Pink Salmon Fishing Around Prince of Wales Island

Every odd-numbered year, pink salmon return to the rivers and streams around Prince of Wales Island in huge numbers. They arrive in late July and keep moving through early September. This run is fast, active, and great for anglers of all ages. Kids, beginners, and families can catch plenty of fish with simple gear and light tackle.

What Are Pink Salmon?

Pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) are the smallest of the five Pacific salmon species, averaging 3 to 5 pounds and about 18 to 24 inches long. Despite their size, they put up a strong fight and are one of the most plentiful salmon in Alaska waters.

They get the nicknames “humpback salmon” and “humpy” from the large hump that males develop during spawning. It makes them easy to recognize in freshwater. Their backs darken, their bellies turn white, and their bodies develop a steep curve as they prepare to spawn. Many anglers also refer to them as “pinks.”

In saltwater, pink salmon have silver sides and a blue-green back. When they return to freshwater, males develop hooked jaws, dark blotches, and the signature hump. Females stay slimmer and less colorful. These fish live for just two years, so their run patterns are predictable. Odd-numbered years see the biggest returns.

Pink salmon live a short life cycle—just two years from egg to spawning adult. That means their runs are predictable: large returns happen on odd-numbered years, like 2025. Even-numbered years usually have fewer fish, though some pinks still return.

Pink Salmon Season - Best Time to Fish

Late July - August

Pink salmon return on a strict two-year cycle. The strongest runs happen in odd-numbered years, like 2025. Even-numbered years may see a few fish, but returns are much lighter.

On Prince of Wales Island, the run usually starts in late July, builds fast, and peaks through August. Some rivers still hold pinks into early September, depending on water levels and rainfall.

Boardwalk Lodge times its pink salmon trips to match these peak weeks. If you’re planning a visit, book for late July through mid-August to catch the heart of the run.

Where to Fish Near the Lodge

Boardwalk Lodge sits close to several productive pink salmon streams. You won’t need long boat rides or flights to reach good fishing on Prince of Wales Island.

Top locations include:

• Creeks flowing into Kasaan Bay

• Thorne River and its branches

• Small estuary creeks along the coast

Pinks gather near tidewater and in the lower sections of rivers. You’ll often see them jumping or schooling in shallow water.

What Gear to Use

You don’t need heavy gear. Pinks are aggressive and respond well to light tackle and bright colors.

Spinning: Light or medium rods with 8–12 lb line
Fly rods: 6–8 weight with floating or sink-tip line
Leaders: 10–15 lb mono or fluorocarbon

Best lures and flies:

• Pink or orange streamers

• Clouser minnows

• Egg-sucking leeches

• Marabou jigs

• Small spinners or spoons in pink, chartreuse, or silver

Tip: Cast across the current and let the lure swing.

Strikes are fast, and the fish often run downstream or jump. You’ll catch a lot in a short time, which makes it great for practice or teaching kids. Fly fishing is especially productive during the peak of the run, when fish gather in shallow water and strike aggressively.

Pink Salmon Behavior and Spawning

Pink salmon return to their birth streams after two years at sea. Males develop the classic humped back and hooked jaw, while females grow darker but keep a slimmer shape. They don’t hold in deep pools like other salmon. Instead, they push upstream quickly, often stacking up in fast-moving, shallow water.

Once they reach a spawning area, females dig redds in the gravel while males compete for position. After spawning, both males and females die, completing their short life cycle.

Because of their numbers, pink salmon are a major food source for bears, eagles, seals, and even other fish. Their carcasses also feed the ecosystem, returning marine nutrients to the land and helping support healthy stream environments.

Once they reach spawning grounds, pink salmon waste no time. Males fight for position while females dig shallow gravel nests, called redds. After spawning, both sexes die, returning nutrients to the river and feeding bears, eagles, and other wildlife.

Their short two-year life cycle results in genetically distinct odd-year and even-year populations. While some pinks do return in even years, the odd years bring the volume that turns the streams silver.

Rules and Regulations for Pink Salmon in Southeast Alaska

Pink salmon runs are large, but that doesn’t mean there are no rules. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game manages harvests to protect spawning grounds and keep fishing fair for everyone.

Here’s what to know when targeting pink salmon near Prince of Wales Island:

Sport Fishing License: Anyone age 16 or older needs a valid Alaska sport fishing license. This applies to both residents and non-residents.

Bag Limits: Most areas allow you to keep up to six salmon per day, and pink salmon count toward that total. There is no separate or additional limit for pinks.

Gear Restrictions: Some rivers have special rules—like single-hook only or barbless hook requirements—especially near known spawning areas. Always check current area-specific regulations before you fish.

Catch-and-Release Guidelines: Pink salmon can take a beating, but it's still important to handle them with care. Use wet hands, avoid rough surfaces, and keep the fish in the water during release to reduce stress.

Emergency Orders: ADF&G may update rules in response to run strength or weather conditions, so be sure to check with your guide.

Boardwalk Lodge’s guides are up to date on all current fishing regulations and can help you fish legally and responsibly.

Experience Pink Salmon Season at Boardwalk Lodge

Boardwalk Lodge is in a prime spot for pink salmon fishing. During odd-numbered years, the runs are massive and nonstop. Our guests often catch dozens of fish in a single outing—perfect for families, new anglers, or anyone looking to stay busy on the water.

You can target pinks with a fly rod, spinning gear, or even simple tackle setups from the bank. Our guided fishing trips take you to productive streams where pinks are thick, active, and ready to bite.

At the end of the day, you can keep a few fresh fish for dinner, or simply enjoy the catch-and-release thrill. Our staff can help clean your catch and prepare meals, or freeze fillets to take home.

Fishing for pink salmon also fits well between outings for larger species like coho or halibut. It’s a great way to fill the gaps and make the most of your Alaska fishing trip.

Book the Trip of a Lifetime

Pink salmon are fast, plentiful, and always ready to bite. They might not be the biggest fish in the water, but they bring energy, excitement, and opportunity to anglers around Prince of Wales Island. If you’re staying at Boardwalk Lodge during pink season, don’t miss the chance to join the action.

Book your trip today and come experience the wild rush of a Southeast Alaska pink salmon run.