Generally anglers catch them from shore in front of their spawning stream. However, anglers trolling for chinook or coho often catch pinks. These fish have no distinctive black spots on their backs. At sea their backs are dull gray with yellowish silver sides. Spawning adults develop olive green coloration on the back with maroon sides covered with irregular dull red bars.
Males exhibit many large canine teeth.
They are also called dog salmon from their long standing use as dog food. The average size ranges from 9 to 13 pounds. Like pink salmon, chum salmon are not prize sport fish. They will take a variety of spinners and small lures and an angler geared for Dolly Varden who hooks into a chum will have a admirable opponent on their hands. The flesh contains little oil and the yellowish color makes it less desirable then other species of salmon, though I have heard they are fine to eat if caught at sea while they are still bright.