Fishing the
Eastern Kenai Peninsula

Chum (Dog) Salmon

Chum salmon are the most widely distributed of the Pacific salmon. In Resurrection Bay they spawn in many of the streams utilized by pink salmon. As is characteristic of pink salmon, chum salmon will also spawn in the inter-tidal areas and migrate to salt water shortly after emerging from the gravel in early spring. However, unlike the pink or "humpy", this species remains in the marine environment from three to five years before returning to their stream of origin.

In Resurrection Bay, chum salmon return to the spawning streams from early July through early August. Spawning usually occurs from late July through August.

As is the case with sockeye salmon, this species is reluctant to accept conventional tackle. Therefore, only a few hundred of these fish are caught each year, the majority of which are snagged. They are generally available to the sport angler from late June through July and are harvested by a commercial fishery which occurs in late July. Anglers are allowed six salmon other than kings daily and in possession with no size restrictions.

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