Chum Salmon (also known as dog salmon) - Oncorhynchus keta

How Can You Tell the Difference?

Anglers should use three or more distinguishing characteristics to properly identify all salmon. Chum are sometimes confused with sockeye, because they both lack spots on their tails and have a similar colouring. Always look for the silver streaks in the chum’s tail.

Description of chum salmon in marine phase

A white tip on the anal fin usually identifies a chum salmon. Resembling sockeye, but larger, chum have silvery sides and faint grid-like bars as they near spawning streams. The tail base is narrow and there is silver in the tail. They live three to five years and weigh about 4.5 kg to 6.5 kg, but they have been known to reach as much as 15 kg.

Each chum salmon you keep must be at least 30 cm long. 

Description of chum salmon in freshwater phase

Maturing chum in freshwater show reddish purple streaks or bars and large pale blotches on a pale background, and white on the tips of pelvic and anal fins. They have a greenish tinge on their dorsal surface (back), and no dark spots on caudal fin.
 

Chum Jaw The lips are fleshy with well- developed teeth in both jaws, but there are no teeth on the base of the tongue.

Chum Tail The tail is slightly forked and has silver streaks covering about half of the fin. The caudal peduncle or wrist is slender.

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