Chinook Salmon
The largest Pacific salmon species, anadromous in Washington and stocked as a landlocked freshwater fishery in Montana reservoirs.
- Scientific name
- Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
- Family
- Salmonidae
- Adult size
- Ocean-run fish can exceed 30 inches and 20 pounds; landlocked reservoir fish run smaller.
Identification
Blue-green back with black spots on the back and both lobes of the tail; black gum line distinguishes it from coho salmon.
Habitat
Ocean-going in Washington's coastal rivers; landlocked in Montana lakes, where it never migrates to sea.
Diet
Smaller fish, especially in freshwater as juveniles and in landlocked reservoir populations feeding on kokanee and other forage fish.
Angling
A major sport and tribal fishery in Washington; trolled or jigged in Montana's larger reservoirs.
Conservation
Several West Coast Chinook populations are listed under the Endangered Species Act; status varies by run and region.
Where Chinook Salmon is stocked
When Chinook Salmon is stocked
Top Chinook Salmon waters
Cowlitz River
Lewis County · 5 species · 2642 records
Last stocked May 2026
Canyon Ferry Lake
7 species · 2261 records
Last stocked September 2025
Fort Peck Lake
16 species · 1842 records
Last stocked July 2025
Missouri River
19 species · 1417 records
Last stocked October 2010
Lewis River North Fork
Cowlitz County · 4 species · 1360 records
Last stocked June 2026
Flathead Lake
14 species · 1161 records
Last stocked October 1997
Big Soos Creek
King County · 3 species · 804 records
Last stocked July 2026
Kalama River
3 species · 728 records
Last stocked April 2026
Lake Mary Ronan
8 species · 685 records
Last stocked June 2026
Minter Creek
Kitsap County · 4 species · 651 records
Last stocked July 2026
Lake Ontario
Wayne County · 8 species · 611 records
Last stocked May 2026
Fork Creek
Pacific County · 4 species · 561 records
Last stocked June 2026
Washougal River
Clark County · 3 species · 545 records
Last stocked June 2026
Wenatchee River
Chelan County · 4 species · 533 records
Last stocked April 2026
Issaquah Creek
King County · 4 species · 520 records
Last stocked May 2026
Peale Pass
Mason County · 2 species · 512 records
Last stocked May 2025
Klickitat River
Klickitat County · 4 species · 463 records
Last stocked April 2026
Chambers Creek
Pierce County · 4 species · 459 records
Last stocked May 2026
Echo Lake
10 species · 431 records
Last stocked September 2025
Purdy Creek
Mason County · 3 species · 430 records
Last stocked May 2026
Fallert Creek
3 species · 424 records
Last stocked June 2026
Mayfield Reservoir
Lewis County · 5 species · 420 records
Last stocked July 2026
Col River
1 species · 419 records
Last stocked June 2026
Roosevelt Lake
Okanogan County · 4 species · 412 records
Last stocked May 2026
Frequently asked
Where is Chinook Salmon stocked?
Chinook Salmon is stocked in 351 waters across 3 states: Washington, Montana, New York.
When is Chinook Salmon stocked?
Chinook Salmon is typically stocked in spring, most often in May, based on records across every state that stocks it.
How many Chinook Salmon are stocked?
About 883,989,602,090,638,900,000,000,000 Chinook Salmon have been stocked on record since 1923, across Montana, New York, Washington.
What size Chinook Salmon are stocked?
Stocked Chinook Salmon average about 3.7 inches, based on sizes reported by Montana, New York — not every state reports sizes.
What does a Chinook Salmon look like?
Blue-green back with black spots on the back and both lobes of the tail; black gum line distinguishes it from coho salmon.