Chinook Salmon (King Salmon)

Oncorhynchus tshawytscha

Lake Michigan's premier big-game fish. Stocked annually by Wisconsin DNR, chinook draw charter fleets to ports like Racine, Kenosha, Manitowoc, Kewaunee, and Algoma. Peak season runs mid-summer through early fall.

Size Limit

Varies by port and season

Daily Bag

5 (combined trout/salmon on Lake Michigan)

Season

Year-round on Lake Michigan

State Record

44 lb 15 oz

Lake Michigan (1994)

Best Months to Fish

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

What to Use

Live Bait & Natural

Cut baitAlewife

Lures & Artificials

Trolling spoonsFlasher/fly combosJ-plugsDodger/squid rigs

Chinook Salmon (King Salmon) Fishing in Wisconsin

Lake Michigan’s premier big-game fish. Stocked annually by Wisconsin DNR, chinook draw charter fleets to ports like Racine, Kenosha, Manitowoc, Kewaunee, and Algoma. Peak season runs mid-summer through early fall.

Regulation Notes

Combined trout and salmon bag on Lake Michigan. Check current DNR regulations for specific ports.

More Wisconsin Fish Species

Walleye

Percidae

Coho Salmon (Silver Salmon)

Salmonidae

Brook Trout

Salmonidae

Lake Trout

Salmonidae

Smallmouth Bass

Centrarchidae

Sauger

Percidae

View all fish species →

Plan Your Chinook Salmon (King Salmon) Trip

Find lakes, guides, and bait shops for your next chinook salmon (king salmon) fishing trip in Wisconsin.

Explore Lakes Find a Guide Bait & Tackle

Regulations shown are statewide defaults. Some waters have special regulations — always check the current Wisconsin DNR regulations before fishing. A Wisconsin fishing license is required for ages 16+.