Trout & Salmon

Chinook Salmon Fishing in Minnesota

The largest Pacific salmon, called king salmon, running Pacific and Great Lakes tributaries. Kings are targeted by trolling in big water and by drifting and back-trolling in rivers.

Waters: 1
State: Minnesota
Water: Freshwater
Methods: Fly, Spin & Bait

Best Months in Minnesota: Jun to Aug

Chinook Salmon — Image: Michael Humling, USFWS · Public domain

Licenses & Regulations

Most anglers need a Minnesota fishing license; age cutoffs and exemptions are set by the state. Seasons, limits, and tackle rules vary by water, so check current regulations before you go.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Plan by Month

Best Flies, Lures & Bait for Chinook Salmon

Month

4 picks for October.

Intruder 2 to 4 in
Fly
Streamer
Shop This Fly
Egg-Sucking Leech #2-6
Fly
Streamer
Shop This Fly
Casting Spoon 1/4 to 1 oz
Lure
Spoon
Shop This Lure
Cured Salmon Eggs Single or cluster
Bait
Natural Bait · Where bait is legal.

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Rod & Reel

Chinook Salmon Setup

Fly

10 ft 9 or 10 wt rod, sink-tip line, 15 to 20 lb leader.

Spin / Cast

9 to 10.5 ft medium-heavy casting rod, line-counter or levelwind reel, 20 to 30 lb line.

Minnesota

Where to Catch Chinook Salmon

1 of 1 waters

Lakes & Reservoirs · Minnesota

Lake Superior (Duluth)

Lake Superior along the shore from Duluth toward Two Harbors, with lake trout, coho, and Chinook in summer and shore casting for steelhead and browns in the cold months.

Lake Trout · Coho Salmon · Chinook Salmon

Minnesota