Chum Salmon
Chum salmon are the most widely distributed Pacific salmon species and are found throughout Alaska's coastal waters. They are known for their aggressive feeding behavior and strong fighting ability when hooked.
Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus keta
Also known as dog salmon, keta salmon
Adult chum salmon in Alaska typically weigh 7-18 pounds and reach 24-34 inches in length.
During their ocean phase, they display metallic bluish-green backs with silvery sides, but as they enter freshwater to spawn, males develop distinctive hooked jaws (kypes) with large canine teeth, and both sexes turn dark olive to brown with red and purple vertical stripes on their sides.
What to know
Habitat Distribution
Generally occur from Southeast Alaska to the Yukon River and beyond, with some populations traveling over 2,000 miles upstream in the Yukon system. They prefer spawning in small to medium, spring-fed side channels and lower river sections, often in the intertidal zone.Key Locations
Kenai River, Kasilof River, Chilkat River, and streams throughout Southeast AlaskaSpecific Spots
Soft water off gravel bars, deeper runs with moderate current, confluences of tributary streams, tidewater areas and lower river sectionsChum Salmon FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Chum Salmon in Alaska?
Vibrax spinners (sizes 2-5), Mepps spinners (sizes 2-5), Pixee spoons (1/4-1/2 oz), Krocodile spoons, Buzz Bombs (2-3 inch), Kwikfish plugs (K-13 through K-16) often enhanced with herring or sardine wrapping, salmon eggs, herring chunks, shrimp (especially when tipped on jigs)
What flies work for Chum Salmon in Alaska?
Bright-colored streamers featuring lots of movement and flash in cerise, pink, and chartreuse colors, egg-sucking leeches in bright colors, bunny leeches, Flash Flies, Polar Shrimp patterns, 4-5 inch king salmon flies when targeting larger fish
When is the best time to fish for Chum Salmon in Alaska?
Prime time runs from late June through September, with peak activity from mid-July through mid-August for summer runs and August through September for fall runs. Summer-run fish peak mid-July to mid-August and fall-run fish peak September or later.
How do you catch Chum Salmon in Alaska?
Swinging flies through likely holding water, stripping larger patterns near structure, back-trolling from boats with plugs, bait fishing under bobbers
What do Chum Salmon eat?
Juvenile chum salmon feed on zooplankton, insects, and small invertebrates in freshwater, while adults in the ocean consume euphausiids, copepods, squid, small fish, and notably, gelatinous zooplankton including comb jellies and salps.
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