23: The Pink Salmon Run Is ON! Biology, Tactics & Top Spots for 2025

We’re back from the summit—literally just stepped in the door after climbing Mount Shasta—and diving straight into pink salmon season in the PNW. In this week’s episode of Fishing for a Reason, we cover why 2025 is shaping up to be one of the best pink salmon runs we’ve seen in years, with over 7.6 million fish expected to return.

Whether you’re brand new to salmon fishing, planning to take the kids out, or just want to know the where, when, and how to make the most of this epic season—we’ve got you. We also share updates on salmon school, WDFW regulations, and how to identify, catch, and cook your humpie haul.

And yep—we’ve got a photo contest and a surprise prize for the first pink tail pic submitted!

🎯 What You'll Learn:

• Why pink salmon are the gateway fish for beginners and families
• When and where to target them in Marine Areas 6 & 7
• How to ID pinks vs. kings and coho (even when they’re still kicking on the deck)
• The best gear, lures, and boat setups for action-packed days
• How to cook pinks for max flavor—and why smoking is your friend
• Real-time updates on salmon regulations (and how to read them right)
• Bonus: our Salmon School details + how to claim your discounted charter

Resources & Links:

• 🎓Salmon School (July 11th) – Email [email protected] with subject line SALMON SCHOOL to grab your seat
• Pink Salmon Photo Contest – Be the first to send us a photo of a pink salmon tail and win a surprise prize! Email: [email protected]
• DeepZoom Mapping Tool: https://deepzoom.com/
• WDFW Proposed Fisheries Info: Google “WDFW Proposed Fisheries
• Salmon ID Guide (WDFW Booklet) – Check your booklet for visual ID charts to help you distinguish pinks, kings, and coho
• Smoked Salmon Prep Tutorial – Coming soon to AnglersUnlimited.co