Chinook Salmon
King Salmon • Spring Salmon • Tyee
The largest of the Pacific salmon, Chinook are a primary target for anglers in Telegraph Cove. A Chinook weighing 30 pounds or more is referred to as a "Tyee," making them the true giants of the Pacific salmon world.
Migratory Patterns
Chinook undertake vast migrations across the North Pacific Ocean, often spending three to seven years at sea before returning to their natal rivers to spawn.
They exhibit diverse life histories: "Stream-type" Chinook spend a year or more in freshwater before migrating to the sea, while "Ocean-type" Chinook migrate within their first few months of life.
Research suggests they follow specific, fixed migration pathways, sometimes referred to as "ancestral feeding routes."
How They Live
They are apex predators in the marine environment, feeding voraciously on baitfish such as herring and sand lance, as well as squid and crustaceans.
A Chinook weighing 30 pounds or more is referred to as a "Tyee."
They are a critical food source for marine mammals, notably the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales.
Interesting Details
Chinook rely on a highly developed sense of smell and the earth's magnetic field to navigate thousands of kilometers back to the exact stream where they were born.
The color of their flesh can range from deep red to white, depending on genetics and how their bodies metabolize pigments in their diet.
Regulations (Area 12)
Note: Regulations often change in-season to protect at-risk stocks. All retained Chinook must be recorded immediately on your license.
Best Season
May through September
Peak fishing typically occurs in July and August