Halloween in Washington doesn’t just mark the time for spooky costumes and trick-or-treating—it signals the beginning of one of the most thrilling fishing opportunities of the year: Chum Salmon season! As we approach late October, the rivers and streams in Southwest Washington and beyond come alive with chum salmon surging through our waterways. Whether you're in Puget Sound or venturing into the rivers of Southwest Washington, the arrival of these fish is impossible to miss.
By the time Halloween rolls around, you'll start seeing chum salmon jumping in Puget Sound and migrating up the rivers. In Southwest Washington, these fish flood into our systems in huge numbers. This time of year is perfect for anglers who are ready for a new challenge—a species that’s often overlooked but delivers an incredible fight.
Despite their abundance and strength, chum salmon often don’t get the recognition they deserve. We live in a region where harvesting fish to eat is a big part of the fishing culture. Since chum salmon aren’t as prized for their taste as they move into the rivers, they don’t always get the same love as other species like Chinook or coho. But if you’re a fly angler, you know the real value of these fish lies not on the dinner table, but in the adrenaline-pumping battle they bring to the end of your line.
Chum salmon, also known as "dogs" due to their gnarly teeth, are a powerhouse of a species. Their sheer strength makes for an exhilarating rush on the fly. Once hooked, they put on a display of raw power that’s hard to beat. There is not a fish in the PNW that has broken more rods for us!
What makes this time of year even more special is that a lot of the popular rivers begin to slow down in terms of fishing pressure. Many anglers in the region focus on species they can harvest, so as chum move into the rivers, you'll notice fewer crowds. This opens up a fantastic window for catch-and-release anglers who are here for the sport and the excitement, rather than the dinner plate.
For those willing to explore and try something different, chum salmon offer some of the most electric fishing experiences you’ll find in the fall. Not only do they take flies aggressively, but they also fight with everything they’ve got, making each hook-up a memorable one.
So, as the leaves change color and the spooky decorations come out, remember that something else exciting is happening in the water. The chum salmon are almost here, and you don’t want to miss out on one of the most thrilling fishing experiences of the year.
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