In Oregon, they are only in upper Columbia Basin tributaries. Little is known about the ocean distribution of Oregon's stream-rearing chinook. Adults return to fresh water in the spring, when 3 to 5 years old, and require deep, cool pools to hold for several months over the summer before fall spawning. They spawn in concentrations on gravel bars in upper tributaries. Chum Salmon Shortest freshwater residence of all salmon.
Juveniles rear briefly in estuaries.
Most Oregon chums migrate to the Gulf of Alaska for ocean rearing. Adults spawn at 3 to 5 years of age. Spawning occurs in lower mainstems, concentrated on large gravel bars. Adults are unable to pass even minor barriers. Some coastal cutthroats migrate to the ocean.