When are Hoodsport Chum run in?

[DanS]

There are probably some chums showing up there now. Kennedy creek and Johns creek probably have some that will show up any day now. The Hood Cnal tribs like the Hamma Hamma, Duck, and Dosie don't open ultil Nov. 1, I believe.

[AuntyM]

According to Larry's Fishing report, dated 10/19, no Chum yet.Cushman Boats

I heard John's Creek was producing now though.

[fisheromen]

I used to visit the Reader's Forum at nwfishing.com to find chum run updates for hood canal et al. In previous years they put out the big gill nets and rake the area in front of Hoodsport clean beginning in November and usually net on Tues/Thurs. Not sure if this is the situation this year. If you're fishing Hoodsport you want to hit it as late as possible before this. Last year's run there was the worst in awhile to hopefully things will be better this year.

[fisheromen]

Also, in terms of brightness, once they reach their destination, even if it is in the salt, the brightest chum will still be showing some bars of color. They can be okay smoked but otherwise in my opinion it is just sport or crab bait or maybe if you are lucky some eggs.

[will_e_fish]

I tried to go last year but to many conflicts at the time held me back. So this is the year to try it out! Can someone tell me when? Maybe the pros and cons of fishing the early verses late run if you have opinions. Do all the tributaries have a Chum run like Hamma Hamma, Duckabush,Quilcene and dosewalips? Heard it is hard to get a chrome one how fast do they turn? Many thanks.
will_e_fish

[Ken Drifter]

Hoodsport, go early in Nov. Within the first couple weeks, if you wait to long the chance of getting a Bright fish is slim to none.
Small hooks 3ft. leader chartreuse yarn.
I usually go every year, and take my sons because it is an easy catch, keeps them busy right out the gate. Average of 25 fish each. If one of us gets a Bright fish its the eggs
I want otherwise I give away the meat. Go during the week if possible,(thursday) crowds there can be rude and a pain on the weekends.
my two cents

[will_e_fish]

Thanks for the great replies! Sounds like fun and a chance to practice combat fishing diplomacy. We go up there couple times a year for the scenery crab, shrimp, clams and oysters. Never made it for the Chum run and I am looking forward to it. One last question is it a boat show or bank battle? Usually staying somewhere near Dosewallips it seems the most central to base out of. Thanks will_e_fish

[fisheromen]

If the fish are really in a boat is nice so you are not standing shoulder to shoulder. Anywhere along the shore within 1/2 mile North or just South of the hatchery. If there aren't a lot of fish you are better off fishing from the bank with everyone else on an incoming tide. Chest waders a must. Let us know when you go how you do. We'll be up there Tues & Wed of next week if there are fish showing up.