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Chinook/King Salmon

Chinook/King Salmon

General Info: Chinook, or King Salmon are the most iconic fish of Big Y's home waters. They are a symbol of the Pacific Northwest that reaches far beyond anglers. People across the world know about the Chinook salmon of Oregon and Washington. These fish can reach huge sizes and can range from extremely challenging to fairly easy to catch.
In Oregon, we have two runs of Kings. Spring Chinook salmon come in when the water is high and dirty during spring runoff/snowmelt. The fish stay in the deepest, fastest water that they can find. Not ideal for fly anglers, but they can be caught with a lot of patience skill and luck. However, a fall Chinook run brings in much bigger numbers of snappy fish that are more than willing to play in shallower water.
Headed North towards Alaska, their singular Chinook run peaks in July, and the Alaskan Kings are usually a bit easier to catch than our Oregon Spring salmon.
Most folks use a sink tip and heavy flies on an 8wt or larger spey/switch rod, but plenty of folks still use their trusty 9'0" single hand rod. The Great Lakes also host a nice run of Chinook salmon. The Great Lakes salmon are known to snap at smaller flies a little more than their Pacific cousins. The Great Lakes fish tend to deteriorate a bit more before heading upstream vs their pacific brethren, so they are not as prized as the coastal salmon.
Preferred Gear
Rods: 8-10 wt. rods. Many prefer a 13' or longer two-handed rod, but a 9' rod will suffice. An 8wt is the most popular, but it is as light as one should use to target Chinook. A 9wt is more suitable for a Chinook rod. An 8wt is a great all-arounder if you are going to target steelhead later.
Reels: Large arbor, heavy drag.
Lines: Dependent on fishery and timing. Heavy sink tips on two-handed Skagit setups are very common, but fall fish can be caught on a floating line and a lightly weighted fly... strange fish indeed.
Favorites: Airflo F.I.S.T Skagit, RIO Gamechanger, RIO Premier 24' Sink Tip, Scientific Anglers Amplitude Anadro
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  • Dolly Llama

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    Articulated version of the Conehead Double Bunny. Very highly recommended for Alaska Silvers, and Rainbows.

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    Articulated Leech

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    A pattern that rocketed into classic status within a few years after it hit the public. Almost all hits on leech come from the head. The action wi...

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    Dolly Llama Tandem

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    The single most popular fly for Alaska is the Dolly Llama. This Tandem version comes with two hooks. It works great in the bright colors for salmo...

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    Dolly Llama Gold Cone

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    Articulated version of the Conehead Double Bunny. Very highly recommended for Alaska Silvers, and Rainbows. Now, due to popular demand, with a g...

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    Hare Ball Leech

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    One of the best patterns to attract silvers, sockeye, kings, pinks, steelies you name it. Is now Alaska's most popular pattern. Attracts everythi...

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    Dolly Llama Crosscone

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    Articulated version of the Conehead Double Bunny. Very highly recommended for Alaska Silvers, and Rainbows. Now with a crosscone, which allow ey...

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    Salmon/Steelhead Woolly Bugger

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    You asked for it, we provide; a woolly bugger on a super strong, salmon-friendly hook. The classic pattern is now beefed up for our Great Lakes an...

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    Bjorn's Super Prawn

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    Big silhouette pattern perfect for moving big fish to strikes. Popular Alaska and cold water pattern. Attracts everything-Chinooks, silvers, steel...

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    Showgirl

    $1.35
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    $1.50
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    Famous in Alaska, Canada and the West Coast Attracts everything-Chinooks, silvers, steelhead, even sea-run cutthroats. Vibrate colors and that mag...

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    Prom Dress

    $1.88
    $2.09
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    On the shortcut path to legendary status. Great for Winter Steelies, Summer ones too.  Excellent in Alaska as well.

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    Strung Out Leech Masked

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    Nice leech pattern with tons of articulation. Very highly recommended for Alaska Silvers, and Rainbows. With a mask, making this pattern much ...

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    Strung Out Leech Crosscone

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    Nice leech pattern with tons of articulation. Very highly recommended for Alaska Silvers, and Rainbows. With a crosscone, which allow eyes to ...

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    Shawback Stinger Masked

    $3.15
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    Nice leech pattern with tons of articulation. Great for aggressive and anadromous fish. Strip it, swing it, and dead drift it. With a mask, ...

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    Lil Monster-Tube Fly

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    Tube flies are great for those who want more options out of their flies. Excellent winter steelhead fly that works well on fish fresh. Especiall...

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    Moal Leech

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    A great Alaska and anywhere pattern. Great for skinny water where wiggle action is desired.  Excellent for swinging. 

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