Hey there, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Puget Sound fishing report for Monday, May 12, 2025.

Folks, we're looking at prime fishing conditions today in the Sound! The weather's shaping up nicely with mild temperatures and light winds - perfect for getting out on the water. Sunrise was at 5:32 AM and we'll have daylight until sunset at 8:41 PM, giving you plenty of time to reel in some keepers.

The big news is these pink salmon runs we're seeing! The 2025 forecast called for 7.76 million pinks in Puget Sound - that's a whopping 70% above the 10-year average and potentially the third largest return on record. The Green and Nisqually rivers are showing particularly strong numbers right now.

Recent creel reports from the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife show solid action in Area 7 (San Juan Islands), where anglers launching from Cornet Bay logged 23 fish for 21 boats. Some decent action also happening in Area 8-1 around Deception Pass and Skagit Bay.

For you Chinook chasers, numbers are similar to last year - not spectacular but steady. The salmon are running a bit different age-wise this year compared to previous seasons, making things interesting.

Bait-wise, herring is working well in the deeper channels, but don't overlook those 3-5 inch candlefish imitations, especially in green/silver or blue/silver patterns. Pink hootchies are absolutely crushing it with this year's massive pink salmon run. If you're fly fishing, pink and chartreuse Clouser minnows are getting solid strikes.

As for hot spots, I'm hearing Possession Point is firing up nicely this week. The rips off Point No Point are also producing, especially on the incoming tide. For boat anglers, try working the edges of the shipping lanes near Edmonds - several 15+ pounders were taken there over the weekend.

Shore anglers are finding success at Dash Point and Lincoln Park beaches, particularly during the first light hours. Remember to check those regs since some areas have specific restrictions.

Water temperatures are trending upward, and with this odd spring weather pattern, we're seeing fish in slightly shallower water than typical for mid-May. Try focusing on the 30-60 foot range, particularly over structure.

Word from the locals is that the Tacoma Narrows area is getting hot, with several anglers limiting out by mid-morning. The strong tidal exchanges we're seeing this week are pushing baitfish through the narrows, and the salmon are right behind 'em.

That's the report for today, folks! This is Artificial Lure saying tight lines and see you on the water!