Oncorhynchus keta
The chum salmon is one of the most underappreciated game fish in the Pacific salmon family, yet it offers some of the hardest-fighting action available to fly anglers in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. Known as dog salmon for the large canine-like teeth that males develop during spawning, chum salmon are the second-largest Pacific salmon species, averaging 8 to 15 pounds and occasionally exceeding 30 pounds. Fresh from the ocean, chum salmon are bright chrome with subtle purple and green vertical bars that intensify dramatically as fish enter spawning condition. Chum salmon have gained increasing popularity among fly anglers who appreciate their aggressive strikes, powerful runs, and availability in large numbers across a wide geographic range. Late-season chum runs in October and November extend the salmon fishing calendar well after other species have finished spawning.
Order
Salmoniformes
Family
Salmonidae
Genus
Oncorhynchus
Species
O. keta
Open ocean during marine phase; coastal rivers, tidal estuaries, and small streams during spawning migration; prefers moderate currents and gravel substrates
Native Range: Widest geographic range of any Pacific salmon, from San Francisco Bay north through Alaska and across to Korea, Japan, and Arctic Russia
Introduced Range: No significant introductions outside native range; occasional stray fish appear in non-native waters
In the ocean: zooplankton, jellyfish, small fish, and squid; in freshwater during spawning: non-feeding but will aggressively strike bright, flashy patterns
Chum salmon typically spawn from September through January, making them the latest-running Pacific salmon species in many systems. They favor lower river reaches and small coastal streams with spring-fed groundwater upwelling. Females deposit 2,400 to 3,100 eggs in gravel redds, and all adults die after spawning.
Spawning Months
Spawning Temperature: 42-50°F
The Chum Salmon is currently classified as Columbia River chum are listed as Threatened under the ESA; Alaskan populations remain healthy with strong commercial harvests. Responsible catch-and-release practices help protect populations for future generations of anglers.
Target fresh chum salmon in tidewater and lower river sections where they are still bright and aggressive. Chartreuse, pink, and purple flies provoke the most strikes. Chum salmon fight exceptionally hard for their size, so be prepared for powerful runs and dogged resistance near the end of the fight.
A 9-foot 8-weight rod is standard for chum salmon. Use a floating or sink-tip line with 12-16 lb tippet. Heavy chum on light gear can be an endurance contest.
Average Size
22-30 inches, 8-15 lbs
World Record
35 lbs (Edie Pass, British Columbia, 1995)
