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Puget Sound Fishing Report: Lingcod, Cutthroat, and Coho Thrive in Spring Conditions
PUGET SOUND FISHING REPORT - May 9, 2025
By Artificial Lure, Local Angling Expert
Good morning, fellow anglers! The coffee's hot and the fish are biting across Puget Sound today. We've got a beauty of a day shaping up with those classic Northwest spring conditions.
Folks, the lingcod season is in full swing since it opened on May 1st, and it'll run through June 15th in most Puget Sound marine areas (except Hood Canal which remains closed). Remember your size limits - 26 inches minimum, 36 inches maximum, and you're limited to one fish per day. If you're planning to target these toothy critters, stick to waters less than 120 feet deep and don't forget those barbless hooks - they're required for all species in marine areas 5-13.
Sea-run cutthroat fishing has been absolutely dynamite lately, especially in the South Sound. The chum fry migration is still going strong, creating perfect feeding opportunities. Several anglers reported success with small chum fry patterns, but keep some herring, sand lance, and shiner perch imitations handy too. The large tidal swings we've been seeing are moving plenty of bait around, creating prime feeding conditions.
There are also reports of some resident coho being caught in the South Sound - a nice bonus if you're out targeting cutthroat. These fish are opportunistic feeders, so similar patterns should work well.
For those looking to get out on the rivers, current levels are favorable across much of the region. The Snoqualmie is running at ideal wading conditions between 300-1500 CFS, while the Skykomish and Skagit are both within their ideal fishing ranges.
Hot spots this weekend? I'd put my money on the beaches around Vashon Island for cutthroat and the rocky structures near Possession Point for lingcod. Several buddies have been doing well at both locations this past week.
Bait-wise, if you're not a fly angler, small Dick Nite spoons in blue/silver have been producing, and those who prefer bait are finding success with fresh herring or candlefish.
With these strong tidal swings coming up, it's a great time to scout your local beaches during the extreme low tides to identify structure that's normally hidden.
Remember, those barbless hooks are mandatory throughout Puget Sound, and be sure to check the regs before heading out as size and catch limits vary by location and species.
Tight lines, everyone! This is Artificial Lure signing off - see you on the water!
By Artificial Lure, Local Angling Expert
Good morning, fellow anglers! The coffee's hot and the fish are biting across Puget Sound today. We've got a beauty of a day shaping up with those classic Northwest spring conditions.
Folks, the lingcod season is in full swing since it opened on May 1st, and it'll run through June 15th in most Puget Sound marine areas (except Hood Canal which remains closed). Remember your size limits - 26 inches minimum, 36 inches maximum, and you're limited to one fish per day. If you're planning to target these toothy critters, stick to waters less than 120 feet deep and don't forget those barbless hooks - they're required for all species in marine areas 5-13.
Sea-run cutthroat fishing has been absolutely dynamite lately, especially in the South Sound. The chum fry migration is still going strong, creating perfect feeding opportunities. Several anglers reported success with small chum fry patterns, but keep some herring, sand lance, and shiner perch imitations handy too. The large tidal swings we've been seeing are moving plenty of bait around, creating prime feeding conditions.
There are also reports of some resident coho being caught in the South Sound - a nice bonus if you're out targeting cutthroat. These fish are opportunistic feeders, so similar patterns should work well.
For those looking to get out on the rivers, current levels are favorable across much of the region. The Snoqualmie is running at ideal wading conditions between 300-1500 CFS, while the Skykomish and Skagit are both within their ideal fishing ranges.
Hot spots this weekend? I'd put my money on the beaches around Vashon Island for cutthroat and the rocky structures near Possession Point for lingcod. Several buddies have been doing well at both locations this past week.
Bait-wise, if you're not a fly angler, small Dick Nite spoons in blue/silver have been producing, and those who prefer bait are finding success with fresh herring or candlefish.
With these strong tidal swings coming up, it's a great time to scout your local beaches during the extreme low tides to identify structure that's normally hidden.
Remember, those barbless hooks are mandatory throughout Puget Sound, and be sure to check the regs before heading out as size and catch limits vary by location and species.
Tight lines, everyone! This is Artificial Lure signing off - see you on the water!
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By Quiet. PleasePUGET SOUND FISHING REPORT - May 9, 2025
By Artificial Lure, Local Angling Expert
Good morning, fellow anglers! The coffee's hot and the fish are biting across Puget Sound today. We've got a beauty of a day shaping up with those classic Northwest spring conditions.
Folks, the lingcod season is in full swing since it opened on May 1st, and it'll run through June 15th in most Puget Sound marine areas (except Hood Canal which remains closed). Remember your size limits - 26 inches minimum, 36 inches maximum, and you're limited to one fish per day. If you're planning to target these toothy critters, stick to waters less than 120 feet deep and don't forget those barbless hooks - they're required for all species in marine areas 5-13.
Sea-run cutthroat fishing has been absolutely dynamite lately, especially in the South Sound. The chum fry migration is still going strong, creating perfect feeding opportunities. Several anglers reported success with small chum fry patterns, but keep some herring, sand lance, and shiner perch imitations handy too. The large tidal swings we've been seeing are moving plenty of bait around, creating prime feeding conditions.
There are also reports of some resident coho being caught in the South Sound - a nice bonus if you're out targeting cutthroat. These fish are opportunistic feeders, so similar patterns should work well.
For those looking to get out on the rivers, current levels are favorable across much of the region. The Snoqualmie is running at ideal wading conditions between 300-1500 CFS, while the Skykomish and Skagit are both within their ideal fishing ranges.
Hot spots this weekend? I'd put my money on the beaches around Vashon Island for cutthroat and the rocky structures near Possession Point for lingcod. Several buddies have been doing well at both locations this past week.
Bait-wise, if you're not a fly angler, small Dick Nite spoons in blue/silver have been producing, and those who prefer bait are finding success with fresh herring or candlefish.
With these strong tidal swings coming up, it's a great time to scout your local beaches during the extreme low tides to identify structure that's normally hidden.
Remember, those barbless hooks are mandatory throughout Puget Sound, and be sure to check the regs before heading out as size and catch limits vary by location and species.
Tight lines, everyone! This is Artificial Lure signing off - see you on the water!
By Artificial Lure, Local Angling Expert
Good morning, fellow anglers! The coffee's hot and the fish are biting across Puget Sound today. We've got a beauty of a day shaping up with those classic Northwest spring conditions.
Folks, the lingcod season is in full swing since it opened on May 1st, and it'll run through June 15th in most Puget Sound marine areas (except Hood Canal which remains closed). Remember your size limits - 26 inches minimum, 36 inches maximum, and you're limited to one fish per day. If you're planning to target these toothy critters, stick to waters less than 120 feet deep and don't forget those barbless hooks - they're required for all species in marine areas 5-13.
Sea-run cutthroat fishing has been absolutely dynamite lately, especially in the South Sound. The chum fry migration is still going strong, creating perfect feeding opportunities. Several anglers reported success with small chum fry patterns, but keep some herring, sand lance, and shiner perch imitations handy too. The large tidal swings we've been seeing are moving plenty of bait around, creating prime feeding conditions.
There are also reports of some resident coho being caught in the South Sound - a nice bonus if you're out targeting cutthroat. These fish are opportunistic feeders, so similar patterns should work well.
For those looking to get out on the rivers, current levels are favorable across much of the region. The Snoqualmie is running at ideal wading conditions between 300-1500 CFS, while the Skykomish and Skagit are both within their ideal fishing ranges.
Hot spots this weekend? I'd put my money on the beaches around Vashon Island for cutthroat and the rocky structures near Possession Point for lingcod. Several buddies have been doing well at both locations this past week.
Bait-wise, if you're not a fly angler, small Dick Nite spoons in blue/silver have been producing, and those who prefer bait are finding success with fresh herring or candlefish.
With these strong tidal swings coming up, it's a great time to scout your local beaches during the extreme low tides to identify structure that's normally hidden.
Remember, those barbless hooks are mandatory throughout Puget Sound, and be sure to check the regs before heading out as size and catch limits vary by location and species.
Tight lines, everyone! This is Artificial Lure signing off - see you on the water!