Where Does Chum Salmon Live?

Chum Salmon lives in specific habitats. Knowing where to look helps you find and identify it.

Where to find Chum Salmon

Water type

saltwater

Depth

Oceanic phase: surface to several hundred meters; Freshwater phase: shallow rivers and streams for spawning.

Environment

Anadromous; spends 3-5 years in the North Pacific Ocean, then migrates to freshwater rivers and streams for spawning. Prefers clear, cold, well-oxygenated waters with gravel substrates for spawning.

Geographic range

Widely distributed across the North Pacific Ocean, from Korea and Japan, through the Bering Sea, along the coasts of Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon. Also found in Arctic drainages of North America and Asia.

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