California · Central Coast
CHINOOK SALMON FISHING
IN MORRO BAY
Morro Bay is a solid destination for chinook salmon fishing, with peak season in June and good catches in May, July, August. Book a charter and target chinook salmon with local experts.
About Chinook Salmon Fishing in Morro Bay
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 — Morro Bay
Month-by-month availability for chinook salmon in Morro Bay, CA.
How to Catch Chinook Salmon in Morro Bay
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 Morro Bay
Top spots where local captains target chinook salmon and other nearshore species.
Estero Bay Reefs
Estero Bay between Morro Rock and Point Estero features rocky nearshore reefs and kelp beds holding lingcod, cabezon, and multiple rockfish species in 30 to 80 feet of water. The bay's semi-protected waters provide fishable conditions when the open coast is rough.
Cayucos Reef
The rocky reef system off Cayucos north of Morro Bay holds rockfish, lingcod, and cabezon in kelp-covered structure accessible to small boats from Morro Bay Harbor. The reef's shallow inner edges provide shore-fishing opportunities from Cayucos Pier and the rocky shoreline.
Point Buchon
Point Buchon south of Morro Bay features pristine rocky reef habitat where lingcod, cabezon, and various rockfish species hold in dense kelp forests from 20 to 100 feet deep. The point's protected status has created a spillover effect that benefits fishing in adjacent open waters.
Morro Bay T-Pier
The Morro Bay T-Pier on the Embarcadero waterfront extends over deeper harbor water where rockfish, perch, mackerel, and crab are caught year-round. The pier provides free fishing access and is especially productive for Dungeness crab during open season using hoop nets.
Other Species in Morro Bay
More fish you can target while visiting Morro Bay.
Chinook Salmon Fishing in Morro Bay — FAQ
The peak months for Chinook Salmon fishing in Morro Bay are June. During these months, Chinook Salmon are most active and abundant in the Morro Bay area.
Chinook Salmon fishing charters in Morro Bay 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 Morro Bay, 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 Morro Bay, you may also catch Rockfish, Lingcod, White Seabass, Albacore Tuna, Dungeness Crab. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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