Salmon season on the Tidal Fraser and coastal waters is always exciting, but this year is something special. Anglers have openings for both Pink salmon—returning on their two-year cycle—and Sockeye—hitting the peak of their four-year cycle. It’s a rare opportunity to chase both species in one season, and being prepared with the right tackle will make all the difference. To help you gear up with confidence, we’ve rounded up our top-producing favourites.
Hot Pink Mini Squid – A proven favourite for Pinks and Sockeye, either behind a flasher or to dress up a jig.
Humpy Jigs – Perfect for casting or jigging when fish are stacked up and feeding aggressively.
Cerise Crocs – Bright, flashy, and irresistible when schools are moving through.
Koho Spoons (Cerise Scale in particular) – A salmon staple that consistently produces hookups.
Dick Nites – A must-have for Sockeye fishing, small and effective behind your favourite flasher or drifted under a float in River Systems.
Glow Pink Minnow – Great for early mornings and low-light conditions.
Humpy Special Flashers – Tailored for the Pink run, drawing fish into your spread.
T10 Guide Series Highliner – A versatile choice for both Pinks and Sockeye.
Red & Cerise Highliners – Options like the Classic Red, Red Jelly, and Twisted Sista Red give you proven colour patterns to test until you find what the fish want.
Cerise Colorado Blades – Add flash and vibration to your presentation.
Cerise Yarn & Deep Pink Super Fluff – Great for river systems and drift rigs.
Jughead Nano Squirt – Adds lifelike action to your hoochies for even more strikes.
If you want to keep it simple, our kits take the guesswork out:
Pink/Sockeye Kit – A curated selection of must-haves for both species.
Gibbs Humpy Kit – Perfectly designed for chasing Pinks during their peak run.
Landing fish is only half the battle. Handling and cleaning them properly makes the experience even better. A few must-have tools to keep on deck or at the cleaning station:
Fish Cleaning Mat – Keeps your work area clean and prevents fish from slipping while you fillet.
Guide Series Fillet Knife – Sharp, durable, and built for precision filleting.
Gibbs Multi-Purpose Pliers – Perfect for hook removal, crimping, and quick adjustments.
Guide Series Stainless Steel Pliers – A corrosion-resistant option built to last in harsh saltwater conditions.
Sockeye and Pinks can be finicky, so don’t be afraid to experiment with colours and presentations until you dial them in. Stock up now and make sure you’re ready when the schools arrive - because when the bite is on, you’ll want the right gear and tools at hand.
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All of the tackle featured here can be found at your local tackle shop. When you shop local, you’re not just getting great gear—you’re also helping support the businesses that keep our fisheries, guides, and communities thriving.
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