I fish the green river and have no trouble catching multiple silver with spoons. However I catch multiple chum too but the trouble is there almost always accidental snagged. I spot fish many times in low water but this fish won't bite. I have tried green spoons but no difference. The spoon will right in there face but no takers. I don't like to use bait. Are chum just harder to catch or is it just me. Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance

I don't find chums to be all that willing to hit lures.

Sometimes pulling plugs, straight or with a wrap can be the ticket, but usually they have to be very fresh fish.

I catch a ton every year, almost entirely on one of two things: orange corky with a bit of green yarn, or a pink/white jig under a float.

As with most fish, a little higher water cranks up their bite potential.

If you flyfish, sometimes that's the most effective way to catch 'em.

Spoons or spinners are generally a one way ticket to foul hooked chums.

Good luck.

Todd.

Hey Spoon,

If you ever figure out a way to really catch chums please let me know. I have been taking a trip over to (6 hr drive for me) Hoodsport for about 10 years now and always catch fish. The problem is that most are foul hooked. I typically only fly fish for them and despite being into icredibly large schools of fish can seldom get them to bite. I met someone this year at Hood Canal that claims he regulary gets them in the mouth with a corky/yarn combo. He pegged the corky (the small size) to the yarn (grn) at the hook and then put a couple split shot about 12 inches above. He would cast out, tighten the line, and................. wait. Although I don't doubt this method works I still suspect that many times the chums are simply swimming by and the line gets in their mouth which of course eventually leads to the hook. Regardless, Chums are truly magnificent fighters, some of the best I think. Anyway, here is a site for you to check out if u havn't already: www.adventureangling.com/dkchum.htm

Good Luck!!!

RiverMan

I catch a lot of chums just by using a bobber and some chartruse (green) yarn. I used to use spoons but I would always end up foul hooking the fish.

I've got a few on bobber and jig. But the only way to really get them is to piss them off. Make them mad. I use K-15 kwickies and they definatly bite them. ROD DOWN.

Tight lines

Kevin

A lot of us have trouble getting dogs to bite from time to time. I have found that if you fish a spot with a good number of fish that have not been fished over alot, that they seem to bite better, or in higher water, or sometimes a smaller lure in the right color ( experiment a bit) seems to work. This year I did well on a bright cerise pink jig fished in heavy boiling water right near bottom. Hooked only bucks though on this, but they were brutes. Green did not work or red, just that right color of pink. hope that helps, they can be tough, thanks.

Wow, I thought I was the only struggling Rookie (Smolt)!! I've been fishing almost everyday for Chum since November, and finally caught (in the mouth, anyways) my first 3 a week ago. I was going down to Mud Bay (McLane Creek) after work/weekends till it closed (Nov. 30th), and never landed a single one. Hooked a bunch, but no victories. Very frustrating when the guy next to you lands 3 in 10 minutes. Well, Mud Bay is now closed so I've been going back to my hometown Carbon River on my way home from work. By the sewer plant you can actually SEE millions (?) of them--out in the river and right up to shore. However, I have never got one that I could see make a move. One theory is that Chum die quicker than Silvers/Kings upon reaching fresh water, and therefore the ones we see are old and tired--not in any mood for chasing corkies!! However, I have seen a lot caught-all on corkies with or without yarn. Orange and/or yellow/charteuse seemed to work the best. I had some green mixed in my offering when I caught mine. Man, they DO fight. Took me 10 minutes to land a 16 pounder on my spinning reel. Tried a pink/white marabou this weekend, with no weight OR float, and snagged 3 very quickly. Disappointing to spend the time cranking them in to see my jig in their fin! Anyways, I'm just like you--a beginner (1st year salmon fishing), so maybe some of the vetrens can offer more help. They have helped me a lot. Email me, and maybe we can hook up for a Rookie Fish Fest!! Fish on!!

Thanks for the advice caught a chum on a egg fly couple days ago. Today went with with the green yarn caught 3 in the mouth and one nice smoker.