Identification

• Chinook in the saltwater or marine phase wear a lightly spotted blue-green skin. The silver tail is spotted and v-shaped. The Chinook is also known as Blackmouth for its black gums. Weight ranges from 3 to 66 lbs. Chinook weighing over 30 lbs. are called Tyee. In the freshwater phase, this species turns quite dark, with dark red around the fins and belly, according to Fisheries and Oceans Canada. During maturation, the v-shaped tail transforms to a more square shape and the male's snout shapes into a hook.
  
  

Chinook at Lake Huron

• In some areas of Lake Huron, Chinook appear in mid-April and early May. Spring and summer offer the optimum time for open-water fishing. For stream fishing, expect peaks in September during spawning runs. Chinook favor a water temperature of 48 to 52 degrees Fahrenheit. Consider using trolling spoons, plugs, flashers and flies. Lake Huron Chinook usually weigh from 25 to 30 lbs. The Ontario Chinook salmon record was 46.38 lbs. The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and fishing clubs stock Chinook into Lake Huron.
  
  

Chinook at Skeena River

• The Skeena River in northwest British Columbia boasts the world record for Chinook caught on a rod. The river record is 92.5 lbs. A catch and release record is 99.15 lbs. This large and powerful species averages 30 lbs. Chinook enter the Skeena to migrate upstream to spawning rivers. In August approximately 20,000 Chinook arrive at the Sustut River of the Skeena system. Fishing techniques include back trolling plugs, plunking, float fishing, bottom bouncing and spoon fishing. Consider bringing heavy-duty leather work gloves. The sport fishery has grown exceptionally in the Skeena area where paid guides understand the river and bring visiting anglers to the top spots.
  
  

Chinook at Fraser River

• The Fraser River in southwestern British Columbia has hundreds of islands that shelter migrating salmon. Trees that fall from upstream can clog and alter the river's course and impact the fishing spots. Novices to this area should seek an experienced angler. Barfishing, the most popular method, takes place on a gravel bar. Suggested rods include a large spin cast/surf rod or heavy bait cast rod in the longer 10- to 12-foot range. Use 14- to 18-oz. lead weights. Attach a T-bar to the mainline. Use a spinning lure that floats off a few inches to a foot. The current spins the lure to entice the Chinook. Other techniques include back trolling from jet boats and letting plugs vibrate in the water to attract the fish. For float fishing, cast a weight and foam or plastic float and allow to drift. Include spinners, salmon eggs or pieces of wool. Medium to heavy action rods in the 10.4- to 12-foot range should handle these large fish in fast rivers.
  
  

Conservation

• In 2006, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) listed Chinook salmon as "Threatened" in British Columbia and the Pacific Ocean.