Ralph Shaw on Jack Shaw
In his lifetime, internationally-known fly fisherman
Jack Shaw changed the face of fly fishing in British Columbia. Author Ralph Shaw's reveals fishing tips and observations from the fly fishing legend in his latest book, The Pleasure of His Company.
Chum
Also known as: dog salmon
Average size: 8-12 pounds, with a big fish weighing in the twenties
Marine Phase
What they look like: Chum salmon are often mistaken for sockeye and vice versa. Although clearly different in the river, you have to look closely at chum and sockeye to distinguish them from one another once in saltwater. A white tip on the anal fin usually identifies a chum salmon. The tail has a narrow base and silver streaks. Spawning chums have reddish purple streaks and large pale blotches on a paler background. There can be a greenish tinge on their backs. Males have large, hooked jaws with big "canine" teeth.
Spawning Phase
Where they live:
Chum fry migrate to the sea soon after they emerge from the gravel. They spend from four to seven years at sea.
