South Puget Sound / Olympia
About Chinook Salmon
Chinook (King) salmon are the largest Pacific salmon and the primary target for Puget Sound anglers. Mature fish can exceed 30 pounds, though most catches in the Sound range from 5-15 pounds. Blackmouth (immature Chinook that stay in the Sound year-round) provide a winter fishery unique to Puget Sound.
Regulations
Daily limit 2, min size 22 inches. Barbless hooks required. Wild Chinook release varies by area/season. Always check WDFW emergency rules.
Techniques
- Downrigger trolling with cut-plug herring
- Mooching with herring
- Jigging with 2-4 oz metal jigs
- Trolling with spoons behind flasher
Where to Fish
Boston Harbor
Primary marina for South Sound — fish staging areas near the harbor
Nisqually Reach
Nisqually River delta funnels migrating salmon through this corridor
Gear Recommendations
Recent Chinook Salmon Catches
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bait for Chinook salmon in Puget Sound?
Cut-plug herring is the #1 bait, used by virtually every charter captain. Green-label (medium) herring behind a flasher at 60-100 feet is the standard setup. Whole herring works for mooching.
What is a blackmouth?
Blackmouth are immature Chinook salmon that remain in Puget Sound year-round instead of migrating to the ocean. They provide a winter fishery (November-April) unique to this region. Typically 3-10 pounds.
What depth should I fish for Chinook?
Most Chinook are caught between 60 and 120 feet in Puget Sound. Use a downrigger to get your bait to depth. In winter (blackmouth), fish tend to be slightly shallower at 40-80 feet.
When is the best time to catch Chinook in Puget Sound?
Year-round opportunity. Winter blackmouth from November-April, spring opener varies by area, summer kings peak August-September. Area 10 has the longest season (April-November).