History King salmon, also known as Chinook salmon, have a rich history in Humboldt County, California, intertwined with the region's Native American heritage, the Gold Rush, and the development of the fishing industry. King salmon were a vital food source and held cultural significance for local tribes, and later became a cornerstone of the commercial and recreational fishing economies. King salmon were a dietary staple and held spiritual importance for the Wiyot people and other tribes in the Humboldt Bay area. The discovery of gold in the Trinity region in 1848 led to a population boom in Humboldt County, increasing the demand for food, including salmon. The development of the mild- curing process in 1898, which allowed for better preservation of salmon, boosted commercial fishing in Humboldt Bay and the Eel River. The unincorporated community of King Salmon, located across from the entrance to Humboldt Bay, is named after the fish and offers access to fishing and recreational activities.