Once Chum Salmon leave the ocean and move up stream, they stop feeding.

Some Chum will still feed in the first few days after entering the mouth of a large river.

They can still be caught though. Like many predatory fish, they are very protective of their territory and will strike a lure out of defense rather than hunger.

Most Chum Salmon that are caught in a small streams are snagged. However, at this time, Chum Salmon have nothing on their minds beside spawning. They are aggressive and territorial, defending their spawning ground from Rainbow and Brown Trout, which follow salmon up stream to feed on their eggs.

Chum Salmon Disintegration

Chum Salmon are not a hardy fish like the Atlantic Salmon. As they swim up stream, they start to disintegrate at a rapid rate.

Usually by the time Chum Salmon finish spawning, they are almost dead. It is safe to say that the Chum Salmon wear the most of all the Pacific salmon and all of them die after spawning.

In the lower stretches of a river, back-trolling from a drift boat with diving plugs, such as Kwikfish or Hot Shots, is an excellent way to locate moving Chum Salmon. When wading in the narrow, upper-river or tributary streams, spoons, spinners or streamers are highly effective.

Chum Salmon River Fishing

Chum Salmon are not that special and can be caught using Rapalas or spinners that have rainbow or brown trout colours. Sometimes they will also hit loud colours such as bright red or bright yellow. However, fly fishing is really the best method of catching Chum Salmon while they are in their river habitat.

Any flies that resembles local insects and bait fish work best. Also pay attention to the insects that are popular at the time of year you will be fishing. Dragon Fly dry flies are very effective.