North Cascades

Salmon of the Skagit River Watershed

Chum Salmon (also called dog) Oncorhyncus keta Chum fry migrate out to sea from March through July, almost immediately after becoming free swimmers. They spend one to three years traveling long distances in the ocean. Their ocean coloration of silvery blue green changes for spawning to splotchy purplish red and with distinct yellow and pink vertical bars on their sides. Color in the female is similar but not usually as distinct. Chum salmon develop a very hooked jaw with fierce teeth at spawning time. These are the last salmon to spawn (November to January). They utilize the lower tributaries of the watershed, tend to build redds in shallow edges of the watercourse and at the tail end of deep pools. Chum, on average, weigh eight to nine pounds and measure 40 inches in length. This species of salmon is the favored meal for wintering Skagit bald eagles.