Finally a 36 incher!

[PBH]

[quote Boatloadakids]PBH-- I have heard the locals refer to the Chum salmon as the Keta salmon -- one and the same?? The Keta name sounds more appealing than "dog" salmon.[/quote]


Pacific salmon all have numerous names. Us Americans call them differently than the Canadians (in Canada you almost exclusively hear the terms "chinook" and "coho" -- rarely do you hear "king" and "silver"). They also may distinguish names depending on fresh vs salt water, and sometimes, simply just due to personal preference (foyer vs. lobby?)

King salmon / chinook, spring, Quinnat, and Tyee
Silver salmon / coho /
Sockeye salmon / red / kokanee / blueback / nerka
Pink salmon / humpy (humpback)
Chum salmon / dog / keta / silverbrite

The river and spawning grounds of Chum salmon will often dictate their quality. Once the chum salmon start spawning, they deteriorate very fast, and become nothing more than dog food. But, if you catch them "fresh" then they can be excellent table fare.

We've often had locals mention to us concerning our salmon trips that "you keep dogs?!". We try to explain that they are still salmon! Here are some pics of a fairly fresh chum:

Fresh:


fillet:


tasty dinner:


(FWIW -- we specifically target the Pink and Chum runs. We still get late chinook, and early coho -- so our opportunities to catch 4 species in one river are very good. Sockeye don't run the river we spend most of our time on, but can be found close by. Pinks are a blast on tackle most Utahn's already have -- average size of 5 - 12 lbs, and fresh from the ocean, they know how to put a bend in your rod. Throw 15lb chums in the mix, and you're in for a fun day. Tie into a 30lb chinook, and your arms will be sore for a week! Add that final 12lb coho and you'll have memories for a lifetime!)







(sorry to the OP for the hijack!)
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