Chum Salmon
Caught from September to October
Quick Facts:
- Scientific name: Oncorhynchus keta.
- Chum salmon are found throughout the Pacific Rim, from Oregon to Alaska and as far afield as Japan and Korea.
- Chum are the poorest jumpers of the Pacific salmon world and waterfalls that do not impede any of the other species can often stop their upstream migration.
- This is a preferred fish for cold-smoking, owing to the low oil content of the flesh.
Description of chum salmon in marine phase
A white tip on the anal fin usually identifies a chum salmon. Resembling sockeye, but larger, chum have silvery sides and faint grid-like bars as they near spawning streams. The tail base is narrow and there is silver in the tail. They live three to five years and weigh about 4.5 kg to 6.5 kg, but they have been known to reach as much as 15 kg.
Each chum salmon you keep must be at least 30 cm long.
Description of chum salmon in freshwater phase
Maturing chum in freshwater show reddish purple streaks or bars and large pale blotches on a pale background, and white on the tips of pelvic and anal fins. They have a greenish tinge on their dorsal surface (back), and no dark spots on caudal fin.
The lips are fleshy with well- developed teeth in both jaws, but there are no teeth on the base of the tongue.
The tail is slightly forked and has silver streaks covering about half of the fin. The caudal peduncle or wrist is slender.