Humpy / Pink Salmon
Pink Salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha), also known as Humpy Salmon, are the smallest but most abundant of the Pacific salmon species, known for their aggressive strikes, high-energy fights, and massive spawning runs. Their willingness to take lures, flies, and bait makes them a favorite for anglers of all skill levels, especially during peak migration seasons.
Where to Find Pink Salmon
Pink Salmon are anadromous, migrating between the ocean and freshwater rivers where they spawn every two years. The best destinations for pink salmon fishing include:
- Alaska (Kenai River, Kasilof River, Prince William Sound, Tongass National Forest) – Home to some of the largest pink salmon runs in the world.
- British Columbia (Fraser River, Skeena River, Vancouver Island) – Excellent pink salmon fly fishing and conventional angling.
- Washington & Oregon (Puget Sound, Olympic Peninsula, Columbia River) – Major runs every odd-numbered year.
- Russia & Kamchatka – Remote rivers with massive pink salmon runs in pristine waters.
- Japan & Korea – Strong populations of pink salmon migrating into northern rivers.
What Makes Pink Salmon Special?
Pink Salmon are fast, aggressive feeders, often hitting spinners, spoons, and flies with reckless abandon. Their high-energy fights, quick runs, and tendency to school in huge numbers make them an ideal target for anglers looking for action-packed fishing. During the spawn, male pink salmon develop a distinctive humpbacked appearance, giving them their nickname, “humpies.”
Top Fishing Techniques
Pink Salmon respond well to various tackle and presentations, with the best methods including:
- Casting Small Spinners & Spoons (Blue Fox, Mepps, Kastmaster) – Ideal for river fishing and estuaries.
- Fly Fishing with Pink & Chartreuse Streamers – Highly effective, especially in shallow riffles.
- Drift Fishing with Roe & Beads – A classic technique for fresh-run pink salmon.
- Trolling with Small Hoochies & Flashers – Used in saltwater to locate active schools.
- Plunking with Sand Shrimp or Small Soft Plastics – Effective for catching pinks holding in deeper water.
Best Time to Fish for Pink Salmon
- Alaska & British Columbia – Best from July to September, with peak spawning runs in late summer.
- Washington & Oregon – Best in August and September, during odd-numbered years (e.g., 2023, 2025, 2027).
- Russia & Kamchatka – Best from June to August, with wild, untouched fisheries.
- Japan & Korea – Best in early fall (September to November), during migration to northern rivers.
The World’s Best Pink Salmon Fishing Lodges & Charters
For anglers seeking fast-paced, action-packed salmon fishing, FishingExplora offers access to the best pink salmon fishing lodges, guided trips, and remote wilderness charters worldwide. Whether you’re casting into a massive run in Alaska, fly fishing pristine rivers in British Columbia, or chasing wild pinks in Russia, our curated destinations provide expert guides, top-tier accommodations, and unforgettable fishing experiences.
Explore the best pink salmon fishing lodges and trips – right here on FishingExplora.
