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Pink salmon

Oncorhynchus gorbuscha

Pink salmon© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

Pink Salmon, also known as Humpback Salmon, are a popular game fish known for their vigorous fight and flavorful flesh. They are anadromous, migrating from saltwater to freshwater to spawn. Anglers prize them for their acrobatic leaps and strong runs.

Fight
Taste
Game Fish

Basic Information

Family

Salmonidae

Max Size

76 cm

Max Weight

7 kg

Habitat

marine, freshwater, brackish

Depth Range

0-250m

Climate

subtropical

Best Season

July to October, with peak runs usually in late summer

Best Time

Early morning and late afternoon when fish are most active

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Pink salmon

  • Use spoons or spinners that mimic baitfish, as Pink Salmon are attracted to shiny, flashy lures.
  • Fly fishing with salmon flies or egg patterns can be effective, especially in rivers.
  • Trolling with spoons or plugs behind a boat can cover a lot of water and locate schools.
  • Pay attention to water temperature; Pink Salmon prefer cooler waters, often below 12°C (54°F).

Top Fishing Locations for Pink salmon

Puget Sound

USA
intermediate80% Very Common

Known for its abundant runs of Pink Salmon, Puget Sound is a favorite among anglers.

Best: August, September

Alaska's Kenai River

USA
intermediate85% Very Common

The Kenai River is famous for its salmon runs, including Pink Salmon.

Best: July, August

British Columbia's Fraser River

Canada
intermediate75% Very Common

The Fraser River is a major migratory route for Pink Salmon.

Best: August, September

Sakhalin Island

Russia
expert90% Guaranteed

Sakhalin Island is a remote destination known for its abundant Pink Salmon populations.

Best: August, September

Kamchatka Peninsula

Russia
expert95% Guaranteed

The Kamchatka Peninsula is a wilderness area with numerous rivers and streams filled with Pink Salmon.

Best: July, August

Prince William Sound

USA
intermediate80% Very Common

Prince William Sound is a large estuary in Alaska known for its Pink Salmon populations.

Best: July, August

Hokkaido's Ishikari River

Japan
intermediate70% Very Common

The Ishikari River is one of Japan's most famous rivers for salmon fishing, including Pink Salmon.

Best: September, October

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Pink salmon

Recommended Equipment

RodMedium to fast action spinning or baitcasting rod, 2.7 to 3 meters (9 to 10 feet) long
Line8-15 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon
Lure TypeSpoons, spinners, or plugs that imitate baitfish
TechniqueTrolling, casting, or fly fishing, depending on the location and presentation desired

Best bait: Salmon roe or small jigs baited with fish eggs or small baitfish