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Pink Salmon

Oncorhynchus gorbuscha

Also known as

Humpback salmon, Humpie, Pink

IUCN status

Least Concern

About the Pink Salmon

The Pink Salmon is the smallest and most abundant of the Pacific salmon, typically reaching lengths of 18-25 inches. Identifying features include a silvery body with large, oval-shaped black spots on its back and caudal (tail) fin, and a white mouth with black gums. As they approach spawning grounds, males develop a distinctive, pronounced hump on their back, giving them the 'humpback salmon' moniker. Their scales are small and embedded in thick skin.

Source: FishBase & iNaturalist

Habitat

Pink salmon are an anadromous species, spending most of their two-year lives in the North Pacific Ocean, often in coastal waters and estuaries. They undertake impressive migrations to return to freshwater, spawning in rivers and streams, frequently in the lower reaches or even intertidal zones close to the ocean.

Distribution

This species is widely distributed across the North Pacific, from northern California up through Alaska and across to the Asian coasts of Siberia, Korea, and Japan.

Behaviour

In the ocean, Pink Salmon feed primarily on small crustaceans, squid, and smaller fish. They exhibit a remarkably consistent two-year life cycle, resulting in dominant runs occurring predominantly in either odd-numbered or even-numbered years depending on the specific region. As they migrate towards their spawning rivers in large schools, often close to the coastline, they become highly accessible targets for anglers, though they typically cease feeding once they enter fresh water.

Edibility

★★★★★

Pink salmon offer a mild flavor and light pink, somewhat softer flesh compared to other Pacific salmon species. They are excellent for canning, smoking, or grilling, and are often used in pâtés or fish cakes.

Lure suggestion

Pink salmon are known for their aggressive strikes, especially in saltwater and estuarine environments. Small spoons like Buzz Bombs or P-Line Pinks, spinners such as Gibbs Koho or Wedding Ring, and bright flies like Pink Poppers or Clouser Minnows in colors like pink, chartreuse, or white are highly effective. Anglers often succeed by casting from shore or trolling with flashers in boats.