Chinook Salmon

Spring, Summer & Fall runs

Chinook salmon, also known as King salmon, are the crown jewel of Pacific Northwest fishing. These powerful fish can weigh anywhere from 15 to 50+ pounds, with the occasional trophy fish tipping the scales even higher. The Columbia River system is one of the premier Chinook fisheries in the world, offering multiple distinct runs throughout the year. Whether you're targeting bright spring Chinook fresh from the ocean or hard-fighting fall Chinook pushing upriver to spawn, the Columbia and Snake Rivers deliver world-class opportunities that draw anglers from across the country.

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Best Seasons to Fish Chinook Salmon

Timing is everything. Here's when to target Chinook Salmon on the Columbia and Snake Rivers.

Spring Chinook

March - June

Spring Chinook are considered the finest eating salmon in the Pacific Northwest. These fish enter the Columbia River from March through June, with peak fishing typically in April and May. Spring Chinook average 12-20 pounds and are prized for their high fat content and exceptional flavor. The lower Columbia below Bonneville Dam is the primary target zone, with fish staging in predictable holding areas as they make their way upriver. Water temperatures in the mid-40s to low-50s signal prime conditions.

▸Lower Columbia River
▸Columbia River Gorge

Summer Chinook

June - August

Summer Chinook provide a bridge between the spring and fall seasons. These fish are typically found in the mid-Columbia and Snake River systems from June through August. Summer runs tend to produce larger fish on average, with 20-30 pounders being common. The Hanford Reach and areas above the Tri-Cities are top producers during the summer run. Warmer water temperatures push fish into deeper holding water, making trolling and back-bouncing particularly effective.

▸Hanford Reach
▸Tri-Cities Area
▸Mid-Columbia

Fall Chinook

August - November

Fall Chinook runs are the largest of the year on the Columbia River. These fish flood the system from August through November, with September and October being peak months. Fall Chinook are aggressive biters and known for their hard-fighting nature. Buoy 10 near the mouth of the Columbia is legendary for fall Chinook action, and the fishery extends all the way upriver through the gorge and into the tributaries. Fish in the 15-40 pound range are common, with occasional fish exceeding 50 pounds.

▸Buoy 10
▸Lower Columbia River
▸Columbia River Gorge

Where We Fish for Chinook Salmon

We guide Chinook Salmon trips across multiple stretches of the Columbia and Snake River systems.

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Lower Columbia River
From Astoria to Bonneville Dam, the lower Columbia is the first stop for returning Chinook. This stretch offers some of the earliest and most consistent fishing of the season, with multiple boat launches and access points.
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Buoy 10
The area near the mouth of the Columbia River where it meets the Pacific Ocean. Buoy 10 is famous for its fall Chinook fishery, where ocean-fresh fish stack up before heading upriver.
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Columbia River Gorge
The scenic gorge section between Bonneville and The Dalles dams provides excellent mid-season Chinook fishing. Deep pools and strong current create ideal holding water.
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Hanford Reach
One of the last free-flowing stretches of the Columbia, the Hanford Reach is a summer Chinook hotspot. The natural riverbed and lack of dams make this a unique and productive fishery.

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