Pink Salmon
The smallest and most abundant Pacific salmon species, present in Washington on a strict two-year cycle.
- Scientific name
- Oncorhynchus gorbuscha
- Family
- Salmonidae
- Adult size
- Typically 18–22 inches, 3–5 pounds — the smallest Pacific salmon.
Identification
Small black spots on the back and both lobes of the tail; spawning males develop a pronounced humped back, giving the species its 'humpy' nickname.
Habitat
Ocean-going; spawns in coastal rivers close to tidewater, typically in odd-numbered years in Washington.
Diet
Plankton and small crustaceans at sea.
Angling
A popular, high-volume fishery in odd-numbered years in Washington's Puget Sound rivers.
Recommended Tackle & Gear for Pink Salmon
Field-tested tackle, baits, and rigging strategies suited for catching Pink Salmon.
Mack's Lure Classic Wedding Ring Spinner
A classic Western trolling lure designed to be tipped with shoepeg corn and run behind a dodger in deep thermoclines.
Aluminum Fishing Pliers with Braid Cutters
Safely removes hooks, pinches split-shot sinkers, and cleanly snips braided, mono, and fluorocarbon lines.
Plano Waterproof Utility Tackle Box Tray (3600)
Keeps terminal tackle, weights, and spinners dry and corrosion-free with customizable compartments.
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Where Pink Salmon is stocked
When Pink Salmon is stocked
Top Pink Salmon waters
Minter Creek
Kitsap County · 4 species · 651 records
Last stocked July 2026
Finch Creek
Mason County · 4 species · 394 records
Last stocked June 2026
Voight Creek
Pierce County · 4 species · 313 records
Last stocked June 2026
Dungeness River
Clallam County · 4 species · 255 records
Last stocked July 2026
Whatcom Creek
Whatcom County · 7 species · 221 records
Last stocked May 2026
Hurd Creek
Clallam County · 3 species · 57 records
Last stocked April 2024
Frequently asked
Where is Pink Salmon stocked?
Pink Salmon is stocked in 6 waters across 1 state: Washington.
When is Pink Salmon stocked?
Pink Salmon is typically stocked in spring, most often in April, based on records across every state that stocks it.
How many Pink Salmon are stocked?
About 21,043,852 Pink Salmon have been stocked on record since 1996, across Washington.
What does a Pink Salmon look like?
Small black spots on the back and both lobes of the tail; spawning males develop a pronounced humped back, giving the species its 'humpy' nickname.