How to Catch Chinook Salmon in Rivers: 3 Proven Methods

How to catch chinook salmon? In rivers, the three go-to methods are back trolling a plug wrapped with a sardine fillet, back bouncing cured salmon eggs along the bottom, and float fishing eggs through deep, slow pools. Keep the bait near the bottom, be patient on the bite, then set the hook hard.

Below are the timing, gear and step-by-step for each technique, plus quick answers to common questions. Headed to the river? See our chinook salmon fishing shirts.

When to catch chinook salmon in rivers

Chinook, also called king salmon, are the largest salmon caught on the Pacific Coast. They return from ocean feeding grounds to rivers to spawn. According to Washington guide content from Riptide Fish, the northern part of their range "brings great fishing as early as June," while in Washington "September to November is the peak time for river fishing" (Riptide Fish: Techniques to Catch Chinook Salmon in Rivers). Seasons, limits and gear rules differ by river, so always check your state's fishing regulations before you go.

How to catch chinook salmon by back trolling plugs

Back trolling plugs is one of the most popular boat methods. Diving plugs such as a Kwikfish, Flatfish or Maglip wiggle in the current, and many anglers tie a sliver of sardine fillet to the underside with bait thread. Riptide Fish says this "slows down the action of the lure and releases a heavenly scent for Chinook." Herring, anchovy, tuna belly or sand shrimp wraps are local alternatives.

Step by step

1. Let the wrapped plugs out (the example in the source is 40 feet).
2. Either anchor in a run where fish are travelling, or slowly back the boat down the current seam.
3. Keep a straight track: steady boat control stops the plugs swinging side to side.
4. When a rod loads up, wait until the fish turns and pulls line before grabbing the rod.

Back bouncing salmon eggs

Anchor above where chinook stack up, then let a cluster of cured eggs on a sliding dropper bounce slowly down to them: drop, lift the rod slightly, let the sinker back down a foot, hold and repeat. The gear list from Riptide Fish:

The weight matters: too heavy and the bait will not back down into the zone; too light and it will not stay on the bottom. "If the process seems painstakingly slow, you are doing it right." The bite can be subtle, so let the fish commit before a big hook set.

Float fishing deep pools

Chinook often hold in a river's deepest, slowest pools, and a bobber with cured eggs is one of the best ways to reach them from the bank or a boat. Keep the bait as close to the bottom as possible (some holes are 20 feet deep), use a floating braided mainline and mend it so the float drifts naturally. When the float goes under, reel fast to catch up, then set the hook once the rod loads.

What is the best bait for chinook salmon?

From the techniques above: cured salmon eggs for back bouncing and float fishing, and a sardine fillet wrapped on a plug for back trolling. Follow what is working locally. If you wonder how lure colors look underwater, read can fish see color.

What to wear for chinook salmon fishing

Fall river days run from cold mornings to bright afternoons. Our chinook salmon shirts come in long sleeve UPF, hooded long sleeve UPF, T-shirt UPF and kids long sleeve UPF styles with a custom name; check each product page for the styles and sizes offered. For what UPF means, see do UV fishing shirts work, and for chilly mornings read our cold weather fishing tips.

FAQ

What is the best bait for chinook salmon?

Cured salmon eggs for back bouncing and float fishing, and sardine fillet wrapped on plugs for back trolling.

When is the best time to fish for chinook in rivers?

It depends on the region: northern rivers can fish well from June, while in Washington September to November is the peak river season.

What size hook for chinook salmon?

2/0 to 5/0 octopus hooks with a 20 to 40 pound fluorocarbon leader for back bouncing eggs.

Is a king salmon the same as a chinook?

Yes. King salmon is another name for chinook salmon.