The Top Spots for Catching Pink Salmon in North America

Pink salmon also known as humpies are a popular game fish for anglers across North America. These feisty fish provide great sport on light tackle and are abundant across much of the Pacific coast. For anglers looking to tangle with pink salmon, knowing the prime locations to catch them is key. In this article, we’ll explore the top spots to hook pink salmon and discuss the best techniques for catching them.

British Columbia

The rivers of British Columbia offer some of the most prolific pink salmon fishing on the continent. During their summer migration, millions of pink salmon surge along the BC coast on their way to spawning grounds. Prime pink salmon rivers in BC include

• Skeena River – The second largest salmon-producing river in BC, renowned for its pink salmon runs. The tidal portion near Terrace is a hot spot.

• Nass River – This remote and pristine river sees pink salmon runs of over 3 million fish. The lower Nass provides excellent fishing.

• Campbell River – Located on Vancouver Island, the Campbell is famous for its Tyee test fishery targeting pinks.

• Kitimat River – A lesser-known gem, this river near Kitimat sees a substantial run of pink salmon each summer.

The best fishing for pink salmon happens from mid-July through September when the fish are migrating. Fly fishing with salmon flies and roe imitations produces plenty of action. Spin casting small spinners, spoons and plugs is also deadly.

Alaska

Alaska is synonymous with salmon fishing, and pink salmon are an abundant target species. Some top pink salmon fishing destinations in Alaska include:

• Kenai River – This famous river near Soldotna has a large even-year pink salmon run, along with rainbow trout.

• Situk River – Found in Yakutat, this river offers excellent fly fishing for pink salmon from July to September.

• Mendenhall River – Near Juneau, this picturesque river holds good numbers of pink salmon in late summer.

• Traitors Cove – A remote beach area of Kodiak Island famous for its pink salmon surf fishing.

In Alaska, pink salmon runs tend to be stronger in even-numbered years. Trolling with plugs near river mouths or casting from shore with spinners and flies are effective methods.

Washington

The Puget Sound region of Washington harbors some terrific pink salmon fishing thanks to consistent runs each year. Top spots include:

• Skagit River – Near Mount Vernon, the Skagit has a significant run of pink salmon from August to October.

• Snohomish River – This river north of Seattle receives decent numbers of pinks in late summer.

• Hood Canal – Pink salmon fishing can be spectacular in this fjord, especially near Lilliwaup and Hamma Hamma.

• Elliott Bay – Casting from piers and shore in downtown Seattle, anglers can catch migrating pink salmon.

In the Puget Sound area, pink salmon start entering the rivers in July and the runs peak in September. Casting small spoons, spinners and flies to schooling pinks produces plenty of bites.

Oregon

While not as abundant as Washington, Oregon still provides good opportunities to catch pink salmon, particularly along the northern coast. Prime spots include:

• Nestucca River – Near Pacific City, late summer sees pink salmon migrate up this coastal river.

• Nehalem River – The Nehalem, near Manzanita, holds a modest run of pink salmon in August and September.

• Siletz River – This scenic river near Lincoln City receives a trickle of pink salmon in fall.

• Chetco River – The lower Chetco near Brookings sees pink salmon in late summer during stronger run years.

In Oregon, trolling plugs or casting spinners near river mouths intercepts pink salmon as they stage before moving upstream. Fly fishing can also be productive.

Best Techniques

When fishing for pink salmon, it’s good to remember they tend to school up in large numbers. This aggressive behavior makes them very catchable. To capitalize on this trait, use techniques that allow you to cover water to find concentrations of fish. This includes:

• Casting spoons and spinners that imitate baitfish and can be retrieved quickly. Target pools and current seams.

• Fly fishing with streamers and wet flies swung through channels and riffles where pink salmon hold.

• Back bouncing eggs and shrimp imitations through migration lanes near spawning areas.

• Trolling with plugs and flashers near the mouths of rivers and streams to intercept incoming schools.

With their predictability and eagerness to strike, pink salmon provide fast and fun fishing action when you target the right locations. Now you know the prime pink salmon hotspots across the Pacific coast. So grab your light tackle and get ready for a spirited tussle with one of North America’s great game fish. Tight lines!