Spawn Blog

Chum fry migration is an annual event that occurs in the Pacific Northwest each spring. These tiny fish are an important part of the ecosystem, and their migration has a significant impact on the food chain and the health of the environment. In particular, chum fry are an essential food source for Sea Run Cutthroat populations in Puget Sound where we grew up.

Chum fry are the juvenile form of Chum Salmon, and they begin their migration from their freshwater spawning grounds to the saltwater estuaries and bays where they will continue to grow and mature. This journey can be perilous, as chum fry are vulnerable to predation from a variety of aquatic and avian predators. Despite the risks, chum fry migration is critical to the health of the ecosystem. As they move through the estuaries, the fry consume large amounts of plankton and other small organisms while providing nutrients to all the species that rely on these fish as food.

One species that benefits greatly from the chum fry migration is the Sea Run Cutthroat, one of our favorite species to target. These fish are known for their incredible fighting ability and their willingness to take a fly. They are also an important indicator species, providing valuable information about the health of the Puget Sound ecosystem.

For anglers, the chum fry migration is an exciting time of year. The cutthroat become more active and aggressive as they feed on the abundance of fry in the water. This presents an excellent opportunity for fly fishing enthusiasts to target these fish and test their skills. In many cases you can find cutthroat crashing the surface chasing these fry along the beaches of Puget Sound.

At Spawn Fly Fish, we understand the importance of chum fry migration and the role it plays in the Puget Sound ecosystem. That's why we offer a wide selection of high-quality fly tying materials that are perfect for creating the best chum fry fly patterns. From hooks and feathers to dubbing and flash, we have everything you need to tie flies that will attract even the most elusive Sea Run Cutthroat.

If you haven't experienced fishing during the Chum Fry "hatch," then you're missing out on a prime opportunity to target some of the most incredible cutthroat in the Pacific Northwest. While matching the hatch is a crucial aspect of fly tying and fly fishing, it's essential to keep in mind that you don't need to limit yourself to exclusively using chum fry patterns during this time of year. We highly recommend bringing along some shrimp flies and other patterns as well. Moreover, the Chum Fry "hatch" presents an excellent opportunity to entice a cutthroat to take a fly on the surface. So don't hesitate to try your hand at surface fishing during this exciting time of year!

Chum fry migration is a critical event in the Pacific Northwest ecosystem, and it has a significant impact on the sea run cutthroat populations in Puget Sound. As an angler, taking advantage of this migration can provide a thrilling and rewarding fly fishing experience. At Spawn Fly Fish, we're here to help you make the most of this opportunity by providing the best fly tying materials and expert guidance for creating the perfect chum fry fly patterns. So, whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, be sure to stop by our shop and stock up on everything you need for your next chum fry fishing adventure.

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The words "Chum Fry" spark every fly fishers attention in Puget Sound. This is a time of year when Cutthroat are leaving the spawning grounds and looking to recover from the hardships associated with an anadromous lifestyle. Food is usually plentiful with large schools of Chum Fry pouring out of the streams and into Puget Sound. 

Although this year's Chum Salmon returns were low and flooding post spawn could have disrupted many of the redds, we are hoping there will still be Chum Fry around with hungry Sea Run Cutthroat and Resident Coho looking for an easy meal. 

If you have looked into the Spawn Simi Seal Dubbing, you will see that the blends we have created with John Romher are ultra specific. Their applications reach far outside the beaches of Puget Sound, but the inspiration stems from our home waters here in Washington. Pete Rosenau is one of the most talented tiers and materials designers there is and his involvement with creating the Chum Fry Simi Seal is invaluable.  

Chum Fry Recipe:

All available on our site!

Spawn's Mega Simi Seal- Chum Fry

Spawn's Mega Simi Seal- Smolt Belly

Spawn's Simi Seal- White/Silver

Lead Free Wire .025

Ahrex NS122- Size #10

Spawn Eyes- 4mm 

Black Sharpe

First we will start with a size #10 NS122 from Ahrex Hooks.

After a thin thread base, add 8-10 wraps of .025 Lead Free Wire leaving about 4mm of space in front of the wraps to finish your fly and add Spawn 3D eyes.

Then, take Spawn's Mega Simi Seal in Chum Fry and tie on the tail section. For this you want to have as much going off the back end of the hook as possible while still ensuring it is snugly tied in. 

Dub your thread with Spawn's Simi Seal in White/Silver and begin to wrap forward. For best results, wax your thread!

Stop wrapping the Simi Seal at the end of your Lead Free Wire wraps. 

Now add Spawn's Mega Simi Seal in Chum Fry to the top of your hook shank and veil back the Simi Seal to create a small taper for the head of the fly. 

Add Spawn's Mega Simi Seal in Smolt Belly to the bottom of your hook shank to create the belly of the fly. 

Whip finish and brush out the fly. 

Use resin to add on your favorite Spawn Eyes to give your fly an even more lifelike look and feel.

If you'd like, you can use a permanent marker to add Parr marks.

Without Parr marks:

With Parr marks: 

You now have an easy and effective Chum Fry Pattern using dubbing that was designed to exactly replicate the colors of this Puget Sound Hatch here on our home waters! 

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