Humpy Madness Returns to Puget Sound in 2025!

Humpy Fishing!

Every other year, like clockwork, Pink (Humpy) salmon flood back to the Puget Sound, charging up rivers to do their spawning dance. Why do these feisty fish only show up every two years? I haven’t cracked that mystery yet, but I do know this: Humpies hit Puget Sound in odd-numbered years (like 2025) and swarm Alaskan waters in even years. This year, it’s our turn in Washington, and I’m stoked to join the throngs of anglers chasing these scrappy salmon!

Pink ( Humpy) Salmon

Humpies are the smallest of the salmon family—unless you count Kokanee or landlocked Silvers (a debate for another post). Don’t let their size fool you; they return in massive schools and hit like they’re auditioning for a fishing show. This makes them a perfect target for anglers of all skill levels, from grizzled pros to first-timers looking to hook their first salmon. The Puyallup River, just a short drive from Tacoma, is my go-to spot for this wild fishery, with plenty of access points and fish to go around.

The 2025 season just kicked off, and I couldn’t wait to get out there. I called my fishing buddy, Kenny “G,” who lives for these moments. “Dude, I’m fishing Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday—meet me at the Puyallup!” he said, already fired up. Kenny’s the kind of guy who’d sleep in his waders if he could, so I knew he’d be ready to roll.

I hit the road at 3:45 a.m., bleary-eyed but buzzing with anticipation. By 6 a.m., I pulled up next to Kenny’s truck at our favorite spot on the Puyallup. We suited up in our waders, grabbed our rods, and scrambled down to the river as the first light reflected off the muddy glacial color of the Puyallup River. For Humpies on the Puyallup, most anglers swear by the classic corkie-and-yarn setup with a 1/2 to 3/4 oz. weight. I rigged up with ProBraid 40W braid (green, 40-pound test) for my main line—it’s tough as nails and casts like a dream on my spinning reel. For my leader, I used 12-pound mono tied to a 2/0 barbless Gamakatsu hook (barbless is the rule here, so check your regs!).

Here is what I used for my rig.

The river was alive with fish and fishermen, but the vibe was electric. Humpies were rolling, and nearly everyone was hooking up, which kept spirits high and smiles wide. Kenny, as usual, schooled me with his fish-whisperer skills, but I held my own, landing three solid Humpies before I had to peel out for some sales calls in Seattle. Each fish fought like a mini freight train, making every cast a thrill.

Gret day with my great friend Kenny.

The Humpy season is short and sweet—late August through late September—so if you want in on this action, the next couple of weeks will be prime time. Get out there, stake your spot, and join the fun.

Finally got my first "Humpy" print!

One last thing—I finally snagged a fish print of a Humpy for my collection! But I’m still on the hunt for a gnarly, “humped-up” spawner to round it out. Stay tuned for September, when I’ll be back on the river chasing that trophy print.

Thanks for reading, and tight lines!

Bill