Pink salmon identification tips for anglers

How to tell your catch from other salmon species

By Lynn Munson/WDFW

Please note: A pink salmon non-retention rule is in effect for anglers in Marine Area 8-2 (Port Susan and Port Gardner).

Every odd-numbered year, Washington’s waters come alive with pink salmon — also known as “humpies.” A pink salmon forecast of nearly 7.8 million — up 70% from the 10-year cycle average — is expected to flood into the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Puget Sound. If the forecast becomes a reality, then the pink salmon return could be the third largest on record, up from a 2023 forecast of 3.95 million and an actual return of 7.22 million. It’s a prime opportunity for anglers!

Chinook and other salmon species share the same space, so proper identification is key to staying compliant.

A happy family with their catch of pink salmon (Aimee Edmonds)

Know a pink versus Chinook

Pink salmon are abundant and often open for harvest, while Chinook salmon are subject to stricter regulations. Misidentifying a Chinook as a pink could lead to unintentional violations, especially in marine areas with Chinook restrictions.

It is very important for anglers to be able to distinguish the difference between a pink and a young Chinook salmon especially when fishing in marine areas.

Pink salmon

A pink salmon has very large black spots on the caudal fin and back, and heavy oval shaped black splotches on the upper and lower lobes of the tail. They also have a white mouth with few if any teeth as well as a black gum line and tongue. Their scales are very small with no silver pigment on the tail.

Their nickname “humpies” or “humpy” comes from the dramatic hump that forms on the back of male pink salmon as they return to rivers and approach spawning time. Males also develop a hooked upper jaw during spawning season.

Pink salmon (WDFW)

Chinook salmon

In the marine environment, a Chinook has large black spots on the back, dorsal fin, and both the upper and lower lobes of the tail. They have a dark mouth, black gum line, and large prominent teeth, as well as silver pigment on the tail.

Chinook salmon (WDFW)

You can find a salmon species identification guide on pages 104-105 in the 2025–26 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet.

This salmon identification PDF is also a handy resource.

Feature	Pink salmon (“humpy”)	Chinook salmon (“king”)
Mouth color	White	Dark
Gum line	Black	Black
Teeth	Small, few	Large, prominent
Tail	No silver pigment	Silver pigment present
Body shape	Males develop a pronounced hump	Sleek, torpedo-shaped
Size	3-5 lbs (average)	10-30+ lbs (average)

Rules and regulations may change at any time. Before heading out, make sure you have the appropriate recreational fishing license and be sure to take the following steps:

Download and read the annual fishing pamphlet, which details rules and regulations statewide.
Check for any emergency rule changes affecting the species or location you’re fishing.
Download the Fish Washington^® mobile app, which provides up-to-date fishing regulations on your mobile device.

Be sure to read on in our Think Pink Salmon blogs below to learn more about this exciting odd-year opportunity. You’ll find posts on strategies and gear, fishing locations, and catch care, as well as plenty of tips from WDFW staff to help you put wild food on your table. Good luck to you and enjoy fishing Washington!

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