Washington · Washington Outer Coast
CHINOOK SALMON FISHING
IN ILWACO
Ilwaco is an excellent destination for chinook salmon fishing, with peak season in July, August and good catches in June, September. Book a charter and target chinook salmon with local experts.
About Chinook Salmon Fishing in Ilwaco
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 — Ilwaco
Month-by-month availability for chinook salmon in Ilwaco, WA.
How to Catch Chinook Salmon in Ilwaco
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 Ilwaco
Top spots where local captains target chinook salmon and other nearshore species.
North Head Reefs
The rocky reefs off North Head at Cape Disappointment hold lingcod, rockfish, and cabezon in nearshore structure adjacent to the Columbia River's north jetty. The headland's position at the river entrance creates current patterns that concentrate baitfish and attract predators.
Columbia River North Jetty
The Columbia River North Jetty at Cape Disappointment extends into the Pacific, creating miles of rock structure where lingcod, rockfish, surfperch, and greenling hold. Shore anglers fish from the jetty rocks while the adjacent channel holds staging salmon.
Leadbetter Point
Leadbetter Point at the northern tip of the Long Beach Peninsula offers surf-fishing and nearshore access where surfperch and flatfish hold in the sandy waters at Willapa Bay's entrance. The point's position between the ocean and the bay creates productive fishing conditions.
Seaview Beach Nearshore
The nearshore waters off Seaview and Long Beach hold surfperch and halibut over sandy bottom accessible from the beach or by small boat. The area's gentle nearshore slope and sandy habitat support quality halibut fishing during the summer open season.
Other Species in Ilwaco
More fish you can target while visiting Ilwaco.
Chinook Salmon Fishing in Ilwaco — FAQ
The peak months for Chinook Salmon fishing in Ilwaco are July, August. During these months, Chinook Salmon are most active and abundant in the Ilwaco area.
Chinook Salmon fishing charters in Ilwaco 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 Ilwaco, your captain provides all required Washington fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Chinook Salmon regulations in Washington 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 Ilwaco, you may also catch Rockfish, Pacific Halibut, Coho Salmon, Lingcod, Dungeness Crab. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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