Today’s fishing report for April 9, 2025, focuses on the waters of Puget Sound, Washington, particularly Marine Areas 10 (Seattle-Bremerton) and 11 (Tacoma-Vashon). Conditions are excellent for anglers targeting Chinook salmon, or "Blackmouth," as the early spring season progresses.
The weather is cooperative with calm waters, partly cloudy skies, and temperatures rising from 47°F in the morning to the mid-50s by the afternoon. Sunrise was at 6:39 AM, and sunset will be at 7:39 PM, offering ample daylight. The tide is a major factor for success—target the outgoing tide near areas like Jeff Head (south side) or Kingston’s inner bowl. On the incoming tide, try President’s Point or Kingston’s outer bar in Marine Area 10. For Area 11, focus on Point Defiance's Slag Pile or Dalco Point on the Vashon side depending on tidal flow.
Fishing activity has been encouraging since the early Chinook season began on April 2. Anglers are encountering good numbers of legal-sized Chinook salmon, particularly those over the 22-inch minimum for hatchery-marked fish. Both Marine Areas 10 and 11 have encounter guidelines, so it’s wise to monitor fish counts and emergency closures via WDFW updates.
Successful anglers are trolling deep, with gear positioned 90 to 200 feet down, staying within 10 feet of the bottom. Top-performing setups include Silver Horde Kingfisher spoons in “Cookies and Cream” and “Irish Cream” patterns, and Tomic Plugs (#602 or #603) rigged 30-40 feet behind the downrigger clip. Mooching with brined herring or vertical jigging with Puget Pounder Jigs are also productive, especially for those fishing without downriggers. UV and glow lures are advised for deeper waters, as they are highly effective in low-light conditions.
Recommended hot spots for today:
- In Marine Area 10, hit Jeff Head or Kingston during tidal shifts.
- In Marine Area 11, target Point Defiance (Clay Banks and Slag Pile) or Dalco Point.
Overall, today’s conditions are perfect for trolling the rocky contours of Puget Sound. Remember to check daily fishing regulations and emergency rule updates before heading out. Good luck, and tight lines!