UTERChum (dog) salmon fishing in Southeast Alaska
In Southeast Alaska, chum (dog) salmon peak July–August and are around June–September, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. July: Peak terminal chum; a pink or chartreuse hoochie off the release sites.
Not in Southeast Alaska this month.
Chum (dog) salmon in Southeast Alaska, month by month
- JanuaryNot here
- FebruaryNot here
- MarchNot here
- AprilNot here
- MayNot here
- JuneArrivingSummer chum at the hatchery terminal areas — Hidden Falls, Amalga Harbor.
- JulyPeakPeak terminal chum; a pink or chartreuse hoochie off the release sites.
- AugustPeakLate summer chum; fall chum begin on some systems.
- SeptemberLeaving
- OctoberNot here
- NovemberNot here
- DecemberNot here
Where to fish chum (dog) salmon near Ketchikan, Craig, Wrangell
The Inside Passage: a thousand islands of rainforest, deep fjords, kelp-lined points and the exposed outer coast off Sitka and Craig, with hundreds of salmon streams and hatchery release sites.
What to use for chum (dog) salmon
- HerringCut-plug for salmon: head off at an angle, guts out, two hooks in tandem so it spins slow behind a flasher or a banana weight. Whole and live on a circle hook for stripers where the herring run.
- Salmon eggs (roe)A dime-sized spawn sac tied in mesh, or single eggs on a #10 to #6 egg hook, drifted along the bottom for steelhead, trout and salmon. Check the state's rule — bait is banned on many trout and salmon waters.
- Leader20–40 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#1–4/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 42–58°F water, best at 46–54°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch chum (dog) salmon in Southeast Alaska?
Peak season is July–August. Chum (dog) salmon are in Southeast Alaska June–September. July: Peak terminal chum; a pink or chartreuse hoochie off the release sites.
Where do chum (dog) salmon hold in Southeast Alaska?
Look on beach / surf, pass / inlet, channel edge, river — around Ketchikan, Craig, Wrangell, Petersburg, Sitka, Juneau.
What is the best bait for chum (dog) salmon in Southeast Alaska?
Live bait: herring, salmon eggs (roe). Herring: Cut-plug for salmon: head off at an angle, guts out, two hooks in tandem so it spins slow behind a flasher or a banana weight. Whole and live on a circle hook for stripers where the herring run. Tackle: leader 20–40 lb fluorocarbon, hook #1–4/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for chum (dog) salmon in Southeast Alaska?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) and change — read the current rule at https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=fishregulations.main before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=license.main.
Fish it with the tide in your pocket
Fish Scouter scores chum (dog) salmon for this hour on this water, draws every reef, wreck and access point near you, and keeps your spots. $9.99 a month, 14 days free.
Start 14 free daysMore
All about chum (dog) salmon · Southeast Alaska, the whole year