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How to Rig for Pink Salmon

Oncorhynchus gorbuscha

Pinks are the smallest and most numerous Pacific salmon, running in huge numbers on a two-year cycle, with most runs in Washington and southern British Columbia arriving in odd-numbered years. They love anything pink and small, fished slowly, and are a great first salmon for beginners from beaches and river banks. Males grow a pronounced hump as they near spawning.

Answer at a glance
Best rig
Float Rig
Best bait
Small pink jig or pink yarn under a float in river runs
Where
river, boat
Typical size
18–24 in
Season
Peak season: summer
Realistic Float Rig fishing rig setup
#1 Best Match

Float Rig

intermediateboat · river

A float suspends bait at a fixed depth instead of dragging it on the bottom, letting current or light wave action carry it naturally past holding fish. This is the standard technique for salmon and steelhead in rivers, fished with roe or beads under a pencil float, and for light-tackle pier species like jacksmelt, where a small float and a multi-hook leader with tiny bait covers a school as it drifts through. Use it whenever fish are holding off bottom rather than on it, or when you want a natural drift through a current seam without snagging.

  • Main line8-15 lb monofilament running through the float
  • Leader15-25 lb fluorocarbon
  • Leader length18-24in from the float to the hook, shorten in clear water, lengthen in off-color water
  • Hooks#2 - 1/0 hook, or a small pink jig
  • WeightSmall split shot on the leader, just enough to cock the float upright
  • Line to sinkerShot placed 8-12in above the hook, or spaced 2in apart in a cluster halfway down the leader for salmon
  • BaitSmall pink jig or pink yarn under a float in river runs
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Realistic Fish-Finder Rig fishing rig setup
Fish-Finder Rig
The sinker slides freely on the main line, so a fish can pick up bait and move off without feeling resistance.
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Downrigger cableCannonballFishing lineRelease clipSetback 10-50ftFlasherHoochie
Downrigger Trolling Rig
A heavy cannonball on its own cable carries the fishing line down to an exact depth, where a release clip holds it until a fish strikes and pops the line free.
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Main lineThree-way swivelDropper6-18inBank sinkerLeader 24-48inHook
Three-Way Rig
A three-way swivel splits the rig into a short dropper to the weight and a longer leader to the bait, so the bait swings just off the bottom while the weight bounces along below it.
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Source & regulation note

Technique guidance is educational. Seasons, size limits, bag limits, closures, and protected areas can change. Always verify the current rules before fishing or keeping fish.

FishBase species profile ↗NOAA Fisheries / state agencies ↗Fisheries and Oceans Canada ↗Editorial methodology

Fishing regulations vary by location and season. Check current local regulations before fishing.

Last reviewed: 2026-09-26

Common Questions

What is the best rig for Pink Salmon?

The Float Rig is the top recommendation for Pink Salmon. A float suspends bait at a fixed depth instead of dragging it on the bottom, letting current or light wave action carry it naturally past holding fish. This is the standard technique for salmon and steelhead in rivers, fished with roe or beads under a pencil float, and for light-tackle pier species like jacksmelt, where a small float and a multi-hook leader with tiny bait covers a school as it drifts through. Use it whenever fish are holding off bottom rather than on it, or when you want a natural drift through a current seam without snagging.

What bait works for Pink Salmon?

Check the recommended rig cards above for bait notes specific to Pink Salmon.

When is the best time to catch Pink Salmon?

Peak season: summer. Typical size runs 18–24 in. Always check current regulations before keeping fish.

Where do you catch Pink Salmon?

Pink Salmon is caught while river, boat fishing. Pinks are the smallest and most numerous Pacific salmon, running in huge numbers on a two-year cycle, with most runs in Washington and southern British Columbia arriving in odd-numbered years. They love anything pink and small, fished slowly, and are a great first salmon for beginners from beaches and river banks. Males grow a pronounced hump as they near spawning.