Hooked on Pink: A Record-Breaking Salmon Season Ahead

If you’ve ever wanted to experience the thrill of reeling in Pink Salmon, this is your year. 2025 is shaping up to be one of the best years for Pink Salmon fishing on record, especially along British Columbia's Fraser River and surrounding coastal regions. Fisheries experts predict a massive return of over 20 million pinks, a bonanza for recreational anglers and families looking to get out on the water.

Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just getting started, Pink Salmon are a blast to catch and a perfect entry point for new fishers. They’re aggressive, abundant, and not too fussy when it comes to bait — but with the right tactics and Lucky Bug Lures in your tackle box, you’ll maximize your chances of landing a haul.

Why 2025 is a Big Deal for Pink Salmon

Pinks, or "humpies" as they're often called due to the distinctive hump males develop, run in odd-numbered years in most parts of BC. The Fraser River run in particular is expected to break records this summer, according to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and reported by The Globe and Mail. Conservation efforts, favourable ocean conditions, and cyclical abundance have all aligned to create ideal fishing opportunities this season .

Where to Fish for Pink Salmon

Fraser River & Tributaries: The epicentre of this year’s pink run. Best times are late July through September.
Vancouver Island Shores: Especially around Campbell River and the Comox Valley.
Squamish River: A reliable spot for shore anglers just a couple hours from Vancouver.
Port Alberni & Barkley Sound: Excellent for boat anglers and family trips.

Essential Gear for Pink Salmon

Rods: A light to medium-action spinning rod, 8-10 feet long, for casting from shore.
Reels: 2500 to 3000 size spinning reels are ideal, loaded with 10-15 lb test line.
Line: Braided line for better sensitivity, with a fluorocarbon leader around 8-12 lbs to stay stealthy.

Pro Tips to Hook More Pink Salmon

Time it Right: Early morning and evening are prime feeding times. On sunny days, pinks can also be active mid-day in deeper, cooler waters.
Keep It Moving: Pinks love action. Cast your lure upstream and retrieve with a steady, moderate pace. Twitch your rod occasionally to imitate a distressed baitfish.
Target the Current: Focus on seams between fast and slow water where salmon rest during migration.

Lucky Bug Lure Recommendations

Bingo Bugs:

These small, vibrant lures are a deadly choice for pinks. Their unique design mimics baitfish with an enticing flutter — perfect for slow to medium retrieves in river systems.
View Bingo Bug Collection

Fusion Extreme:

If you're targeting deeper runs or fishing from a boat, the Fusion Extreme's flash and wobble action can’t be beat. Try pink, silver, or chartreuse colours to match the salmon's preferences.
View Fusion Extreme Collection

Zombie Maxx:

When the fish are being finicky, the Zombie Maxx's lifelike paint and erratic action can trigger those stubborn strikes.
View Zombie Maxx Collection

Lucky Plug:

For trolling, the Lucky Plug offers a consistent, aggressive wobble that gets noticed. Pink or UV finishes work wonders during lower-light conditions.
View Lucky Plug Collection

Explore our full selection of Lucky Bug Lures to gear up for your next salmon adventure here.

Bonus: A Quick Shore Lunch Idea

Once you’ve caught your limit, try grilling pink salmon fillets right on the riverside. Simply wrap the fish in foil with lemon slices, salt, pepper, and a dab of butter. Pair it with a crisp Canadian lager for the ultimate post-fishing reward.

Let’s Make This a Season to Remember

Don’t let this once-in-a-decade pink salmon run pass you by. Stock up on the right lures, gather your fishing buddies, and head to the rivers and shores where the action is heating up. And when you land that perfect catch, tag us on social — we’d love to see your Lucky Bug success stories!