Ranges from Arctic Alaska southward (Ref. 2850). The Yukon River is the greatest producer of chum salmon, although the catch is relatively small (Ref. 27547). The Noatak and Kobuk rivers support runs estimated to about 1 million fish each (Ref. 30384) but north of those rivers the runs are too small to be of more than incidental value (Ref. 27547). Has always been an important source of food for native peoples and their dogs (Ref. 27547). Also Ref. 5723, 6876, 7419, 10280, 11366, 96339, 119194, 121277.