Tillamook Area Chinook Salmon Fishing Guide
May–June | Aug–Dec

Chinook salmon, or king salmon, are the largest and most prized catch in the Pacific Northwest. Known for their powerful fight and rich flavor, they often reach 20-50 pounds.

Found in Tillamook Bay and coastal Oregon rivers, they peak from May to June (spring run) and August to December (fall run). A true bucket-list fish for any angler.

Best May through October and for Spring Chinook in the Nehalem Bay from May through June. Fall Chinook in Tillamook Bay from September. Chinook trolling in the bays is a popular trip.

On Chinook trips, when the conditions are right and the limits come early, Jamison will sometimes cross the bar and run out to add coho for the day. The ocean doesn’t stay quiet—he watches conditions closely and plans accordingly.

Chinook on the Nehalem and Tillamook rivers run 15 to 25 pounds on average. But Jamison has put clients on fish in the mid-40-pound range—fish that are close to small Alaskan Chinook in size and fight. He’s won the largest-fish trophy at the local fishing fundraising tournament two years in a row.

King Salmon on the Oregon Coast in Nehalem Bay, Tillamook Bay and the Columbia River

Chinook salmon – kings – are why people travel from across the country and around the world to fish the Pacific Northwest. They’re the largest of the Pacific salmon species, the hardest fighting, and the most sought after. On a good day, Jamison’s clients can limit-out before most people have finished their second cup of coffee. On a tough day, just being in the right bay with a rod in the water when a 30-pound fish decides to eat is a memory that stays with you.

Tillamook Chinook Salmon Fishing Gallery