Also known as
- Humpy US
- Humpback Salmon US
- Pinks US
- Humpies US
Identification
The smallest and most abundant Pacific salmon — a compact, schooling anadromous species with a strict 2-year life cycle. Fights spiritedly but tires fast. Spawning males develop a massive pronounced hump, earning the nickname 'humpy'.
- Large oval black spots on back and both lobes of tail — a key separator from other Pacific salmon
- Ocean phase: metallic blue-green back, silver flanks, white belly
- Spawning males develop a massive hump between head and back fin — unique among Pacific salmon
- Spawning colours: olive-green back with reddish-pink flanks; females much duller
- Small adipose fin between back fin and tail
Where it holds
- Oceanic
- Inshore
Behaviour
A highly oceanic schooling anadromous salmon with a strict 2-year life cycle — juveniles outmigrate almost immediately after hatching. Ocean-phase adults feed aggressively in the top 20m, ranging far from shore. Feeding peaks at dawn and dusk but continues through the day when bait is thick. Stops feeding entirely on river entry. Strong homing instinct yet also the most willing Pacific salmon to colonise new watersheds. Runs are rigidly two-year — odd-year or even-year depending on system.
Diet: Herring, Sand Eels, Krill, Amphipods, Squid
How it's caught
Line Fishing
Spinning
The go-to approach from beaches, estuaries, and lower rivers. Cast small spoons (Pixee, Krocodile), Buzz Bombs, Vibrax spinners (#3-5), and pink-bodied jigs on medium-light gear. Fast retrieves draw chasing strikes from fresh-run fish, slow twitched jigs produce on staging schools. Pink — especially hot pink — dominates every productive presentation.
Trolling
Troll small pink hoochies, mini flasher/hoochie combos, and 3.0 spoons at 2-3 knots in the upper 10-30m along shorelines, tide rips, and estuary mouths. Schools are dense and predictable — once located, repeated passes produce consistent catches. Downriggers or small diving planers dial in the exact depth.
Jigging
Vertical-jig diamond jigs, Buzz Bombs, and Point Wilson darts from piers, jetties, and boats over holding schools. Short sharp rod lifts with controlled drops — strikes come on the fall. Effective when schools stack deep in bays or against jetty walls.
Fly Fishing
Saltwater Fly
Cast small pink-and-white baitfish patterns on intermediate or fast-sinking lines to fish feeding near surface in tide rips and estuary mouths. Fast strip retrieves trigger aggressive strikes from fresh-run fish. One of the best entry-level saltwater fly experiences — schools are large and forgiving when located.
Streamer
Swing small pink streamers and flesh flies through lower-river pools and tailouts during the peak run. Fish strike from aggression as they stage, not from hunger. Short drifts through holding pockets, keep the fly at fish level, and cover water methodically.
