Pink Salmon have a large, elongate, and streamlined body. Their colour is steel-blue to green back and bright silver sides. During spawning, males develop a large hump behind the head and a hooked snout. The best way to identify Pink Salmon are their large dark spots on entire tail that are as long as the eye diameter.
Habitat
Found in Lake Superior. Introduced from the Pacific Ocean in the 1950s. Most of its life is spent in deeper open water, only returning to rivers to spawn.
Spawning Patterns
Most fish mature between ages 2-3 and return to spawn late summer. The female lays eggs in a gravel nest and after they are fertilized, covers them. Spawn only once in their lifetime and die shortly after.
Diet
Adult Pink Salmon primarily eat small fishes in the Great Lakes.
Age and Size
Can live up to 3 years old.
Adults usually 14-16 inches long.
Ontario record weight is 13.06 lb.
Fishing Tips
Trolling in summer months with spoons or plugs are proven techniques. During spawning time, they concentrate around larger rivers. Float fishing in rapids is popular among river anglers.
Fish illustration ©CURTIS ATWATER (www.natureartists.com/atwaterc.htm)
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