Some anglers claim that that Pink Salmon are not worth going after. They claim that they are not very good fighters and that they do not have the best taste when it comes to salmon.

When compared to other salmon, the Pink Salmon is smaller in size so it will not put up as much of a fight as others. However, for those that enjoy a day out fishing, pink salmon are a lot of fun, especially for the whole family or for getting young children to fish. There are so many of them that they are not hard to catch and do not require a lot of skill.

Late summer and early fall are the best times to catch Pink Salmon in the river. Late summer and early fall is their spawning time. Due to the large distribution range for Pink Salmon spawning starts early in the north and much later in the south.

Timing is different each year due to changing climate variations from year to year. Northern California and southern British Columbia in October and as early as July in Alaska. Before booking your vacation, check with experienced local tackle shops and outfitters for precise timing for spawning.

Aggressive Fighters

Pink Salmon are very aggressive and will even bite while migrating upstream to spawn. Most spawning fish are easy to catch. The key is not thinking of what is the best food that they eat, but what lure is the most annoying to the salmon and reel it in close to them in order to get them to strike.

To achieve the most fun catching Pink Salmon, use either a fly rod or a light spinning rod. As pink are so plentiful, they are often seen near the surface and will jump and roll.

Fly Fishing Tips

A five or six weight rod is sufficient. Some anglers prefer sinking tip lines while others use floating lines. Use a leader length anywhere between 15 and 20 feet with eight to ten pound test line.

Pink streamers or pink wooly buggers work very well with pink salmon. Other bright colours such as red or purple also work well. Use a hook size of four or six. And a twenty to thirty foot cast will work.

Spin Casting Tips

For spin casting, use a light or an ultra light rod between five to six feet in length with an eight to ten pound test line and attach a spoon at the end of the line.

Use a 1/4 – 3/4 ounce silver or brass spoon with some pink or bright red on it will work very well. Gibbs Crocodiles (Crocs) and Dick Nites work well. Spoon size is not critical: cast out and with a slow retrieve you will attract fish.