They all die after spawning. Angling is restricted to fly fishing to certain areas of the Kenai River and the Russian River. Sizes of the hook are also regulated. Be aware of the fishing rules of your fishing area. It is recognized by the very large oval dark spots on the back and on both lobes of the caudal fin.
Pinks reach maturity in two years.
They enter streams from July to mid-October to spawn and die. Females will lay around 1,500 to 2,000 eggs. They are mostly fished while still in saltwater before they begin to develop their hump. Even years offer greater return in the Alaskan streams. They are metallic blue above, silver below, and have no spots.