To be sure, blown rivers must be to blame for at least some loss of spawning redds, but observations from the field lead me to believe there might be several issues that have contributed to the steep decline in chum populations in the Chehalis basin.
Take, for example, the East Fork Satsop, which runs gin clear even when high, and seldom (if ever) leaves its banks. While C&R fishing for late coho and cutthroat in Octobers past, I distinctly remember the ever-present stench of rotting chum carcasses being an obligatory (and not altogether unwelcome, given the positive indications) part of the experience. In recent years, I have encountered only a few, isolated carcasses (and notably fewer live coho and chums).
Those who fish the East Fork regularly value it as a steady alternative when most other options are a bust due to high water and/or turbidity. Another highly redeeming quality the East Fork has traditionally offered its patrons is good populations of salmon and resident trout, as well as the occasional steelhead. Lately, it has become a ghost of its past self, but the stream bed has been relatively unchanged, which leads me to believe there are other factors at play. Even as few as three years ago, it was a sure bet to get into numerous coho, chums, and some brute searun and resident cutts. Recently, I have been lucky to hook anything.
When the healthiest stream in the drainage appears to be dying, it can't be a good indication for the future of the Chehalis basin.
As for chums: I love 'em. Fiesty, mean, and aggressive. Everything I like in a fish, and until recently, good numbers to boot. Their loss (if it cannot be stopped) will be mourned, at least by this angler.
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