Chum (Keta) Salmon
Chum Salmon (Oncorhynchus keta), also known as Dog or Keta Salmon, are powerful, hard-fighting Pacific salmon, known for their aggressive strikes, incredible endurance, and striking coloration during the spawn. Though often overlooked compared to King or Silver Salmon, chums provide some of the best light tackle and fly fishing action in both fresh and saltwater.
Where to Find Chum Salmon
Chum Salmon are anadromous, meaning they migrate between saltwater and freshwater, spawning in rivers, streams, and estuaries. The best destinations for targeting chum salmon include:
- Alaska (Bristol Bay, Kenai River, Tongass National Forest) – Home to massive runs of aggressive chums.
- British Columbia (Skeena River, Fraser River, Vancouver Island) – World-class fly and conventional fishing for chums.
- Washington & Oregon (Puget Sound, Olympic Peninsula, Columbia River) – One of the best places for targeting big, fresh-run chums.
- Kamchatka, Russia – Remote, untouched rivers with huge populations of wild chum salmon.
- Japan & Korea – Some of the largest chum salmon runs in the Western Pacific.
What Makes Chum Salmon Special?
Chum Salmon are incredibly aggressive, especially when returning to freshwater to spawn. Unlike other salmon species, they will readily chase flies, lures, and even topwater presentations. Their distinctive “tiger stripe” spawning colors and hooked kypes make them one of the most unique-looking fish in the Pacific. Known for their stamina and long battles, chums test an angler’s skill and gear to the limit.
Top Fishing Techniques
Chum Salmon can be caught in both freshwater and saltwater, using a variety of techniques, including:
- Fly Fishing with Bright Streamers & Egg Patterns – Chums aggressively strike chartreuse, pink, and purple flies.
- Casting Spinners & Spoons (Blue Fox, Mepps, Vibrax) – Deadly for chums in rivers and estuaries.
- Drift Fishing with Roe & Beads – Effective for fresh-run chums in deeper pools.
- Swinging Intruder & Leech Patterns – A favorite technique for fly anglers in fast-moving water.
- Trolling with Flashers & Hoochies – Used to target chums before they enter freshwater.
Best Time to Fish for Chum Salmon
- Alaska & British Columbia – Best from July to October, with peak runs in late summer and early fall.
- Washington & Oregon – Best from September to December, with fresh fish entering rivers in fall and early winter.
- Russia & Kamchatka – Best from June to September, during major spawning runs.
- Japan & Korea – Best from October to December, with large runs in northern rivers.
The World’s Best Chum Salmon Fishing Lodges & Charters
For anglers seeking high-action battles with one of the toughest Pacific salmon, Fishing Explora offers access to the best chum salmon fishing lodges, guided trips, and remote wilderness experiences. Whether you’re fly fishing the wild rivers of Alaska, casting spinners in British Columbia, or swinging flies in the pristine waters of Kamchatka, our curated destinations provide expert guides, top-tier accommodations, and unforgettable fishing adventures.
Explore the best chum salmon fishing lodges and trips – right here on FishingExplora.
