Alaska Pink Salmon

The Alaska pink salmon or humpy are the most prolific of the salmon species in Alaska. They are also the smallest in size usually averaging about 3-5 pounds. The State of Alaska sport fishing record is nearly 13 pounds. In Alaska, the commercial catch of pink salmon far outweighs the catch of the other salmon species. Look on your grocery store shelves, the majority of canned salmon are pink. Alaska humpy have very large spots on the back and large black oval blotches on both tail lobes. They have very small scales. Spawning adults take on a gray coloration on the back and sides with a creamy white belly. Males develop a pronounced hump. These salmon normally mature in two years. On the Kenai they are at their peaks in even numbered years. These smaller cousins of the red salmon run in large schools and are fished heavily by commercial fishing boats. In July and august on even numbered years the Kenai River gets a huge run of the aggressive salmon as does Resurrection Creek near Hope.

For a long time the pink salmon was looked down upon by Alaska sport fishermen as old rumors about their sport fishing quality and edibility were circulated. Both of these rumors are false. It is definitely important to catch the pink salmon in their prime. They mature the fastest of all the Kenai salmon and offer the shortest sport fishing season on the Kenai. Once they enter the freshwater in mid July the Alaska fisherman has only about 3-4 weeks to get this aggressive salmon before they spawn. Alaska humpys are good fighters and fun to catch because of their aggressive nature. You'll have a blast catching humpys whether you're fishing on light conventional tackle and by fly fishing. You'll have good luck in the saltwater surrounding the Kenai Peninsula by trolling with herring baits. Pixee Spoons and Mepps also works very well close to shore where the freshwater streams flow to the sea. Casting various spoons and spinners near the mouths of these streams at high tide will produce limit catches.

In the freshwater of the Kenai River the pink salmon will congregate in deep pools and channels where the current is not very swift.Use the same fishing techniques as for Alaska silver salmon.Whether you are fishing with conventional tackle or fly fishing, concentrate on the areas between the slack water and the faster current. When they hit the freshwater and when they are the freshest they are very aggressive and will hit a variety of attractor lures as well as attractor flies.

Pink salmon are great eating either fresh or smoked and the delicate pink flesh is similar to trout. We have some free recipes on our fish recipe page for you to use and enjoy.

Return From Pink Salmon To Alaska Fishing