Hey there, fellow anglers and future fishing enthusiasts! This is Captain Chris of Big King Salmon Charters, and let me tell you, I’ve seen a lot of salmon runs in my decades on Puget Sound. I’ve witnessed the ebb and flow, the lean years and the bountiful ones. But what’s unfolding right now, as we push into August 2025, is shaping up to be something truly special. We’re talking about a Pink Salmon season that’s not just good – it’s going to be one for the history books!
The word from the WDFW and other fisheries experts has been buzzing for months, but now that we’re seeing the fish in the water, it’s official: Puget Sound is absolutely teeming with Pink Salmon! We’re looking at a forecast of over 7 million pinks returning to our waters, and let me tell you, from what I’m seeing out on the Sound, that’s just the start. More are pushing in every single day. The ocean conditions were fantastic, the fry out-migration was strong two years ago – it’s all coming together for an epic return. These “humpies,” as we affectionately call them, are pouring into the Sound, and they’re hungry!
This August is shaping up to be one of the most incredible fishing months in recent memory. We’re already seeing charters out there catching quick limits of pinks, and what’s even better, we’re getting a fantastic mix of Coho salmon right alongside them. Those silvers are pushing into the Sound, fattening up, and adding some extra thrill to every hookup. Imagine hitting your limit on pinks, then having a chrome-bright Coho smash your gear – that’s the kind of day we’re talking about on Big King Salmon Charters right now.
For those of you who might be new to salmon fishing, or perhaps just haven’t experienced a “humpy” run like this before, let me set the scene. Pink salmon are often the gateway drug to a lifelong addiction to salmon fishing. They’re aggressive, they’re abundant, and they hit with a surprising punch for their size. And when you’ve got millions of them on the move, it means consistent action, which is perfect for teaching the ropes to young anglers, or helping new fishermen build confidence.
We run two trips a day here at Big King Salmon Charters: a morning trip and an afternoon trip. Now, normally, I’d always tell you the early bird gets the worm, and that morning bite, with the low light and cooler temperatures, is often unbeatable. And that still holds true – our morning trips are seeing absolutely phenomenal action, with limits being reached often before the coffee’s even fully kicked in!
But here’s the exciting part about a run of this magnitude: with over 7 million pink salmon already in the waters and more to come, the afternoon fishing is also expected to be outstanding. When you have this sheer volume of fish, they’re simply everywhere, and they’re feeding throughout the day. The afternoon sun might send some deeper, but with the abundance we’re seeing, there’s always a willing fish to be found. It means you can still come out, enjoy the beautiful Puget Sound scenery, and experience incredible, consistent action even if a morning start isn’t in the cards.
These pinks are generally found in the upper parts of the water column, especially in the mornings, which makes for some exciting, almost visual fishing. We’ll be running our gear at depths that put us right in their feeding zone, often between 25 and 60 feet. But don’t be surprised if you see them jumping right near the surface! Their sheer numbers mean they’re pushing bait around and creating opportunities wherever they go.
Now, a word to the wise: this season is going to sell out fast. I’m not just saying that to drum up business; I’m telling you as Captain Chris, with decades of knowing these waters. When you have a run of this scale, combined with the usual summer rush, our calendar fills up quickly. We’re getting calls from anglers eager to get in on this action from all over. If you want to experience what could truly be the best Pink Salmon season Puget Sound has seen in years – and maybe catch some bonus Coho while you’re at it – you need to act now.
Whether you’re looking to introduce your kids to the thrill of catching salmon, want to fill your freezer with some delicious pinks, or you’re a seasoned angler who just loves the consistent bend in the rod, this is the year to be on Puget Sound. Don’t wait until it’s too late and all the prime dates are gone.
Give us a call at Big King Salmon Charters and let’s get you booked for an unforgettable day (or two!) on the water. We’re ready, the boat is rigged, and the salmon are waiting. This is Captain Chris, signing off, and looking forward to seeing you reel in some humpbacks!
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