Target Species: pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha)
Other Common Names: hump back, humpy
Identification: Adults in coastal waters are bright steely blue on back with silvery sides and many large black spots on back and entire caudal fin. Small scales and has pink flesh. During spawning males transform to brown-black coloration above with a white belly and humped back and elongated jaw. Spawning females are olive green with dusky bars on the sides and a whitish belly.
Biological Info: Hump backs are the smallest North American Pacific salmon as well as the most numerous of salmon species. Humpies generally spawn near the coast and quite commonly within the inter-tidal zone of stream mouths. Favored spawning areas include shallow riffles breaking over coarse gravel and downstream pool ends. The female deposits 1,500-2,000 eggs in the redd she has dug with her tail. Both the female and male remain nearby guarding the nest until they die usually within two weeks of spawning.
After hatching in early to mid-winter the young fry called alevins remain in the gravel nest feeding on yolk sac material until late winter or early spring when they migrate downstream into saltwater. Juveniles, once they reach the ocean, move along beaches massive schools feeding on plankton, larval fish and insects near the surface.
Juveniles reach 4"-6" in length at one year and reach maturity at two years when they return to freshwater to spawn. Since they spawn every two years any given area will have odd and even fishing cycles.
Geographical Range: From northern California to Canada's McKenzie River in eastern Pacific and Korea to Siberia's Lena River in the western Pacific. In 1956 accidentally introduced into Lake Superior eventually spreading to the rest of the Great Lakes.
Favored Water Temp.: 49ºF-57ºF
Size: Average 3-5 lbs and 20"-25" in length. Anything above 10 lbs is a real trophy. In the Great Lakes seldom exceed 2 lbs.
IGFA Record: 14 lb, 13 oz, Monroe, WA, Sept. 30, 2001.
Sporting characteristics: Aggressive fighters and good challenge on light gear.
Food & Feeding Habits: Eat plankton, crustaceans, small squid and small fish. Do not feed during spawn.
Fishing methods: Small yarn flies and spinners are effective before spawning begins. Top Spots: Ketchikan area, Alaska, July-mid August. Victoria, Vancouver Island, odd numbered years, August to end of September best.
Conservation: Follow local regulations. Keep only what is desired for personal consumption
Also see
Chinook Salmon
Red Salmon
Pink Salmon
Coho Salmon
Chum Salmon
Cherry Salmon
Atlantic Salmon
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