Seattle King Salmon Fishing Charters
Overview: The Iconic Chinook of Puget Sound
When anglers dream of fishing in Seattle, King Salmon — also known as Chinook — are usually the first catch that comes to mind. These are the largest and most prized salmon in Puget Sound, famous for their strength, size, and rich flavor. Landing a Chinook isn’t just fishing — it’s a full-on Pacific Northwest adventure.
Fish Finders Seattle has been guiding guests to King Salmon for decades. With departures just minutes from downtown Seattle, you’ll be on calm Puget Sound waters in no time, chasing the ultimate trophy fish without the long drive to remote rivers or coastal towns.
Season & Availability
Seattle’s King Salmon season runs June through November, with peak fishing in July and August.
- Summer Kings: Adult Chinook migrate through Puget Sound in the warm summer months. These fish are the heaviest of all salmon species, with some topping 20–30 pounds.
- Winter Blackmouth: From November through April, juvenile Chinook (called Blackmouth) remain in Puget Sound year-round, offering a winter fishery when most other salmon seasons are closed. (Winter seasons may vary)
This dual opportunity makes Chinook one of the most versatile and exciting targets in Seattle. Whether you’re visiting in summer or winter, there’s often a King Salmon option available.
How We Fish for Kings
Fishing for King Salmon in Puget Sound is a hands-on experience that combines patience, technique, and excitement.
- Trolling with Downriggers – A proven method for reaching Kings that swim deep (sometimes over 100 feet). We use quality gear, lures, and herring baits to entice strikes.
- Drift Mooching – A Seattle classic and a specialty of Captain Justin. This style lets you hold the rod, work the bait, and feel the strike firsthand.
- Light Tackle Fight – Once hooked, Chinook put up a powerful battle. It’s the kind of fish that tests your skill and leaves you with a story to tell.
Every trip is guided by an experienced local captain who knows the tides, currents, and hotspots that Kings call home.
More Than Fishing: Seattle Scenery & Wildlife
While reeling in a King Salmon may be the highlight of your trip, the setting makes the adventure unforgettable. From our charter boats you may spot:
- Orcas, gray whales, and porpoises cruising Puget Sound
- Bald eagles and sea lions hunting the same fish you’re after
- The Seattle skyline, Olympic Mountains, and Mt. Rainier rising in the distance
It’s the kind of trip where you’ll take as many photos of the views as you do of the fish.
Trip Details
Your Seattle King Salmon fishing charter includes everything you need for a successful day on the water:
- Departures: Daily from Shilshole Bay Marina in Ballard — just 10 minutes from downtown Seattle
- Trip Length: 4-hour afternoon or 6-hour morning charters
- Group Size: 3–5 on shared trips, up to 6 on private trips
- What’s Included: Rods, reels, bait, tackle, fish cleaning, and bags (licenses available onboard)
- Captains: Local Seattle guides with decades of experience fishing Puget Sound
Whether you’re an experienced angler or a first-time visitor, our team makes the trip accessible, safe, and memorable.
Seattle’s King Salmon Experts Since 1994
Catching a King Salmon in Seattle isn’t just about luck — it takes local knowledge, decades of experience, and a captain who knows when and where to be on the water.
That’s exactly what you get with Fish Finders Private Charters.
- Decades on Puget Sound: Captain Carl Nyman has been guiding Seattle salmon trips since 1994, and has lived and fished here since childhood. His knowledge of the tides, runs, and hotspots comes from a lifetime on these waters.
- Trusted Local Guides: In addition to Carl, we work with a select group of captains like Justin Wong, each handpicked for their skill, professionalism, and passion for salmon fishing.
- Small Groups, Big Memories: We keep our trips personal — usually 3–5 anglers on shared boats — so you get more chances at the rod, more coaching, and a better overall experience.
- Beyond the Catch: From orcas surfacing nearby to the Seattle skyline glowing at sunrise, our trips are about more than just the fish — they’re about the story you’ll take home.