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Chum Salmon

Chum Salmon

Chum Salmon are the most widely distributed Pacific salmon species in Washington, found from Arctic Alaska to central California.

They're the second most abundant salmon in the Pacific Northwest after pink salmon and the second-largest Pacific salmon after Chinook.

Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus keta

Also known as dog salmon

Physical Characteristics:
  • Adult chum typically weigh 6-15 pounds, with some exceeding 30 pounds.
  • Also known as 'dog salmon' due to their prominent canine-like teeth during spawning.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found throughout Puget Sound marine areas, the Columbia River system, and coastal rivers.
  • They prefer lower river reaches and tidal waters, staying closer to saltwater than other salmon species.

Key Locations

  • Puget Sound marine areas, Columbia River system, coastal rivers including the Skykomish, Snohomish, Chehalis, Dungeness, and Stillaguamish Rivers.
  • Popular chum waters include the Skykomish River around Monroe and Sultan, Puget Sound marine areas during late summer, and Olympic Peninsula rivers.

Specific Spots

  • Tidal waters and lower river reaches in moderate currents 4+ feet deep, deep pools.

Chum Salmon FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Chum Salmon in Washington?

1/4-3/8 ounce marabou or rabbit fur jigs, spin-glos with sand shrimp or prawns, Kwikfish (K13-K15) and Mag Lip plugs (3.5-4.5) wrapped with sardine fillets, prawn chunks.

What flies work for Chum Salmon in Washington?

Streamer flies in bright colors - pink, chartreuse, cerise, orange, and black. Marabou flies, bunny leeches, and e.g.g-sucking leeches ranging from 1-3 inches in length.

When is the best time to fish for Chum Salmon in Washington?

The prime chum salmon fishing season in Washington runs from August through November, with peak action in September and October. Chum spawn from late summer through winter, with peak spawning occurring October through December in most Washington waters.

How do you catch Chum Salmon in Washington?

Float fishing with jigs under bobbers tipped with prawn chunks, twitching jigs in deep pools, drift fishing with corky and yarn rigs, plunking, back-trolling or pulling plugs from boats.

What do Chum Salmon eat?

Their diet consists primarily of large, gelatinous zooplankton including euphausiids, amphipods, and marine worms while in saltwater.

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