Target Species: Chum Salmon (Oncorhynchus keta)
Other Common Names: dog salmon, silver-bright, calico
Identification: Back is metallic bluish-green with fine black specks in the ocean. Has 19-27 stout, short gill rakers. Tail is spotless but may have silver streaks. In fresh water develops green and purple vertical bars which are more obvious in males. Dark band present along lateral line of females. Males develop large teeth and hooked snout.
Biological Info: Generally reach sexual maturity around 4 years of age. Frequently spawn in small side channels of large rivers as well as inter-tidal zones. Spawn in fall from November to late December. Females deposit 2,000-4,000 eggs. Chum move out of the streams in later spring after feeding on small insects for a few days after they hatch and then move into estuaries to feed for several months. They later form schools and move into the ocean feeding on zooplankton. Reach sexual maturity at 3-6 years of age.
Geographical Range: Most widely distributed Pacific salmon ranging north to the Arctic Ocean as far west as the Lena River in Siberia and east to the Mackenzie River in Canada. In the south they range from the Sacramento River in California to Kyushu Island in the Sea of Japan.
Favored Water Temp.: 48ºF-57ºF
Size: Usually caught in the 12-18 lb. range and up to 36" but as large as 30 lbs is possible. Females are generally smaller than males.
IGFA Record: 35 lbs. Edye Pass, British Columbia, Canada, 7/11/95
Sporting characteristics: Not a primary game fish because they don't eat during spawning and are not great jumpers. However, they are hardy, aggressive fighters and very challenging on fly rod. This fish tends to be oily so many anglers smoke it.
Food & Feeding Habits: Eat squid, plankton, crustaceans, crab larvae and fish. Stop feeding when spawn run starts.
Fishing methods: Trolling lures on the ocean. Also drifting herring or anchovies as well as casting spinners and standard mooching techniques are effective. Bank fishermen successfully use jigs, spoons and corkies. Medium-heavy gear is appropriate.
Top Spots: The Campbell River, Vancouver Island, BC, Canada, and Hood Canal Puget Sound, Washington.
Conservation: Follow local regulations. Keep only what is desired for personal consumption
Also see
Chinook Salmon
Red Salmon
Pink Salmon
Coho Salmon
Chum Salmon
Cherry Salmon
Atlantic Salmon
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