CHUM SALMON

ENVIRONMENT YUKON

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CHUM SALMON
Oncorhynchus keta (Walbaum). Chum salmon are often called dog salmon because of the sharp dog-like teeth of spawning males and because they are often used to feed sled dogs. They are distinguished by the lack of black spots on the back and fins. Spawning fish have a greenish colour with dusky red mottlings or bars on their sides. The pelvic and anal fins are white-tipped. Adult fish average under 5 pounds in weight. Chum salmon spawn in the major tributaries of the Yukon River - the White, Stewart, Pelly and Teslin Rivers. The Porcupine River and its tributary the Fishing Branch River, also contain a sizeable spawning population. They first appear in Dawson about the middle of August and are still running after ice covers the river. The fry migrate immediately upon emerging from the gravel and return in their third or fourth year.