Chum get dismissed as the ugly cousin of salmon season. That's a mistake: they're hard-fighting, abundant, predictable — and fresh chrome chum are genuinely good eating.
Fishing snapshot
Chum return to Puget Sound streams from roughly October through December, with strong runs in south Sound systems first. They bite aggressively near river mouths, fight harder than their size suggests, and often arrive in numbers that make coho fishing look slow.
Best for: anglers who want consistent action during gray November days. Key takeaway: fish the first miles of rivers on incoming tides with jigs or spoons; keep only bright fish.
Regulations vary by system and week. Confirm open areas, retention rules, and gear restrictions before fishing.
Where and when
- South Sound rivers see early runs (October)
- Central and north Sound systems follow through November
- Hood Canal beaches host famous shoreline fisheries where chum stage before entering rivers
Fish move on tides: incoming pushes them toward creek mouths; outgoing spreads them along drop-offs. First-light is prime everywhere.
Gear that works
The jig show
Small jigs under a float, tipped or bare:
- 1/8–1/4 oz jigs in pink, purple, chartreuse
- Float set to run just above grass lines and drop-off edges
- Twitch occasionally; most strikes come as slow, deliberate dips
Spoons and spinners
Cast-and-swing across current seams:
- Size 3.5–4 spoons in green or chartreuse
- Slow roll spinners near bottom in softer water
Beach game (Hood Canal style)
Long casts with jigs or spoons off points near creek mouths. Waders help; patience helps more.
The eating-quality honesty
Chum meat quality drops fast once fish enter rivers:
| Fish condition | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Chrome, sea-lice present | Excellent — smoke or grill |
| Starting to color | Good for smoking |
| Red/purple, hooked jaws | Catch-and-release territory |
Keep bright ones only, bleed immediately, ice fast. Treated right, chum smokes beautifully and grills clean.
Why it's worth your time
- Numbers: good runs mean multiple-fish days when other fisheries slow
- Access: many fisheries are bank-friendly at bridges, parks, and beaches
- Skill-building: chum teach reading staging water cheaply
- Crowd relief: November chum banks run empty compared to September chinook madness
Wrap-up
Pink jigs near creek mouths, incoming tide, keep only chrome. Chum season fills the gap between salmon seasons — and fills smokers while it's at it.
Sources Checked
- WDFW regulation pamphlets — chum seasons, area openings, gear rules