Just wanted to share my experience for the day. Hadn't been able to fish for awhile due to various commitments. So...I decided enough was enough and called a good fishing buddy and went to the river. No boats, just some good old fashioned standing in the river in the freezing post dawn light giving the old arm a workout.

Three casts and a fish on...It was a very fresh doggie and he really fought. I actually had a little trouble getting him in, (which was half the fun of course) since I was using light test, being too lazy to switch out my summer run line. When I got him in he was very bright and I bonked for the smoker. Great colored meat for a Chum.

My buddy kept hooking one after the other and lost all four. (he called it minimum impact C&R)

Anyhow...the moral of the story is.. Don't turn up your nose at a dog...especially if your not in a position to go elswhere at the time.. Believe me...they fight just as good as anything in the river... Good times!

Yeah...just what I thought....No one wants to hear about a chum caught......Ok so I'll post my next steelhead picture...geeze...I still had a good time!

I have smoked up 7 or 8 chum this fall for my first time and they have all been great.All my friends and family have given nothing but compliments.

I'm all for fishing the home waters first, ecspecially if your time is limited. You know what they say the worst day fishing is better than the best day working.

Chums are great fun. They are abundant and fight like hell. I just can't figure out why everyone flocks to Hoodsport and the like when lots of fish are available elsewhere. I don't keep them much anymore, but I have in the past. A few years ago when I had quite a few people to buy Christmas gifts for and the wallet was pretty thin I smoked up about a dozen Chums. We vaccuum packed them and my wife put some pretty bows and tags on them. People loved that stuff.

Steve

Went back today...very different experience. Took my 16 year old son and there was no one else there. There is only room for about four to fish comfortably. Two trucks wheel in..no problem...then they disgorge a lot of kids....They promptly mob the hole so we left.....Oh well

Hey, you had a good time. Sorry you got crowded out today. I went up for Silvers on the Chehalis up in B.C. in late October. Caught a bunch of Chum for every Silver landed. I have to admit that I am Chumed out for the season. Fished the Snoqualmie all day. Lots of people out and no fish for me and only one guy seen carrying a fish. Still a lot of Chum in though.

Hey, Chum fishing is my favorite fishing of all!! I'm strictly C & R---don't really like eating fish that much (it's OK, but rather have a steak and scallops). So, Chum fishing is perfect for me. Big fish in big numbers!! Very aggressive fish that put up a monster fight. Nothing is more fun than hooking 10+ salmon an hour--no matter how many you actually land!

Yep...went back today...no one else there..he he..

Everyone must think they're not in yet....this is a late run for chums...Had a great time....many fish on kept a very bright male....bright, nearly red meat..hardly any stripes I'll bring the digital next time in case anyone doubts the quality of these early fish...Good times!! I might give up the other fisheries for awhile!! well...maybe not...

Care to share what river this is?? I had a disappointing year chasing the Chum--too busy with other things to get in as many casts as I would have liked. My favorite river--the Skok--is pretty much out of fish now. So, anyplace the Chum are still running would allow me to still get in some serious fun. An email would be greatly appreciated if ya don't want to post your river for everyone to see.

Potaire (evilhare19@aol.com)

The Deschuttes above the hatchery. I did'nt want to say anything, but we have been slaying them for weeks!! I am done with dogs this year, So I will let all of the hoodsport and kennedy creek jokers know where to go. I hope this helps.

Potaire...I sent you a private message as my e-mail is not working....