Chinook Salmon

Targeting Chinook off Cannon Beach requires understanding the pulse of the ocean. Fall is prime time, as mature salmon stage near the estuaries before their upstream migration. Focus your efforts near the mouths of smaller coastal rivers and creeks that feed into the Pacific; these areas often hold staging Chinook. Trolling with herring or spinners is effective, paying close attention to depth changes as the fish move with the tides and temperature stratification. Be mindful of bar closures and ocean conditions, which can change rapidly. Launching from nearby ports like Garibaldi or Tillamook Bay provides access to productive fishing grounds. Locally, anglers often find success by keying in on areas where seabirds are actively feeding, a telltale sign of baitfish and, consequently, Chinook.