Chinook Salmon Fishing in Seattle
Washington
Chinook Salmon is one of the species anglers target most around Seattle, Washington. MyFishingBuds matches you with local anglers who chase Chinook Salmon on Puget Sound and Elliott Bay so you can share a boat, split costs, and learn the water faster.
31 anglers on MyFishingBuds are targeting Chinook Salmon.
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Chinook Salmon at a glance
- Scientific name
- Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
- IGFA record
- 97.25 lbs
- Max length
- 58 in
- Preferred water temp
- 50–60°F
When to fish Seattle
Puget Sound salmon fishing runs in seasons set by 'Marine Area' and species: winter and early spring for resident blackmouth Chinook, summer for migratory kings and the start of coho, and late summer into fall for coho and — in odd-numbered years — enormous runs of pink salmon. Lingcod season typically opens in spring. Sea-run cutthroat fish the estuaries year-round. The rivers (the Skykomish, Snoqualmie, Green, and Skagit) have salmon runs in summer and fall and winter steelhead. Because openers change constantly and vary by area, checking current WDFW regulations is essential.
→ Today's best fishing times in Seattle (sunrise, sunset & moon)Where to fish for Chinook Salmon in Seattle
- 📍 Puget Sound
- 📍 Elliott Bay
- 📍 the Cascade rivers (Skykomish, Snoqualmie)
- 📍 Lake Washington
- 📍 Sinclair Inlet
🪪 Washington fishing license
Anglers targeting Chinook Salmon in Seattle need a valid Washington fishing license. Resident, non-resident, and short-term options are all available — see our complete guide for current 2026 prices and direct purchase links.
Washington fishing license cost 2026 →Chinook Salmon in Seattle: FAQ
Do I need a fishing license to catch Chinook Salmon in Seattle?▾
Yes. Anglers fishing in Seattle need a valid Washington fishing license (with the right freshwater or saltwater privileges for where you fish). Resident, non-resident, and short-term options are all available — see our Washington guide for current 2026 prices and direct purchase links.
When is the best time to fish for Chinook Salmon near Seattle?▾
Puget Sound salmon fishing runs in seasons set by 'Marine Area' and species: winter and early spring for resident blackmouth Chinook, summer for migratory kings and the start of coho, and late summer into fall for coho and — in odd-numbered years — enormous runs of pink salmon. Lingcod season typically opens in spring. Sea-run cutthroat fish the estuaries year-round. The rivers (the Skykomish, Snoqualmie, Green, and Skagit) have salmon runs in summer and fall and winter steelhead. Because openers change constantly and vary by area, checking current WDFW regulations is essential.
How do I find a Chinook Salmon fishing buddy in Seattle?▾
Create a free MyFishingBuds profile, set Chinook Salmon as a target species, and pick Seattle as your area. You'll be matched with nearby anglers who target the same species and fish a similar style, so you can plan a trip, share a boat, and split the costs.
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