Pink Salmon also known as Humpback Salmon or humpies are the smallest of the five species of Pacific salmon, and are abundant throughout Alaska. In 2008 commercial harvest of Pink Salmon was worth over $74 million. Pink Salmon are commonly sold as canned salmon, and pink salmon eggs or roe are often used in caviar.
Distinguishing characteristics of Humpback Salmon are large dark oval spots on their back, dorsal fin, and tail fin. As the salmon approach spawning streams they lose their steel blue color and males turn brown-black with white bellies, and females turn olive-green with dusky patches above a light colored belly. By the time male pink salmon enter spawning streams they have hook jaws and their prominent humps. Juvenile humpback salmon are completely silver.
One of the easiest salmon to catch on rod and reel, pink salmon are often the first salmon species caught by kids. Pink salmon are usually sought after in saltwater off the mouth of streams, or in the inner tidal areas of fresh water streams. Favorite pink salmon lures are Pixies, Vibrax, Mepps, and a variety of flies. When these fish are ocean bright they make great table fare. From 1996 – 2006 sport fishermen in Alaska caught an average of 731,000 pink salmon each year, harvesting an annual average of 154,600 of these fish.
Pink Salmon have two year life cycles. Humpback Salmon are born in streams and rivers quickly moving to costal estuaries once their yolk sacs are gone, and then proceeding to the ocean to mature for the next 18 months. While out maturing Pink Salmon are some of the fastest growing species of Pacific Salmon. They can reach up to 2.5 feet (.76 meters) long and 15 pounds (6.8 kg) however average length is about 2 feet (.6096 meters) and 4 pounds (1.8 kg). While spawning as they return up freshwater rivers and streams the males develop a hump to their back some-what similar to that of one on a brown bear, giving them the name Humpback Salmon. Humpies have the lowest reproduction potential of Pacific salmon, with females releasing around 1,200 to 1,900 eggs. After spawning females remain on guard over the redds (nests) for one to two weeks.
It is possible to find pink salmon anywhere along the coast of Alaska, however probability drops to less than 20% once further north than mid Chukchi Sea.
Nutrition Facts for Pink Salmon are per 100 grams weight; 116 Calories, 3.45 grams Fat, 67 mg Sodium, and 19.94 grams Protein.
