Equipment for Pink Salmon.

With pink salmon season kicking off, here are a few tips for new anglers—and maybe even a refresher for the seasoned ones.

1. Bring a variety of flies.

Have an assortment of colors and sizes on hand. Pink and green are our go-to colors, especially patterns that combine the two. Variety is key—fish can be picky, and switching up your presentation can often make a big difference.

Larger flies tend to work well in higher or dirtier water, while smaller flies are more effective in low, clear conditions. When there’s a big push of fish, smaller flies usually get more attention. On the other hand, bigger flies can be more effective when fewer fish are moving through.

2. Use the right sink tips.

To cover different water depths and current speeds, we recommend using sink tips in the Type 3–4 IPS (inches per second) or Type 5–6 IPS range. These tips help you reach both deeper holding water and shallower travel lanes where pinks are likely to be moving.

3. Choose the right leader.

We typically use 10–12 lb leader material. It’s strong enough to handle the fight but still subtle enough for clear-water situations.

4. Use the right rod weight.

We recommend 6-, 7-, or 8-weight rods. These weights offer enough power to handle strong fish and help reduce fight time—minimizing stress on the salmon. It’s better to be slightly overpowered than underpowered when targeting pinks.

5. Don’t overlook your reel.

A solid reel with a smooth, reliable drag system is key—especially if the fish decides to make a strong run. You don’t need anything fancy, but it should be dependable.

6. Choose the right fly line.

Weight-forward fly lines are great for casting sink tips, handling wind, and turning over larger flies. They’re a practical, versatile choice for pink salmon fishing.