Washington · Washington Outer Coast
CHINOOK SALMON FISHING
IN LA PUSH
La Push 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 La Push
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 — La Push
Month-by-month availability for chinook salmon in La Push, WA.
How to Catch Chinook Salmon in La Push
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 La Push
Top spots where local captains target chinook salmon and other nearshore species.
La Push Sea Stacks
The numerous sea stacks and rocky islets off La Push create one of the most dramatic nearshore fishing environments on the West Coast, with lingcod, rockfish, and cabezon holding in the rugged volcanic structure. The stacks' submerged foundations provide diverse habitat from shallow reef to deep rock walls.
Cape Alava Reef
Cape Alava north of La Push is the westernmost point in the contiguous United States, and its nearshore reefs hold lingcod, black rockfish, and cabezon in remote, lightly-fished structure. The cape's isolation produces quality catches for boats willing to make the run north.
Teahwhit Head
Teahwhit Head south of La Push features rocky nearshore reefs where lingcod, rockfish, and greenling hold in kelp-covered structure from 30 to 80 feet deep. The headland's exposed position catches nutrient-rich upwelling that supports productive reef ecosystems.
Quillayute Needles
The Quillayute Needles are a chain of rocky sea stacks extending offshore from the Quileute coast, creating nearshore reef habitat where lingcod and rockfish concentrate. The needles' protected wildlife refuge status limits access, but fishing the adjacent waters is productive.
Other Species in La Push
More fish you can target while visiting La Push.
Chinook Salmon Fishing in La Push — FAQ
The peak months for Chinook Salmon fishing in La Push are July, August. During these months, Chinook Salmon are most active and abundant in the La Push area.
Chinook Salmon fishing charters in La Push 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 La Push, 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 La Push, you may also catch Rockfish, Coho Salmon, Pacific Halibut, Lingcod, Dungeness Crab. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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