The Other Big Fall Salmon Run
Coho tend to get the early fall attention, but there’s another salmon worth watching as October rolls toward November: chum.
Chum salmon are big, powerful fish with a personality of their own. Most weigh around 10 to 15 pounds, though they can reach 33 pounds. Hook into one in moving water and you’ll understand why people respect them.
You might also hear chum called “dog salmon.” That nickname comes from the pronounced canine-like teeth males develop as they approach spawning.
They’re not the prettiest fish in the traditional silver-salmon sense once they’ve changed into their spawning colors, but they’re unmistakably part of the Pacific Northwest fall.
Why Hood Canal Is Worth Watching
Hood Canal is one of Washington’s classic chum salmon destinations. Historically, the area’s chum activity has built toward a November peak, making October a good time to get familiar with the shoreline and plan ahead.
Chum generally spawn closer to saltwater than coho, using small coastal streams and the lower reaches of larger rivers.
That means some of the most interesting salmon activity happens surprisingly close to where freshwater meets saltwater.
When fish begin collecting in lower streams, the experience can be impressive even without a fishing rod. Watching wild salmon make their way through shallow water is one of the better free shows we get around here.
Where to Start Scouting
WDFW has highlighted several Hood Canal shoreline areas worth knowing about:
- Hoodsport Hatchery area: A familiar reference point for chum activity and nearby shoreline access.
- Eagle Creek south of Potlatch State Park: Another location to learn about before making a trip.
- Highway 101 from Eldon to Hoodsport: Public-access shoreline areas provide opportunities to explore the canal.
These are places to investigate, not guarantees that fishing is currently permitted.
Be careful about access. Stay on public tidelands, respect private property, and don’t assume a stretch of beach is public simply because you can see it from the road.
Fishing for Chum Takes Patience
Chum can be stubborn customers. Their strength makes them exciting, but getting a fish to respond often takes some adjustment.
A few things help:
- Watch fish behavior before making repeated casts.
- Use a controlled presentation suited to the current.
- Avoid crowding fish in shallow water.
- Give other anglers and people watching salmon room to enjoy the shoreline.
There’s no need to make it complicated. A patient approach and a little respect for the fish go a long way.
Get Ready Now for Late October and November
October is a good time to organize your gear, scout access, and decide whether you want to explore Hood Canal independently or with local help.
Learn more on our salmon species page, or find a Washington fishing guide familiar with Hood Canal and nearby rivers.
Always consult the current WDFW fishing regulations before planning to fish. Rules can vary by location and change during the season.
And even if you leave the rod at home, a fall visit to watch chum moving through a coastal stream is time well spent.