If you're heading to the river this fall, you'll need a solid container of chum salmon flies in order to stand a possibility against these toothy, hard-fighting brawlers. Usually overlooked in favor of Coho or Kings, Chum salmon—or "dogs" because they're affectionately known—are actually some of the most intense fish you can target with a fly rod. They don't just chew; they slash. But to get that will reaction, you have to present them with something they will actually want to kill.
Chums are unique. As opposed to a finicky bass that might want a perfect size eighteen gnat, a Chum is looking with regard to a fight. These people are territorial, cranky, and respond well to flies that look like the threat or an annoyance. If you've got the right styles, you're in with regard to each day of sore shoulders and shouting reels.
Why Color Matters Most
When you're selecting chum salmon flies , your very first thought must always become color. In case you inquire ten different fishermen what the best color is, nine of them will probably say pink. There's something regarding a bright, obnoxious pink that simply sends Chums in to a frenzy. It's the particular "bread and butter" of the Chum world.
However, don't just cease at pink. Crimson is an amazing secondary color, specifically on those cloudy, drizzly days which are so common during the fall run. Chartreuse is another weighty hitter. Sometimes, whenever the fish possess seen a hundred pink flies, switching to a neon natural or perhaps a deep violet can trigger the strike from the fish that's long gone "blind" to the usual stuff.
I like to carry a mix. Some flies which are pure pink, some that are usually "Electric Grape" (purple and pink mixed), and a several which are chartreuse. The particular goal is visibility. Chums often sit within the "soft" water or along the seams in which the present slows down, and they also need to see your fly arriving from a range to decide they desire to eat this.
The Importance of Movement
If your travel looks like a stiff piece associated with plastic, the seafood probably won't trouble. Chums love movement. This is precisely why materials like marabou plus rabbit strips are so essential in chum salmon flies .
When a marabou fly hits the water, it breathes. Even if you aren't stripping this, the current moves those fine materials, making the soar look alive. Rabbit leeches are one more favorite. The fat from the wet bunny fur gives the fly a "jigging" motion that Chums find irresistible. When you're swinging the fly by way of a work, you want that will tail to become wagging and dancing. It's that realistic pulse that often turns a "looker" into a "taker. "
The particular Bunny Leech
This is most likely the most popular pattern for a reason. It's simple, it's heavy whenever wet, and this moves often. The pink or cerise bunny leech with a bit of flash in the tail is a lethal weapon. It's also durable. Chums possess sharp teeth, and they will completely shred delicate flies. Rabbit skin stands up much better than synthetic flash or cheap feathers.
The Alaskabou
This is the classic marabou design. It's huge, it's fluffy, and it has a huge profile in the water. Because it's so soft, this collapses when you remove it and grows when you hover near. That "breathe" effect is exactly exactly what you want when you're trying in order to annoy a salmon into striking.
Weight and Depth Control
You can have the particular prettiest chum salmon flies in the world, but if they're floating three foot above the fish's head, you aren't catching anything. Chums generally hold near the bottom. They aren't quite as bottom-hugging as Sockeye, but they aren't exactly surface sportsman either.
Many of the time, you'll want flies with some weight. Metal or tungsten beans great, but prospect eyes (dumbbell eyes) are even better because they assist the fly track "point up. " This is the lifesaver when you're fishing rocky river bottoms, because it prevents you from snagging a rock each third cast.
When the drinking water is deep plus fast, you'll want a heavy travel and a kitchen sink tip. If the water is shallower and slower, a lighter fly with a long innovator might do the particular trick. Remember: you want to end up being in the "zone, " which is usually usually the bottom level third of the drinking water column.
Fishing hook Strength is Non-Negotiable
One thing people often forget until it's in its final stages is lift strength. Chums are usually incredibly powerful. They will have thick, bony jaws, plus they pull like freight locomotives. If you make use of a cheap, thin-wire hook, a large Chum will certainly straighten it out there in about 30 seconds.
Whenever tying or buying chum salmon flies , get them to be on high-quality, 2X or 3X strong hooks. Size 1 or 1/0 is generally the lovely spot. You need a hook that is wide enough to obtain around that huge jaw but strong enough not to bend underneath the pressure of a 15-pound fish in a large current.
Topwater Action? Believe It!
It's a bit of a secret in certain circles, but Chums will actually strike topwater flies. It's not a common method to fish for them, but it's arguably one of the most fun. A pattern like the Pink Polywog can be incredibly effective within shallow, slow-moving water.
You skitter the fly across the surface, producing a wake. Viewing a big, gnarly Chum salmon wake behind your soar then smash it on the surface is a heart-stopping experience. It doesn't work everywhere—you usually need "happy" seafood that haven't already been pressured too much—but when it works, it's the highlight of the trip.
Presentation Techniques
How you perch your chum salmon flies is simply as important as the fly itself. The particular most common technique is the "down and across" swing. You cast across the particular river, let the current tension get the line, and allow the fly in order to swing in a good arc through the particular holding water.
Often, the strike happens here at the end of the particular swing—the "dangle. " Chums will often follow a travel all the method across the river and only commit once it starts to deal with and rise in water column. Don't end up being too quick to recast! Give it some extra seconds at the end of the swing.
If the swing isn't functioning, try a gradual, rhythmic strip. Sometimes they need that will extra bit associated with "fleeing" motion in order to trigger their deceptive instinct. Chums can be lazy, therefore you don't want to strip it too fast. Think of it as a slow crawl via their family room.
Gear for that Occasion
To toss these chum salmon flies , you're heading to want a good 8-weight or 9-weight rod. A 7-weight can handle a smaller Chum, yet if you catch into a refreshing, chrome-bright "dog, " you'll wish you had more central source.
Pair your rod having a reel that provides a solid disc drag. Chums are known for their own long, blistering works. They don't leap as much as Coho, but they have amazing stamina. You'll end up being doing a lot of "palming" the reel in case your drag isn't up to snuff.
Final Ideas on Selection
At the end of the day time, your box of chum salmon flies doesn't need to be challenging. You don't require a thousand different patterns. What you require are a several proven styles in a variety of weights and shades.
Concentrate on: * Bright Pinks plus Purples for visibility. * Marabou and Rabbit for that lifelike movement. * Heavy Hooks that won't fail when the pressure is usually on. * Weighted Options to get right down to exactly where the fish reside.
If a person have those angles covered, you're ready to hit the particular river. Chum salmon might not get the same glory as King salmon, but pound regarding pound, they may be several of the almost all entertaining fish you can find. Simply make sure you bring plenty of flies—between the tooth of the fish and the rocks on the bottom, you're going to go through a few!