Chum Salmon
Oncorhynchus keta
Chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) are a widespread Pacific salmon that spend most of their lives in the ocean and return to natal rivers to spawn. Adults are best known for their dark spawning colors and, in males, the pronounced kype and canine-like teeth that develop in freshwater.
Identification points
- Spawning adults often show olive to dark green backs with marbled purple-red sides and belly tones.
- Males develop a very pronounced hooked snout and enlarged canine teeth in freshwater.
- The tail fin usually has few or no black spots, unlike several other Pacific salmon.
Habitat
Anadromous species that grows in coastal and offshore marine waters, then enters large rivers, estuaries, and lower to middle river reaches to spawn; juveniles rear briefly in freshwater before migrating to sea.
Bait notes
In saltwater, small spoons, flashes, hoochies, cut-plug herring, and baitfish patterns can work well; in rivers, drifted roe, shrimp, sand shrimp imitations, small beads, and yarn flies are common. They are not usually selective when actively running.
Behavior
Feeds heavily at sea on krill, small fish, and squid, but generally stops feeding once migration into freshwater begins. Adults move upriver in runs timed by season and water conditions, with strong homing to natal systems.
Caution
Check local salmon regulations, as seasons, river closures, and retention limits can be strict. Spawning fish can be soft-fleshed, and freshwater-run fish are generally not feeding, so handling and quick release matter; like other salmon, parasite risk is reduced by proper cooking.
Fishing notes
Target returning fish in tidal mouths, estuaries, and lower river seams with drifting bait, float fishing, or trolling near current edges. Match presentation to water clarity and speed; use enough weight to stay near travel lanes without dragging unnaturally.