For December 19, 2024, fishing in the Puget Sound is looking promising, despite the winter chill. Here’s what you need to know:
### Tides and Weather
Today, the high tide in Olympia, Budd Inlet, is at 9:22 AM with a height of 16.03 feet, and the low tide is at 3:29 PM with a height of 7.61 feet. Sunrise is at 7:54 AM, and sunset is at 4:24 PM. Check the tide times to plan your fishing trip accordingly[2].
### Fish Activity
December is a great time for winter steelhead fishing in the Puget Sound. Early-returning hatchery steelhead are already present in rivers like the Snoqualmie and Skykomish, as well as coastal and lower Columbia River tributaries. Wild steelhead returns typically begin in January but are starting to show up in decent numbers now[1][5].
For salmon, Manchester inlet on the Kitsap Peninsula is a reliable spot for winter blackmouth (Chinook salmon). This area holds lots of bait, which attracts the blackmouth. It's a short boat ride from Elliott Bay, Tacoma, or Bremerton[3].
### Recent Catches
Yesterday saw some good action for cutthroat and coho salmon. In the South Puget Sound, anglers reported catching some quality cutthroat using sculpin, euphasiid, and krill patterns. Coho fishing has also been good, with both resident and ocean-going coho present[5].
### Best Lures and Bait
For winter steelhead, using a variety of sink tips and flies is advisable due to changing water conditions. For salmon, particularly blackmouth, focus on finding bait-rich areas. Use lures that mimic small crustaceans like copepods, amphipods, and krill. Sculpin patterns, Euphassiid, and small suggestive patterns are also effective[1][5].
### Hot Spots
- **Manchester Inlet**: A top spot for winter blackmouth fishing, known for its consistent action and bait-rich waters[3].
- **Snoqualmie and Skykomish Rivers**: These rivers are good for winter steelhead fishing, with early-returning hatchery steelhead already present[1].
Make sure to check the latest fishing regulations and updates before heading out, as conservation concerns can affect fishing opportunities in some areas. Enjoy your time on the water