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Pink Salmon

Pink Salmon

Pink Salmon are the smallest members of the Pacific salmon family. California represents the extreme southern edge of Pink Salmon range, and they have never been common in the state.

Present-day populations likely depend on straying from more northern populations in Puget Sound, Washington.

Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus gorbuscha

Physical Characteristics:
  • Pink Salmon typically reach 20-25 inches and weighing 3-5 pounds, though the largest recorded Pink Salmon measured 30 inches and weighed nearly 14 pounds.
  • They have distinctive large black oval marks and spots on their backs, tails, and fins, with silvery blue to olive backs in the ocean.
  • In freshwater, males develop a prominent humped back and hooked snout with sharp teeth.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Focus on lower stream reaches and river mouths where these fish stage before spawning, as they prefer intertidal areas and lower reaches of coastal streams.

Key Locations

  • Target areas around the Klamath River, Sacramento River system, Russian River, and other North Coast streams where historical runs occurred.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on lower stream reaches and river mouths where these fish stage before spawning, as they prefer intertidal areas and lower reaches of coastal streams.

Pink Salmon FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Pink Salmon in California?

Use lures like spoons, spinners, and crankbaits, with colors including pink, orange, chartreuse, or plain silver working well. Popular saltwater jigging lures, buzz bombs, and casting spoons work effectively.

What flies work for Pink Salmon in California?

Effective fly patterns include streamers that mimic shrimp, crab larvae, minnows, sandlance, and needlefish.

When is the best time to fish for Pink Salmon in California?

The best time to target Pink Salmon in California is from late July through early September during their return migration. Their return migration to freshwater occurs from June to September, with spawning following in October - this spawning period should be avoided for fishing to protect reproducing fish.

How do you catch Pink Salmon in California?

Strip flies rapidly to simulate the darting and suspending movements of their natural prey. Beach fishing can be productive when targeting Pink Salmon in saltwater near river mouths.

What do Pink Salmon eat?

At sea, they feed on abundant small crustaceans and invertebrates, eventually shifting to small fish, squid, and shrimp as they grow.

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