As of September 28, 2024, the fishing scene in Puget Sound, particularly around Seattle, is looking very promising. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.
### Tidal and Weather Conditions
Today, the sunrise is at 7:04 AM, and sunset will be at 6:47 PM. The tidal cycle shows a high tide at 9:34 AM and a low tide at 3:17 PM, which should provide good conditions for fishing. The weather forecast indicates partly cloudy skies with a high of 62°F and a low of 50°F, making it a comfortable day to be out on the water.
### Fish Activity
September is a prime month for fishing in Puget Sound, especially for coho salmon. These feisty fall-run coho are thick in the Straits, Puget Sound, and coastal bays. Yesterday, anglers reported catching a significant number of coho salmon, particularly in Marine Areas 8-1 and 8-2, as well as in the Skagit and Snohomish rivers.
### Catch Reports
From the creel reports, it appears that coho salmon were the main catch yesterday. For example, at the Armeni Public Ramp in the Seattle-Bremerton area, anglers caught 79 coho salmon. Similarly, at the Kingston Public Ramp in Admiralty Inlet, 73 coho were reported caught.
### Best Lures and Bait
For targeting coho salmon, light tackle or fly fishing is highly effective. Small spinners, jigs, and flies are recommended. In the rivers, coho can often be found in pods under cutbanks or large woody debris. Using bait such as herring or anchovies can also be productive, especially when trolling or mooching.
### Hot Spots
- **Marine Area 8-2**: This area has been particularly good for non-selective coho fishing, with a 2-fish limit. The waters around Ports Susan and Gardner are known for their coho activity.
- **Skagit River**: The Skagit River is expected to have a very good coho run this year. Anglers have been successful in catching coho here, especially as the waters cool and the fish begin their migration into freshwater.
Overall, today looks like an excellent day to get out and catch some coho salmon in the Puget Sound area. Make sure to check the fishing regulations and any special rules or gear restrictions before you head out.