Pink Salmon
Pink salmon are the smallest of the Pacific salmon species found in Washington. These fish are unique because they have a rigid two-year life cycle, returning to spawn only in odd-numbered years (2023, 2025, 2027, etc. ) in Washington waters.
Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus gorbuscha
Also known as humpback salmon, humpies
- Males develop a distinctive pronounced hump on their back during spawning migration, giving them their nickname.
- Pink salmon average 3-5 pounds with some reaching up to 12 pounds.
Fishing in Washington
Yakima River
Cedar River
Puyallup River
Snoqualmie River
East Passage
Cowlitz River
Naches River
Commencement Bay
Cle Elum River
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Found throughout Puget Sound marine areas, with major populations spawning in northern Puget Sound rivers.
- They typically spawn very close to saltwater - sometimes within 50 km of river mouths and occasionally right in saltwater itself.
Key Locations
- Puget Sound north through the Strait of Juan de Fuca, waters around Whidbey Island, Point No Point, Mukilteo, Browns Point, Snohomish River system, Point Wilson, Fort Casey, Bush Point, Lagoon Point, Possession Bar, Mukilteo (Humpy Hollow), Dash Point, Seattle's waterfront including Alki Point and Lincoln Park.
Specific Spots
- shallow water near the surface.
Pink Salmon FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Pink Salmon in Washington?
Gold Star Yamashita Octopus rigs in hot pink, Silver Horde Ace Hi flies in UV Pink Splatterback, Grand Slam Bucktail flies in pink, Pro-Troll flashers, 1/4 to 3/8 ounce pink jigs, Buzz Bombs in hot pink or holographic pink, P-Line Laser Minnows, Rock Dancer Bucktail jigs.
When is the best time to fish for Pink Salmon in Washington?
Most productive from late July through September during odd-numbered years, with August being peak season.
How do you catch Pink Salmon in Washington?
Trolling using 8-11 inch flashers with 26-36 inch leaders, fishing 20-40 feet deep in early morning and up to 100 feet later in the day. Casting from shore or boats. Beach fishing at public access points, piers, and state parks.
What do Pink Salmon eat?
feeds primarily on zooplankton, small crustaceans like krill, euphausiids, and copepods while in the ocean, and upon returning to freshwater, they stop feeding entirely.
Where do Pink Salmon live in Washington?
Found throughout Puget Sound marine areas, with major populations spawning in northern Puget Sound rivers. They typically spawn very close to saltwater - sometimes within 50 km of river mouths and occasionally right in saltwater itself.
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