Pink Salmon
Oncorhynchus gorbuscha
Overview
The pink salmon is the smallest and most abundant of the five Pacific salmon species, returning to spawn on a rigid two-year cycle that produces massive runs in odd-numbered years throughout much of Alaska and British Columbia. Known locally as humpback salmon or humpies for the pronounced dorsal hump that males develop during spawning, pink salmon are often overlooked by fly anglers focused on larger species. However, fresh pink salmon in the tidewater and lower river reaches are spirited fighters on light tackle and will readily take small bright flies. Their sheer abundance means that when the run is on, anglers can experience nonstop action with aggressive fish willing to strike on nearly every cast. Pink salmon provide an excellent entry point for anglers new to salmon fly fishing and offer a high-energy alternative when rivers are between peak runs of larger species.
salmonLeast Concern (IUCN); the most abundant Pacific salmon species with healthy populations throughout Alaska and British Columbia
Taxonomy
Order
Salmoniformes
Family
Salmonidae
Genus
Oncorhynchus
Species
O. gorbuscha
Habitat & Behavior
Nearshore ocean waters during marine phase; tidal estuaries, lower river reaches, and small coastal streams during brief spawning runs
Native Range: North Pacific Ocean from Sacramento, California north through Alaska, across to Korea, Japan, and Arctic Russia
Introduced Range: Great Lakes (self-sustaining populations established), scattered Atlantic coast rivers in Maine and Maritime Canada
Diet
In the ocean: zooplankton, small crustaceans, squid, and small fish; non-feeding in freshwater during spawning migration but will strike bright, flashy flies
Spawning
Pink salmon have a strict two-year life cycle, spawning in odd years in some rivers and even years in others. They spawn from July through October in small coastal streams and lower sections of larger rivers. Females deposit 1,500 to 2,000 eggs in shallow gravel nests, and all adults die within weeks of spawning.
Spawning Months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Spawning Temperature: 44-52°F
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN); the most abundant Pacific salmon species with healthy populations throughout Alaska and British Columbia
The Pink Salmon is currently classified as Least Concern (IUCN); the most abundant Pacific salmon species with healthy populations throughout Alaska and British Columbia. Responsible catch-and-release practices help protect populations for future generations of anglers.
Fly Fishing Tips
Target fresh, ocean-bright pink salmon in tidewater and the lower few miles of spawning streams for the best sport. Use small, bright pink and chartreuse flies on a dead drift or slow swing. Light tackle heightens the experience, as these scrappy fish fight well above their weight class on a 5 or 6-weight rod.
Tackle Recommendations
A 9-foot 5 or 6-weight rod provides excellent sport with pink salmon. Use a floating line with 6-10 lb tippet and small, bright flies.
Distribution Map
Recommended Fly Patterns
Pink Pollywog #6-10
Hot Pink Clouser #6-8
Egg-Sucking Leech #6-8
Comet #6-10
Flash Fly #6-8
Pink Woolly Bugger #6-8
Glo Bug #8-10
Where to Find Pink Salmon
Rivers with Pink Salmon
Quick Facts
- Scientific Name
- Oncorhynchus gorbuscha
- Family
- salmon
- Average Size
- 18-24 inches, 3-5 lbs
- Record Size
- 14 lbs 13 oz (Moose and Kenai Rivers, Alaska, 1974)
- Lifespan
- Exactly 2 years, the shortest and most rigid life cycle of any Pacific salmon species
- Water Temp Range
- 42-58°F (optimal 46-54°F)
- Native Range
- North Pacific Ocean from Sacramento, California north through Alaska, across to Korea, Japan, and Arctic Russia
- Conservation
- Least Concern (IUCN); the most abundant Pacific salmon species with healthy populations throughout Alaska and British Columbia
Fun Facts
- Pink salmon have the most rigid life cycle of any salmon species, living exactly two years with no exceptions
- An estimated 400 million pink salmon return to spawn in Alaska during peak odd-year runs
- Male pink salmon develop a grotesquely exaggerated dorsal hump during spawning, giving them the nickname humpies
- Pink salmon fry migrate to the ocean almost immediately after emerging from the gravel, spending virtually no time in freshwater
Size Reference
Average Size
18-24 inches, 3-5 lbs
World Record
14 lbs 13 oz (Moose and Kenai Rivers, Alaska, 1974)