Pink Salmon Introduced
🔬 Oncorhynchus gorbuscha
The smallest Pacific salmon. Males develop a distinctive humped back during spawning, earning the nickname "humpy." Odd-year runs dominate in most Michigan waters -- 2025, 2027, etc. Return in large numbers to Lake Superior and Lake Huron tributaries in late summer. Provide exciting fishing on light tackle and are excellent smoked.
🎣 Get Full Stocking Data & Forecasts
Fishing Pro · $4.99/mo · Cancel anytime
Bite this month
Excellent
Best season
Late Summer, Fall
Keeper size
14" at ~2 yrs
Regulations
limit 5
Where to Catch Pink Salmon in Michigan
| Lake | County | Population |
|---|---|---|
|
Brevoort Lake
4,179 acres
|
Mackinac | |
| Carp River | Mackinac | |
| Falls River | Baraga | |
| Huron River | Baraga | |
|
Indian Lake
8,689 acres
|
Schoolcraft | |
|
Lake Gogebic
13,380 acres
|
Gogebic | |
|
Lake Michigamme
4,149 acres
|
Marquette | |
|
Millecoquins Lake
1,680 acres
|
Mackinac | |
|
Muskallonge Lake
768 acres
|
Luce | |
| North Br Carp River | Mackinac | |
| Nunns Creek | Mackinac | |
| Ozark Creek | Mackinac | |
| South Br Carp River | Mackinac | |
| St. Marys River | Chippewa | |
| Taylor Creek | Mackinac | |
| Thunder Bay, Alpena Harbor | Alpena |
Pink Salmon Conservation Status
Introduced Pink Salmon was introduced to Michigan and is now an established part of the fishery. Native to Pacific drainages. Accidentally established in Lake Superior from a 1956 Ontario stocking experiment. Now self-sustaining with strong odd-year runs in Lake Superior, Lake Huron, and some Lake Michigan tributaries. Not managed with stocking -- the population sustains itself through natural reproduction. The daily bag limit is 5.
Pink Salmon Habitat & Behavior
Great Lakes open water; returns to rivers and streams in August-September to spawn. Lake Superior and Lake Huron tributaries host the strongest Michigan runs. Odd-year runs far outnumber even-year runs in most Michigan streams. DNR records show Pink Salmon present in 16 Michigan water bodies. Bite activity rates Good or better in Aug and Sep.
Best Pink Salmon Techniques
Small pink or chartreuse spoons and spinners, egg sacs, and small jigs drifted naturally in river current during spawning runs. Light trout spinning gear is ideal.
Best Pink Salmon Baits
Small spoons, flies, spawn sacs, small spinners
Pink Salmon Fishing Regulations in Michigan
5
Daily limit
10
Possession limit
Year-round in Great Lakes
Season
Runs occur in odd-numbered years only in most Lake Michigan tributaries (2025, 2027, etc.).
⚠️ Regulations shown are general statewide guidelines for 2025. Rules vary by water body and change annually.
Always verify current regulations in the official Michigan DNR Fishing Guide before you fish.
Michigan DNR Pink Salmon Stocking Records
Unlock with Fishing Pro
Estimated Mature Pink Salmon — September
See Which Lakes Have Mature Pink Salmon Right Now
Based on DNR stocking records from 2023–2025, we estimate which Michigan lakes likely hold Pink Salmon at keeper size (14") today.
Best Times to Fish Pink Salmon
Angler Tips for Pink Salmon
No tips yet for this species. Fishing Pro members can share tips and photos.
Be the first to share an angler tip
Fishing Pro members only