California · Central Coast
CHINOOK SALMON FISHING
IN MONTEREY
Monterey is an excellent destination for chinook salmon fishing, with peak season in May, June and good catches in April, July, August. Book a charter and target chinook salmon with local experts.
About Chinook Salmon Fishing in Monterey
The king of salmon and the most prized sportfish on the Pacific coast. Chinook — also called king salmon — are the largest Pacific salmon species, with trophy fish exceeding 50 pounds in Alaska and Northern California rivers. Their powerful runs and acrobatic fights make them the ultimate West Coast gamefish from spring through fall.
Chinook Salmon — universally called King Salmon — are the largest and most prized Pacific salmon species. These magnificent fish can exceed 50 pounds in Alaskan rivers and 30+ pounds in California and Oregon waters. Kings are anadromous, born in freshwater rivers, migrating to the Pacific Ocean to feed and grow for 2-7 years, then returning to their natal streams to spawn and die. Their chrome-bright ocean phase features a dark blue-green back speckled with black spots, bright silver sides, and a white belly. Spawning fish turn dark olive to maroon. Males develop a pronounced hooked jaw ("kype") and humped back during the spawn.
Scientific name: Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
Chinook Salmon Seasonal Calendar — Monterey
Month-by-month availability for chinook salmon in Monterey, CA.
How to Catch Chinook Salmon in Monterey
Techniques & Bait
Ocean trolling with downriggers is the primary technique, running herring or anchovy cut-plugs at 30-120 feet behind flashers or dodgers. Mooching (drifting with weighted herring or anchovy) is a classic Pacific Northwest method. In rivers, back-trolling with Kwikfish, Mag Lips, or bait-wrapped plugs is deadly. Bank anglers do well drifting cured salmon roe under a float through holding water. In Alaska, backbouncing eggs or casting spinners (Blue Fox, Rooster Tails) in river systems produces trophy kings.
Recommended Tackle
Ocean trolling: 8-9 ft medium-heavy downrigger rod, level-wind reel, 25-40 lb mono or 50 lb braid. River fishing: 8'6"-10'6" medium-heavy rod, spinning or level-wind reel, 15-30 lb main line, 12-20 lb fluorocarbon leader. In Alaska, heavier gear (30-50 lb) is common for 40+ lb fish.
Best Nearshore Fishing Spots in Monterey
Top spots where local captains target chinook salmon and other nearshore species.
Point Lobos Reefs
Point Lobos just south of Monterey features spectacular rocky reefs where lingcod, cabezon, and rockfish concentrate in kelp-covered structure along the dramatic granite coastline. Boat anglers fish the waters adjacent to the state reserve for quality nearshore catches over some of Monterey Bay's most productive rocky habitat.
Monterey Bay Kelp Forests
The massive kelp forests along Monterey's coastline support one of the richest nearshore ecosystems in the Pacific, holding blue rockfish, olive rockfish, lingcod, cabezon, and kelp greenling in dense canopy structure. Small boats work the kelp edges with jigs and live bait for consistent multi-species catches.
Lovers Point
Lovers Point in Pacific Grove extends into Monterey Bay with rocky reef structure that holds rockfish, lingcod, and cabezon in kelp beds accessible to shore-casters and kayak anglers. The point's position catches currents that push baitfish along the rocks, attracting feeding fish throughout the day.
McAbee Beach Reef
McAbee Beach along Cannery Row provides kayak launch access to rocky nearshore reefs where rockfish, lingcod, and cabezon hold in 20 to 60 feet of water. The reef's proximity to Monterey's marina district makes it one of the most accessible nearshore fishing grounds in the area.
Other Species in Monterey
More fish you can target while visiting Monterey.
Chinook Salmon Fishing in Monterey — FAQ
The peak months for Chinook Salmon fishing in Monterey are May, June. During these months, Chinook Salmon are most active and abundant in the Monterey area.
Chinook Salmon fishing charters in Monterey are typically nearshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Ocean trolling with downriggers is the primary technique, running herring or anchovy cut-plugs at 30-120 feet behind flashers or dodgers. Mooching (drifting with weighted herring or anchovy) is a classic Pacific Northwest method. In rivers, back-trolling with Kwikfish, Mag Lips, or bait-wrapped plugs is deadly. Bank anglers do well drifting cured salmon roe under a float through holding water. In Alaska, backbouncing eggs or casting spinners (Blue Fox, Rooster Tails) in river systems produces trophy kings.
No — when you book a charter in Monterey, your captain provides all required California fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Chinook Salmon regulations in California include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Chinook Salmon in Monterey, you may also catch Rockfish, Lingcod, Dungeness Crab, Pacific Halibut, White Seabass. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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