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How to Rig for Chinook (King) Salmon

Oncorhynchus tshawytscha

Chinook return from the ocean to spawn in Central Valley rivers each fall, holding in deep runs and tailouts as they push upstream. In the ocean they roam widely chasing anchovy and squid, which is why trolled bait behind a flasher works there, while cured roe or a bead drifted under a float is the standard once they've entered the river. Ocean season typically runs through summer and river runs peak in fall, but both shift year to year, always check current CDFW regulations before you go.

Realistic reference image of Chinook (King) Salmon
Illustrative reference visual · verify legal identification with CDFW
Answer at a glance
Best rig
Float Rig
Best bait
Cured Salmon Roe / Beads
Where
boat, river
Typical size
24–48 in
Season
Peak season: summer, fall
Realistic Float Rig fishing rig setup
#1 Best Match

Float Rig

intermediateboat · river

A float suspends bait at a fixed depth instead of dragging it on the bottom, letting current or light wave action carry it naturally past holding fish. This is the standard technique for salmon and steelhead in rivers, fished with roe or beads under a pencil float, and for light-tackle pier species like jacksmelt, where a small float and a multi-hook leader with tiny bait covers a school as it drifts through. Use it whenever fish are holding off bottom rather than on it, or when you want a natural drift through a current seam without snagging.

  • Main line8-15 lb monofilament running through the float
  • Leader15-25 lb fluorocarbon
  • Leader length18-24in from the float to the hook, shorten in clear water, lengthen in off-color water
  • Hooks3/0 - 4/0 hook tied with an egg loop knot
  • WeightThree 1/4oz split shot spaced about 2in apart, halfway down the leader
  • Line to sinkerShot placed 8-12in above the hook, or spaced 2in apart in a cluster halfway down the leader for salmon
  • BaitCured roe or soft beads. Barbless hooks are required in many California salmon fisheries, confirm current regulations before you go
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Realistic Fish-Finder Rig fishing rig setup
Fish-Finder Rig
The sinker slides freely on the main line, so a fish can pick up bait and move off without feeling resistance.
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Downrigger cableCannonballFishing lineRelease clipSetback 10-50ftFlasherHoochie
Downrigger Trolling Rig
A heavy cannonball on its own cable carries the fishing line down to an exact depth, where a release clip holds it until a fish strikes and pops the line free.
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Main lineBanana sinkerLeader 6-9ftCut plugTwo tandem hooks, herring
Mooching Rig
A cut-plug herring on two tandem hooks trails 6-9ft behind a curved banana sinker and is drifted or motored very slowly so it rolls in a slow, wounded spin.
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Source & regulation note

Technique guidance is educational. Seasons, size limits, bag limits, closures, and protected areas can change. Always verify the current rules before fishing or keeping fish.

CDFW Ocean Sport Fishing ↗Current CDFW ocean regulations ↗NOAA Fisheries / state agencies ↗Fisheries and Oceans Canada ↗Fisheries New Zealand ↗Editorial methodology
Last reviewed: 2026-09-16

Common Questions

What is the best rig for Chinook (King) Salmon?

The Float Rig is the top recommendation for Chinook (King) Salmon. A float suspends bait at a fixed depth instead of dragging it on the bottom, letting current or light wave action carry it naturally past holding fish. This is the standard technique for salmon and steelhead in rivers, fished with roe or beads under a pencil float, and for light-tackle pier species like jacksmelt, where a small float and a multi-hook leader with tiny bait covers a school as it drifts through. Use it whenever fish are holding off bottom rather than on it, or when you want a natural drift through a current seam without snagging.

What bait works for Chinook (King) Salmon?

Cured Salmon Roe / Beads all work for Chinook (King) Salmon. Tap any one for how to rig and store it.

When is the best time to catch Chinook (King) Salmon?

Peak season: summer, fall. Typical size runs 24–48 in. Always check current regulations before keeping fish.

Where do you catch Chinook (King) Salmon?

Chinook (King) Salmon is caught while boat, river fishing. Chinook return from the ocean to spawn in Central Valley rivers each fall, holding in deep runs and tailouts as they push upstream. In the ocean they roam widely chasing anchovy and squid, which is why trolled bait behind a flasher works there, while cured roe or a bead drifted under a float is the standard once they've entered the river. Ocean season typically runs through summer and river runs peak in fall, but both shift year to year, always check current CDFW regulations before you go.