Chum Salmon migrate in the fall. In the spring, they are attracted to many bait fish that migrate in the spring and gorge on them rapidly growing in size. As most Chum Salmon spend their lives in the ocean, the best fishing for them is in their ocean habit.

The West Coast of Canada and the United States sees Chum Salmon range a significant distance when it is out in the sea as can be seen by the image below.

While they do not range as far as the Sockeye Salmon, locating them can still be difficult. Only as they reach spawning age do they start heading back to the streams and rivers of their birth.

The best way to locate them is to follow the location of bait fish in the ocean. It is not uncommon to find many of them in the estuaries and bays along the Pacific Coast during spring feasting on bait fish and crustaceans.

Food Preferences

One of their favourite bait fish is the schooling herring, but they will go after pretty much any schooling fish. They will also go after squid, mollusks and tunicates.

The Chum Salmon is a voracious hunter and will grow rapidly as it feasts of schools of fish and other foods. As the Chum Salmon are found in many different parts of the world, the best way to ensure a good fishing outing is to talk to local guides and charters.

Moreover, many charters offer a free outing if you do not catch any fish. Usually only those experienced guides offer this deal. While these charters may cost more, you chances of going home disappointed are much reduced.

Also, check with the local chamber of commerce as to who they might recommend.

Fishing Techniques

Good baits that will find you catching Chum Salmon, and the other Salmon species, include herring and squid. These baits are easy to find and are abundant in their mean habitat.

The best way to catch them is via the use of a boat with a fish sonar device and planar to help keep your bait at the right depth.

Chum Salmon can range as deep as 250 feet all the way up to 10 feet in the search for a good meal. Most of the time, they are located at depths between 20 and 80 feet.