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Chinook Salmon

Chinook Salmon

Oncorhynchus tshawytscha

  • 2lakes
  • 188logged catches
  • 33.45 kg heaviest logged

Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) is the largest species in the Pacific salmon genus Oncorhynchus. Better known to many as King Salmon, this species is a prized and sought-after catch for a sporting angler. The Chinook is usually red on the back, with silvery sides and black spots on its tail and the upper half of its body. The native distribution of the species in North America ranges from California to Alaska. Chinooks average about 35 in in length and weigh around 19-37 lbs.

What actually catches it ranked by real logged catches

Baits

Spawn Sack 2

Lures

Single Spoon 42 g, #4/0 15 Medium Spoon 28 g, #4/0 11 Medium Spoon 24 g, #6/0 9 Single Spoon 42 g, #4/0 8 Single Spoon 28 g, #2/0 7 Bullet Spinner 36 g, #4/0 5 Single Spoon 28 g, #2/0 5 Bullet Spinner 36 g, #4/0 4 Medium Spoon 24 g, #6/0 3 X-Series Single Spoon 42 g, #4/0 3 Crankbait 2.5 m, #5/0 2

Best setups by lake 2 lakes with data

Kaniq Creek — 114 catches , best 33.45 kg

  • Single Spoon 42 g, #4/0 Spinning 7×
  • Single Spoon 28 g, #2/0 Spinning 7×
  • Medium Spoon 24 g, #6/0 Spinning 6×
  • Single Spoon 42 g, #4/0 Spinning 5×

San Joaquin Delta — 74 catches , best 17.91 kg

  • Medium Spoon 28 g, #4/0 Spinning 11×
  • Single Spoon 42 g, #4/0 Spinning 5×
  • Single Spoon 28 g, #2/0 Spinning 5×
  • X-Series Single Spoon 42 g, #4/0 Spinning Shore 3×

How to catch

How to catch a unique Chinook Salmon? You can catch this fish either with bait or lures.

If you prefer to use natural baits, then the best way to catch Chinook Salmon would be to use Shiners on a size #4/0 hook.

If you are more into artificial lures, you should go for some Single Spoons. The most successful lure is Green and Black Single Spoon 42 g, #4/0.

Where to find it

Kaniq Creek Alaska San Joaquin Delta California

Also listed as effective documented, but not seen in the catch log

Shrimp Shiners Large Minnows #143#140#131#124#126#139 Crankbait 2 m, #3/0 Crankbait 2.5 m, #4/0 Crankbait 2.5 m, #4/0 Crankbait 3.5 m, #4/0 Crankbait 3.5 m, #4/0 Crankbait 2 m, #5/0 Crankbait 2 m, #5/0 Crankbait 2 m, #5/0 Crankbait 2.5 m, #5/0 Crankbait 2.5 m, #6/0 Crankbait 3.5 m, #6/0 Medium Spoon 42 g, #4/0 Medium Spoon 42 g, #4/0 Medium Spoon 56 g, #6/0 Medium Spoon 56 g, #6/0 Bullet Spinner 36 g, #4/0 Bullet Spinner 36 g, #4/0 Single Spoon 42 g, #4/0 Nymphes 10 cm Nymphes 10 cm Nymphes 10 cm Nymphes 10 cm

Data compiled from fp-collective and the Fishing Planet Wiki . Snapshot taken 2026-08-20. Game content and imagery © Fishing Planet LLC.