as it is more typical of the Pacific and North American coasts.
In the kitchen: Used for sushi preparation, smoking, and grilling.
Cultural notes: Symbol of tenacity and homecoming in Pacific indigenous cultures.
Historical notes: Traditional food source for Pacific North American indigenous tribes, revered in many local mythologies.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best season to catch Chinook salmon?

March, april, may, june, july, august, september, october, november. This species shows peak fishing activity in spring, summer and autumn, when the productivity index (FPI) reaches its highest values.

Which techniques work best for Chinook salmon?

trolling, drift fishing, beach casting, fly fishing

What does Chinook salmon feed on?

small fish, krill, squid

At what depth does Chinook salmon live?

0-100 m. Uses rivers and streams for spawning, seeking gravel or rocky substrates.