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Pink Salmon

Pink Salmon

Pink Salmon are the smallest Pacific salmon species found in Michigan, with the state record weighing just over 8 pounds.

These fish were unintentionally introduced into the Great Lakes in the mid-1950s from a single stocking event in Canadian waters of Lake Superior in 1956.

They've since established self-sustaining populations, making this the only known naturally reproducing population of pink salmon in fresh water.

Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus gorbuscha

Also known as humpback salmon

Physical Characteristics:
  • Pink salmon are distinguished by their large oval black spots on the back and tail, 13-19 anal fin rays, light mouth and gums with dark tongue, and the prominent hump that develops on spawning males.
  • In Michigan, mature adults typically measure 12-17 inches and weigh 1-3 pounds, significantly smaller than their Pacific Ocean counterparts.
  • They have bright white bellies visible when swimming close to the surface.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found primarily in Lake Superior tributaries, with smaller populations in northern Lake Huron and northern Lake Michigan.

Key Locations

  • Pink salmon are found primarily in Lake Superior tributaries (56 streams by 1980), with smaller populations in northern Lake Huron (5 streams) and northern Lake Michigan (11 streams).
  • Key Michigan waters include the St.
  • Marys River, Carp River in the southeastern Upper Peninsula, and numerous Lake Superior tributaries.
  • The St.
  • Marys River offers the most outstanding pink salmon fishery this side of Alaska.

Specific Spots

  • Target tailouts of bigger holes, deep pools, and current seams.
  • Pink salmon aren't strong jumpers, so they're typically found below medium-sized waterfalls.
  • In the weeks before fish enter the rapids, fish the deeper waters.

Pink Salmon FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What flies work for Pink Salmon in Michigan?

Small nymphs in sizes 12-20 work well in slower, clear water - effective patterns include frenchies, pheasant tails, copper johns, prince nymphs, scuds, and zebra midges. In faster, dirtier water, bright e.g.g patterns like glo-bugs or beads in pink, orange, chartreuse, and red prove productive.

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

Late summer runs from August through early September, with 2025 promising excellent opportunities as an odd-numbered year. Spawning runs begin in late summer, with fish ascending streams from August through September and completing spawning by early October.

How do you catch Pink Salmon in Michigan?

Trolling with downriggers or jigging with spoons in the deeper waters. For fly fishing, fish the rapids with streamers and nymphs. Strip streamers in short, quick bursts. Sight fishing opportunities exist in clear water.

What do Pink Salmon eat?

Their diet consists of small planktonic organisms like copepods and cladocerans when young, transitioning to larger prey including fish, amphipods, and euphausiids as adults.

Where do Pink Salmon live in Michigan?

Found primarily in Lake Superior tributaries, with smaller populations in northern Lake Huron and northern Lake Michigan.

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