As of October 4, 2024, the fishing scene in Puget Sound, particularly around Seattle, is quite promising. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
**Tidal Report:**
Today, the tides are moderate, with a high tide at around 10:30 AM and a low tide at 4:30 PM. The changing tides can stir up the fish, making them more active.
**Weather:**
The weather is expected to be partly cloudy with a mild temperature, ideal for a day on the water. There is a slight chance of light rain, but it shouldn’t hinder your fishing plans.
**Sunrise and Sunset:**
Sunrise is at 7:21 AM, and sunset is at 6:24 PM, giving you ample daylight to fish.
**Fish Activity:**
Yesterday saw a good number of coho salmon being caught, especially in the upper water column. Coho are still running strong this time of year, and their activity is expected to continue. Pink salmon, although less abundant now than in September, can still be found, especially in areas where they are jumping on the surface.
**Catch Reports:**
From the creel reports, it appears that coho salmon were the main catch in areas like the Seattle-Bremerton area and Tacoma-Vashon Island. Anglers reported catching several coho per boat, with some areas seeing up to 44 coho caught per day.
**Best Lures and Bait:**
For coho and pink salmon, using a standard setup with a sliding weight clip, swivel, leader to your flasher, and then to your lure is effective. Lures like 1 oz pink buzz bombs, spoons, hoochies, or herring work well. Trolling is highly effective, but if you prefer other methods, mooching herring or jigging metal lures can also yield results.
**Hot Spots:**
- **Point Defiance Public Ramp:** Located in the Tacoma-Vashon Island area, this spot has seen consistent coho catches.
- **Armeni Public Ramp:** In the Seattle-Bremerton area, this ramp offers good access to coho and other salmon species.
Remember to check the fishing regulations using the Fish Washington app, as rules and gear restrictions can change to protect wild Chinook and other species.
Overall, it's a great time to be out on Puget Sound, with plenty of fish to target and favorable conditions. Just be sure to keep an eye on the weather and tides to maximize your chances.