Pink Salmon (Humpie)

Fishing for Pink Salmon

Pink salmon or humpback salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) is a species of anadromous fish in the salmon family. It is the smallest and most abundant of the Pacific salmon. In the ocean, pink salmon are bright silver fish. After returning to their spawning streams, their coloring changes to pale grey on the back with yellowish-white belly (although some turn an overall dull green color). As with all salmon, in addition to the dorsal fin, they also have an adipose fin. During their spawning migration, males develop a pronounced humped back, hence their nickname "humpies." Pink salmon average 4.8 pounds (2.2 kg) in weight. The maximum recorded size was 30 inches (76 cm) and 15 pounds (6.8 kg).

How Frontiers Can Help Your Dream Pink Salmon Become a Reality 

We have five decades of experience and our services are free. There are no surcharges for our efforts and advice. So why not give our team a call! Remember, we want to speak to you so we can best advise you! Below you will find a list of our fishing experts. Contact one of our consultants and they will do the following for you:

• Talk you through the options and provide you with impartial advice that you will not receive directly from a lodge. We have 50 years of sporting travel experience!
• If you like what you hear, we will book your trip and assist with all preparations.
• Frontiers will provide you with our industry leading pre-trip prior to your departure, which will tell you what to pack and how things will work.
• If you need equipment, we will put you in touch with some of the most knowledgeable people in the business. They will provide you with exactly what you need.
• While you travel, Frontiers provides 24-hour emergency contact.

WHERE CAN YOU FISH FOR PINK SALMON?

They tend to run on odd years and are available at most of the lodges we represent in Southwest Alaska.  

FISHING TACKLE FOR PINK SALMON

Ideal single-hand rods for pinks are medium to fast action 6-8 weights in 9-10' lengths. Most anglers choose an 8 wt as their all around salmon rod, but pinks on a six are a lot more fun.

FISHING FLIES FOR PINK SALMON

Pinks love pink colored flies. Most are tied in size #6 - #4. But don't count on pink 100% of the time. Water conditions vary and high off-colored water means darker colors like black and purple and sometimes even olive or gray. Steer clear of chartreuse as that color seems to send pinks in the opposite direction.