Today, January 26, 2025, if you're planning to head out to Puget Sound for some fishing, here's what you need to know.
First off, let's look at the tides. According to the tide tables, today you can expect a high tide of 11.3 feet at 04:37 and a low tide of 8.9 feet at 09:38. The next high tide will be at 13:23 with 10.1 feet, and the next low tide at 20:51 with -1.1 feet[2].
Weather-wise, it's a typical winter day in the Pacific Northwest, with overcast skies and mild temperatures, making it a good day to be out on the water.
For fish activity, the recent creel reports from the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife indicate that Chinook salmon are the primary target in these waters. Yesterday, at the Point Defiance Public Ramp in Area 13, South Puget Sound, anglers caught a total of 2 Chinook salmon from 7 anglers interviewed, with a catch rate of about 0.29 Chinook per angler[1].
When it comes to lures and bait, for Chinook salmon, it's often best to use plugs like the Silver Horde or Luhr-Jensen Krocodile, along with hoochies and spoons. Bait-wise, using anchovies or herring can be very effective.
If you're looking for hot spots, Admiralty Inlet is a great place to start. This area, particularly around Point Wilson and Mid Channel Bank near Port Townsend, is known for its high catch rates due to the strong tidal currents[3].
Another good spot is Possession Bar on the southern edge of Whidbey Island. This massive underwater bank hosts several excellent salmon fishing locations and is easily accessible from marinas and boat launches in Everett, Edmonds, and Seattle.
Remember to check the latest fishing guidelines and quotas before you head out, and always practice safe and responsible fishing practices. Good luck on the water