TackleDexOntario tactics
How to catch Chinook Salmon in Ontario
King salmon — the heavyweight of the Great Lakes. Chinook offer world-class trolling offshore and a dramatic fall run.
When to fish
Summer offshore on the big lakes; fall stages them at river mouths and pushes them up the tributaries.
Where to find them
Lake Ontario and Lake Huron temperature breaks in summer; river mouths and tribs in fall.
How to catch them
Troll spoons, flashers, and dodgers on downriggers offshore. In fall, float roe or drift in the tributaries.
Gear
Heavy trolling gear with downriggers offshore, or stout float gear for the rivers.
Pro tip
Offshore, chase the thermocline and the bait pods. In fall, time the river-mouth staging just before they run.
Before you go
Always confirm the current season and limits — Chinook Salmon seasons & limits by zone → — and check today's bite times for your spot.
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