• Three to five years
• Spend two to three summers at sea before returning to their streams of origin to spawn
• After leaving freshwater, young chum remain inshore for the summer, moving offshore in the fall

Physical Description:

• Marine Phase
• Silvery sides, and a white tip on the anal fin
• Tail has a narrow base and has silver streaks

• Spawning Phase
• Mature fish have reddish purple streaks and large pale blotches on a pale background
• White on tips of pelvic and anal fins
• Greenish tinge on back
• No dark spots on caudal fins
• Males have large, hooked jaws with large "canine" teeth

Fascinating Facts:

• Also known as "dog" salmon
• Latest salmon species to spawn