Pink Salmon

Also known as: "Humpies" due to the large hump that male pink salmon develop on their backs as they approach spawning.

Record size: The record pink salmon weighed in at 13 pounds 1 oz

Average size: The smallest and most abundant of Pacific salmon; average weight is 1.5 - 3 kg (3 to 7 lbs)

Marine Phase

What they look like: Pink Salmon have silver bodies with spotted backs and tiny scales, black gums and a white mouth. Their V-shaped tail has large oval spots and no silver streaking. Spawning males are yellowish-gray on their sides, blotched with brown along their back. Spawning females are olive green on the sides of their bodies with dusky stripes. Males and females are dirty white below the lateral line.

Spawning Phase

Where they live: The Fraser River and North Shores' Indian River receive strong Pink Salmon runs. The Pink Salmon shows up in its strongest numbers in odd numbered years, when millions of fish move up the Fraser River.

For more detailed information, visit:

Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Sport Fishing Institute of B.C.