Decided to head up to Whatcom today for the first time as it sounded like things were in full swing for Chum up there. Got there at about 2pm and started drifting a pink and white jig tipped with shrimp, opposite side from the hatchery and further down towards the bridge. I knew that fish were around, as I saw one cruise past in the shallows and was also hearing the constant yelling of people up on the wall as they were continually snagging into fish all over the place. I'm sure some were legitimate, but it seemed like every fish I stopped to watch was brought in backwards. Anyway, it became apparent that either the Chums didn't want jigs, or where I was just wasn't working (which wouldn't have been surprising since there were at least 3 sea lions patrolling it too) so I moved further upstream. Down lower I had no company, which was nice, but when I moved I was able to find another spot next to some guys who were there just to enjoy fishing and weren't into the snagging scene on the far side of the creek. So I continued to fish my jigs (went through pink/white, pink, chartreuse and orange colors all told) while chatting with them.

Close to sunset I decided that it was time to give up on jigs and switch to drifting. So I put on an orange glow cheater with some orange yarn and shrimp/salmon egg scent and got back to it. By this point I was seeing numerous fish moving upstream within about 3' or 4' of shore. Not sure if they were scared of the sea lions, or just moving into the shallows with the waning light, but regardless of why they were there, I started drifting in close trying to tempt them. A few casts later I reeled up on my gear right after it hit the water in order to get the slack out of my line, only to find that I had snagged into the bottom just that fast. The classic drift problem, you cast a bit too far upstream and a bit too shallow, and you hang up almost right away....only....it wasn't actually a hang up. Pretty quickly my line started moving and I realized that I had hooked into my first Whatcom Chum. It was strange because I am about 90% positive my gear hadn't even had time to start the drift yet when the fish had picked it up, and I definitely didn't feel anything until I reeled down on it.

Anyway, got the fish to shore and decided I would make this my first ever keeper Chum. It ended up being a 10.5# buck with more silver on it than olive green/purple. I was pretty content with the way it cut; quite firm meat in a mild orange tone. I'll see how it tastes tomorrow!

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