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Chinook Salmon

Frequently Asked Questions

"When is the best time to catch the biggest Kings?"

Because King Salmon in the Puget Sound follow a specific migratory cycle, timing is everything.

  • Summer Kings: Most people ask for the mid-July through early August window. This is when the largest migratory fish (often 20–30+ lbs) push through to their home rivers.

  • Winter Kings (Blackmouth): Captains also get asked about the “Blackmouth” season (typically January–April), where smaller, resident Chinook are the target.

"Do I need to buy a license beforehand, or can I get one on the boat?"

This is a major point of confusion due to Washington’s strict rules.

  • The Answer:  Big King Salmon Charters sells a one-day licenses right on the boat for about $10–$14.

  • Important: Anyone 16 or older must have a license and a catch record card to legally keep a King.

"Will I get seasick on the Puget Sound?"

  • The Answer: Captains usually reassure guests that the Puget Sound is a protected body of water.

  • Conditions: Unlike the open ocean, there are no heavy swells, only “wind chop.” note that seasickness is very rare compared to fishing out in the open Pacific Ocean.

Chinook Salmon / King Salmon

The Puget Sound is famous for its legendary Chinook Salmon, often called “Kings” for their massive size, powerful fights, and incredible flavor. While “Blackmouth” refers to the younger, resident fish, the full-cycle migratory Chinook are the true heavyweights of the Northwest waters.

5 Traits to Identify a Puget Sound Chinook

  1. Black Gum Line: The most reliable indicator is the solid black or dark grey pigment along the lower gum line.

  2. Fully Spotted Tail: Unlike other salmon, a Chinook’s tail is usually covered in large, irregular black spots on both the upper and lower lobes.

  3. Large, Robust Body: They have a much thicker “girth” compared to Coho or Pink salmon, with a powerful, squared-off caudal peduncle (the base of the tail).

  4. Small, Circular Spots on Back: Look for numerous small, dark spots across the back and the dorsal fin.

  5. Hooked Nose (Males): As they approach their spawning rivers, mature males develop a prominent “kype” or hooked snout and a deep bronze-to-reddish hue.

Timing and Tactics for King Salmon

When to find them: The “Summer Kings” are the most anticipated run of the year. In the Puget Sound, the primary window to target these migratory giants is from mid-July through September. This is when the largest fish (often 20–30+ lbs) push through the sound toward their home rivers.

How to fish for them:

  • Deep Trolling with Downriggers: Chinook are notorious for hugging the bottom or suspended bait balls. Using downriggers allows us to keep gear at precise depths (often 60–120 feet) where these fish patrol.

  • The “Flasher and Meat” Combo: We primarily use 11-inch glowing or UV flashers to create a visual “thump” in the water, followed by a plug-cut herring or a large trolling spoon that mimics a wounded baitfish.

  • Mooching: For a more hands-on experience, “mooching” involves dropping a weighted herring and letting it sink and rise with the drift of the boat, providing a heart-pounding strike you feel directly in your hands.

Experience the Thrill: Book Your Seattle Salmon Adventure

There is nothing quite like the salt air of the Pacific Northwest and the scream of a reel when a 30-pound King hits the line. Whether you are a seasoned angler or a first-timer, BIG KING SALMON CHARTERS out of Edmonds offers an unparalleled experience.

  • World-Class Fishing at Your Doorstep: You don’t need to travel to Alaska to find trophy fish. Some of the best Chinook water in the world is right here in the shadow of the Olympic Mountains.

  • Expertly Guided Experience: Forget the stress of gear, bait, and navigation. Our captains provide top-tier tackle and the local knowledge to put you exactly where the big runs are holding.

  • The Ultimate Table Fare: Chinook is the gold standard of seafood—rich, buttery, and packed with Omega-3s. We’ll even help you prep your catch so it’s ready for the grill.

Ready to hit the water? Spaces fill up fast during the peak summer runs. Book your trip today and let’s go get some Kings!

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Chinook Salmon Record
Puget Sound

  • Weight: 70 lbs, 8 oz

  • Caught By: Chet Gausta

  • Date: September 6, 1964

  • Location: Caught in the Strait of Juan de Fuca (the entrance to Puget Sound) near Sekiu.