Like steelhead, Pacific salmon spend part of their lifecycle in freshwater and part in saltwater. Unlike steelhead, though, adult salmon always die after completing their spawning runs. First and foremost among salmon fishing trophies is, of course, the Chinook; also known as the King Salmon, Tyee, or Blackmouth in some areas of the state. Chinook are the largest of the pacific salmon. Today, this species can reach weights of nearly 100 pounds in some locations and truly deserves the nickname King salmon. The name Blackmouth comes from their gum lines that help anglers identify them at younger ages. No other salmon has this coloration and is a sure identifier. Although the biggest saltwater kings are caught in the summer and early fall when mature salmon move toward freshwater spawning grounds, Washington offers various saltwater Chinook-fishing opportunities throughout most of the year.

Productive saltwater fishing techniques for Chinook include trolling or mooching (drifting) with herring, jigging with an of several baitfish imitating metal jigs, or trolling with plugs, spoons, plastic squid or other artificial lures. Fishing near the bottom is often the key to success. Besides the well-known saltwater Chinook fishers that exist on the coast, in Strait of Juan de Fuca, the San Juan Islands and Puget Sound Chinook also provide some great freshwater angling action. Spring Chinook fishing techniques are similar to those used for steelhead, except most anglers prefer heavier tackle for these bruisers. Although uncommon, “resident” Chinook may be found in some lake systems that support runs of the anadromous form. Examples are lakes Sammamish and Washington, where resident Chinook 12-15 inches long make up a small percentage of the catch. Inland fish managers are also experimenting with Chinook as predators on stunted perch or other over abundant species in some lakes. Chinook are also sometimes planted in landlocked lakes to provide a freshwater fishery.