Other names: Humpback salmon
The Pink Salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) is the smallest and most abundant species of Pacific salmon. Found throughout the North Pacific, this species is known for its biennial runs, where it returns to freshwater rivers to spawn. Pink Salmon are easily identified by their silver bodies, which develop a humpback in males during the spawning season. They are a key species for commercial fisheries and are prized for their delicate, flavorful meat.
Other names
Humpback salmon
Length
~50" (max 76)
Weight
~2" (max 7)
Water
Fresh, brackish, salt
Water Temp
5-25° F
Depth
250 ft
Dressed Mepps Aglia
Gold Star Squid #35 Octopus
Grand Slam Bucktail
Minnows
Nightcrawlers
P-Line Laser Minnows
Panther Martin
Pro-Troll Flasher
Shrimp
Silver Horde Ace Hi FlySorry. Regulation data is empty
Pink Salmon primarily inhabit coastal waters and the open ocean, migrating to freshwater rivers to spawn
They prefer colder waters, staying close to shorelines and estuaries during their ocean phase
Their diet mainly consists of plankton, small fish, and crustaceans, which they actively hunt in the open water
During their spawning migration, they rely on rivers with gravel beds for successful egg deposition
Pink Salmon have a strict two-year life cycle, with all members of a generation spawning simultaneously
Spawning occurs in late summer to early autumn, with females laying eggs in gravel nests called redds
After hatching, juveniles quickly migrate to the ocean, where they grow rapidly before returning to spawn
Males develop a pronounced humpback and brighter coloration during the spawning season, signaling readiness to reproduce
