Puget Sound Seattle Fishing Report Today

Good morning, folks. I'm Artificial Lure, your local fishing expert. As we step into May 12, 2025, Puget Sound is buzzing with excitement, especially with the pink salmon forecast looking incredibly promising. Today's sunrise is at about 5:15 AM, and sunset will roll in around 8:32 PM, providing ample daylight for a full day of fishing.

Weather-wise, Seattle is likely to be drizzly with a high of about 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Tides will be moderately strong, which should bring in some action around the usual hotspots. Dawn and dusk are typically the best times to cast your line.

In recent days, catch reports have been steady, particularly around areas like the San Juan Islands and East Juan de Fuca Strait. Pink salmon are on everyone's radar this season, with the 2025 forecast predicting a return of 7.76 million fish, which is 70% above the 10-year average. While other species like Chinook might be less abundant this year, the general enthusiasm around pink salmon keeps spirits high.

When it comes to tackle, I recommend using spoons or lures that mimic small fish, like the classic Krocodile spoon. If you're bait fishing, fresh shrimp or brine-scented lures are always effective for targeting halibut or bottom fish.

Cornet Bay Public Ramp in Deception Pass remains one of the top spots for launching and catching a variety of species, including salmon making their way through the area. Another hotspot is Squalicum Harbor near Bellingham, which has seen consistent activity throughout the spring.

As always, make sure to check the current fishing regulations before you head out. The Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife provides regular updates on fishery guidelines and quotas. With some luck and the right gear, you should have a productive day on the water.

Safe fishing, and I hope to see you on the waters of Puget Sound.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Artificial Lure reporting in from Seattle, and with the sun breaking over the Sound at 5:37 this morning and setting tonight at 8:27, today’s shaping up for some classic spring angling action in Puget Sound. Weather’s cool and marine-layered early, with light winds and highs expected in the low 60s. That’s ideal—keeps the surface calm but stirs up just enough chop for easy bait movement.

Tidal swing today is pronounced, with a big morning outgoing tide till about 11 a.m. and a strong afternoon incoming. These tides are pushing loads of bait into the shallows and igniting the bite, especially for sea-run cutthroat and the odd resident coho in South Sound. Recent days have seen good catches in the South Sound beaches—cutts are feeding heavy on lingering chum fry, along with plenty of herring and sand lance[5].

Lingcod seasons opened up this month in most marine areas around Seattle, and they’re active right now. Anglers are reporting solid catches near rocky structure from Elliott Bay out toward Point Jefferson. Reports from the WDFW creel show steady lingcod action, although remember the daily limit is one fish between 26 and 36 inches, and you must use barbless hooks[2].

The biggest buzz is about pink salmon—WDFW is projecting one of the largest runs in memory this summer, with over 7.7 million humpies expected to flood the Sound[3][4]. While the run is still warming up, early arrivals sometimes show during these big tide swings, so keep your eyes peeled.

As for what’s working: for cutthroat and coho from shore, toss small chum fry patterns, olive-over-white Clousers, or minnow spinners. If you’re targeting lingcod, large white or chartreuse swimbaits and 6-inch curly-tail plastics on 2-ounce jigheads have been producing. For bait, live herring or sand dab fished near bottom structure is classic and still unbeatable.

Hot spots today to consider:

1. Lincoln Park beach—always reliable this time of year for cutthroat, especially on the outgoing tide.

2. West Point near Discovery Park—good structure for both lingcod and the odd early salmon.

Overall, with a big tide, plenty of baitfish, and solid early-summer action, now’s the time to hit the water. Don’t forget your license and barbless hooks. Good luck out there—tight lines!

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Howdy anglers, Artificial Lure here with your Puget Sound fishing report for this fine Saturday morning, May 10, 2025.

Folks, we're looking at prime time for fishing around Seattle waters today! The pink salmon forecast for 2025 is a whopper at 7.76 million fish - that's up 70% from the 10-year average and expected to be the third largest return on record. The Green and Nisqually rivers are showing particularly strong pink returns this season.

The sea run cutthroat action has been hot in South Puget Sound these past weeks. Anglers have been having success as these aggressive fish are chasing the migrating chum fry. I've also heard reports of some resident silvers being caught lately. The massive tidal exchanges we've been experiencing are moving bait around nicely, creating perfect feeding opportunities.

For those targeting cutthroat, you'll want to pack a variety of patterns. While chum fry imitations are your go-to right now, smart anglers are also carrying small sand lance imitations, herring patterns, and some surface flies just in case the fish get finicky. The recent reports show that herring, sand lance, and shiner perch are all on the menu along with those chum fry.

For salmon anglers, it's worth noting that while pink numbers look fantastic, Chinook regulations remain tight this season due to continued low abundance of many stocks. The fishery managers had to work extra hard planning this season due to differences in ages of returning fish.

As for hot spots, the beaches around South Puget Sound have been producing consistently for cutthroat. The tidal currents are strong this time of year, which typically makes for exciting fishing along the shorelines. For salmon seekers, keep an eye on the Nisqually approach as those strong pink returns should start showing up.

River conditions are favorable with the Snoqualmie running at ideal wading levels. The Skykomish is also in good shape for fishing, perfect for those looking to hit the rivers instead of the Sound.

Remember that this is just the beginning of what should be an epic season with those huge pink returns. The Fraser River over in BC is expecting 27 million pinks, which should spill over into our waters too.

Tight lines, everyone! This is Artificial Lure reminding you that the worst day fishing still beats the best day working. See you on the water!

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Hey there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Puget Sound fishing report for Friday, May 9, 2025.

We're a week into the Lingcod season and reports are coming in hot! Lingcod fishing has been absolutely on fire since the season opened on May 1st[2]. Anglers throughout Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands are having great success targeting these bucket-mouthed predators. Remember, you can keep one Lingcod between 26-36 inches daily, and you must fish in waters less than 120 feet[2].

Weather today is looking decent with partly cloudy skies and light winds from the northwest around 5-10 knots. Sunrise was at 5:42 AM and sunset will be at 8:31 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to get those lines wet.

For today's tides, we've got a high tide at 10:23 AM followed by a low at 4:47 PM. This morning's outgoing tide should provide some good action for those targeting Lingcod along the rocky structure.

Pink salmon forecasts are looking fantastic this year with 7.76 million expected to return - that's 70% above the 10-year average and potentially the third largest return on record[5]. The Green and Nisqually rivers are projected to have especially strong pink returns[5]. While it's still early for the main salmon runs, some early arrivals have been spotted.

For Lingcod, I've been hearing great reports from Possession Bar, Point No Point, and around the artificial reefs off Edmonds. Live herring or large white jigs with curly tail grubs have been the ticket. Don't forget your descending device - it's required onboard and ready to deploy[2].

Hot spots this weekend: Try the south end of Whidbey Island and the eastern side of Possession Bar for Lingcod. For those wanting to target resident Coho, the Kingston area has been producing some nice catches on green/white Coyote spoons trolled behind a flasher.

The San Juan Islands are also heating up for bottomfish action. Several anglers reported limits of Lingcod using large herring or salmon bellies fished near rocky structure.

Remember folks, when fishing for bottomfish, you're allowed an aggregate limit of 15 per person[2]. The WDFW creel reports are showing steady catch rates throughout Puget Sound areas[1].

For those fly fishing enthusiasts, reports indicate the dry fly action is picking up nicely in our regional waters[4].

Get out there and enjoy the fantastic May fishing we've got right now. This is Artificial Lure saying tight lines and see you on the water!

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Puget Sound anglers, this is Artificial Lure with your Seattle-area fishing report for Wednesday, May 7, 2025.

First, let’s talk weather. Expect cloudy skies this morning with scattered sun breaks in the afternoon. Temps will hover in the mid-50s, with a light breeze that should keep chop minimal on the water. Sunrise hit right about 5:39 AM and sunset will be around 8:32 PM, giving us a good, long window to fish.

Tides are favorable for morning outings. There’s a low tide early, rising to a midday high. That mix of moving water should boost fish activity up until lunchtime, especially near points and tidal rips.

Lingcod season just opened this month and the bite is hot. Reports from Marine Areas 10 and 11 confirm that legal-sized lings are being caught around rocky structure and deeper kelp beds. Try jigging 5- to 7-inch white or chartreuse soft plastics on heavy leadheads. Herring, either rigged whole or cut, is the go-to bait if you’re anchoring up. Remember, the daily limit is one for lingcod and barbless hooks are required for all bottomfish[2].

Resident blackmouth (Chinook salmon) are still being found, with the best numbers around Edmonds, Shilshole, and West Point. Trollers using 3.5-inch spoons, hoochies, or cut-plug herring behind flashers are doing well, especially working depths between 80 and 120 feet. Early mornings with the outgoing tide have produced the most consistent action. Some solid sea-run cutthroat have also been reported around Point No Point and Lincoln Park beaches, mostly on small baitfish imitations and olive over white clousers for the fly crowd[5].

While we’re still a little early for the massive pink run projected later this summer, signs are looking good for a strong salmon season. Inshore, the usual mix of flounder and perch are willing biters on smaller jigs and worm-tipped hooks near the piers and docks[3].

For bait, bring herring, sand shrimp, and squid for bottomfish. For lures, popular picks this week include white grub jigs, metal spoons, and needlefish-style plugs for both salmon and lingcod.

Hot spots today include the artificial reefs out from Shilshole Bay and the boulder piles off the Southworth Ferry. Point Defiance continues to kick out keeper lingcod and the Edmonds oil docks remain a salmon standby.

That’s your rundown for today. Tight lines from Artificial Lure, and remember to check those regs and handle your catch with care.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Good morning fellow anglers, this is Artificial Lure with your Puget Sound fishing report for Monday, May 5th, 2025.

We're looking at another beautiful spring day here in Seattle with temps expected to reach the mid-60s under partly cloudy skies. Sunrise happened just after 5:40 this morning, and we'll have daylight until about 8:25 tonight, giving you plenty of time on the water.

Tide-wise, we're seeing a moderate outgoing tide through mid-morning, which should create some nice movement in the water. Remember that moving water means actively feeding fish, so plan your trips accordingly.

The big news is that Lingcod season is now in full swing across Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands! It opened on May 1st and runs through June 15th with a daily limit of one fish between 26-36 inches. These underwater sea dragons are aggressive predators and make for excellent eating. Just remember to fish in waters less than 120 feet deep, and keep that descending device ready for any rockfish you might catch and release.

Salmon action continues to be hot with the 2025 forecast looking exceptional. We're expecting over 6 million salmon returning to Puget Sound this year, with pink salmon numbers projected at a whopping 7.7 million fish – that's 70% above the ten-year average! The spring Chinook (blackmouth) season remains productive in Marine Areas 10 and 11, with anglers consistently hooking up on trolled herring, anchovy, and flasher-hoochie combos.

Sea-run cutthroat fishing has been fantastic lately, especially along the beaches during the incoming tide. Small baitfish patterns and Clouser minnows in olive and white have been producing well.

For hot spots, I'd recommend the north end of Vashon Island and Point No Point for salmon trollers. Jefferson Head has been producing some quality Lingcod, as has Possession Bar. Shore anglers should check out Lincoln Park and Carkeek Park beaches for cutthroat action.

Gear-wise, for Lingcod, it's hard to beat a large white curly-tail jig or a live herring rigged on a spreader bar. Salmon anglers are finding success with green spatterback squid behind a flasher or whole herring in the early morning hours.

Don't forget that Marine Areas 10 and 11 are only open Wednesday through Saturday for Chinook fishing, and the limit is two salmon with only one hatchery (clipped) Chinook allowed. All wild Chinook and chum must be released.

Until next time, this is Artificial Lure reminding you to keep those lines tight and hooks sharp. Good luck and tight lines!

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Good morning anglers this is Artificial Lure with your May 4th Puget Sound fishing report straight from the Seattle docks. We are off to a lively start this spring with loads of opportunity and the kind of classic northwest weather that keeps us coming back for more. Sunrise today was about 545 am and sunset is around 820 pm giving you plenty of daylight to chase fish through both tides. Early morning has been especially productive with an outgoing tide rolling just after sunup. Today brings mild temps in the low 60s with a light breeze and patchy clouds—ideal for both shore and boat anglers.

Fishing action is heating up across the Sound. Let’s start with salmon. The buzz is real with over six million salmon forecasted to return this season, plus a massive pink salmon run in the works. Pinks are already stacking up around the mouths of the Green and Nisqually Rivers and seem to be thickening on local beaches. Expect this run to build all month. Meanwhile, blackmouth chinook remain the main draw with Marine Areas 10 and 11 open since April 2. Most of the catches are clipped hatchery chinook over 22 inches with anglers seeing steady hookups on trolled herring, anchovy, and flasher-hoochie combos. Remember, you can keep two salmon per day, only one of which can be a clipped chinook—double-check the regs and release all wild chinook and chum.

Lingcod season just opened May 1 and it’s time to get after those Puget Sound sea dragons. Lingcod are aggressive right now. The best bites are coming from rocky reefs and structure in 60 to 100 feet, especially during the first 90 minutes of the morning ebb. Large soft plastics like white or chartreuse swimbaits, 5-7 inch curly tail grubs, or live sand dabs if you can find them, are top producers. If you’re jigging, try metal jigs or leadhead jigs tipped with squid. Don’t forget, you need a descending device on board and only one lingcod per person, between 26 and 36 inches, is allowed each day.

As for hot spots, West Point just north of Shilshole has been producing good numbers of chinook and some coho. For lingcod, head to the artificial reefs off Edmonds or the rocky drop-offs around Alki—both are kicking out solid fish. Shore casters are finding action for cutthroat and resident coho along Lincoln Park and the beaches near Seahurst.

To sum it up: salmon and lingcod are running strong, tides are favorable, and the weather is on your side. Load up on herring, anchovy, and soft plastics in natural or bright colors, sharpen those hooks, and keep a sharp eye on the regs. Tight lines and I’ll see you on the water.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Hey there, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Puget Sound fishing report for this beautiful Saturday morning, May 3rd, 2025.

We're right in the sweet spot of lingcod season, folks! The season opened just two days ago on May 1st and will run through June 15th, giving us a solid 45-day window to target these aggressive predators. Today's your perfect chance to get out there since it's the first weekend of the season.

Lingcod fishing has been strong across Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands. Remember, you're allowed one lingcod between 26-36 inches per day. These "Pacific Northwest Sea Dragons" are ambush predators with those distinctive bucket-like mouths full of sharp teeth – they'll put up a fantastic fight!

For those targeting lingcod, live bait has been producing well, though it requires patience. Let the fish turn with the bait before setting the hook, then be ready for a strength battle as these powerful fish try to head back to the rocky structure. Keep in mind you're limited to waters less than 120 feet deep per regulations.

Salmon fishing in most of Puget Sound is currently closed as we're between seasons. The winter Chinook fishery in Marine Areas 10 and 11 closed at the end of April. However, there's tremendous buzz about this year's pink salmon forecast – WDFW is projecting a massive 7.76 million pink salmon run for 2025, one of the largest on record! We'll be seeing those fish later in summer.

For hot spots, I'd recommend trying the artificial reef structures near Seattle for lingcod, or heading up to the northern edges of the San Juan Islands where the lings have been particularly aggressive. Just be sure to have your descending device aboard and ready to deploy – it's required for bottomfish fishing.

Gear-wise, heavy jigs and swimbaits in the 6-10 oz range work great for lingcod in our deeper waters. If you're using live bait, greenling or small cabezon are prime choices when you can get them.

Don't forget that Hood Canal remains closed to lingcod fishing this year, so plan accordingly.

For you shellfish folks, WDFW has published their 2025 best clam and oyster harvest tides chart featuring Puget Sound area tides with favorable harvest results – might be worth checking out for a backup plan.

That's all for today's report! This is Artificial Lure reminding you to check those regulations before heading out, make sure your fishing license is current, and as we always say here in the Sound: tight lines and stay fishy!

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Good morning anglers this is Artificial Lure with your fresh Puget Sound fishing report for Friday May 2 2025. Spring is off to a lively start in Seattle and anglers are already hitting the water early to capitalize on stellar fish returns and strong tides.

Let us start with the tides. The early morning outgoing is prime this week with moving water just after sunrise which came at about 545 am this morning. Sunset tonight is right around 820 pm so you have plenty of daylight to work the tides and cover water. Light winds and mild weather are in the forecast for today expect highs in the low 60s with some patchy clouds a classic Seattle spring day perfect for both shore and boat anglers.

Fishing action in the Sound is ramping up in a big way. The 2025 salmon forecast is making everyone buzz with over 6 million fish expected back to Puget Sound and a pink salmon forecast of more than 7.7 million which is a whopping 70 percent above the ten-year average. Look for pinks especially thick in areas like the Green and Nisqually Rivers as the run develops with solid numbers already showing on the beaches. Chinook is the star of the show right now with the spring blackmouth season open in Marine Areas 10 and 11 since April 2nd. Most of the chinook action is on clipped hatchery fish over 22 inches, with anglers reporting steady hookups on trolled herring, anchovy, and flasher hoochie combos. Please check the daily limits before you head out—right now you can keep two salmon a day with only one clipped chinook and all wild chinook and chum must be released.

From the shore, cutthroat fishing is fantastic. These sea-run fish are feeding aggressively after moving out of the rivers and you’ll find them chasing baitfish patterns near tidal seams and points. The best lures and flies right now include small Clouser Minnows, Chum Baby patterns, and foul-free herring imitations retrieved quickly just under the surface. For boat anglers, trolling is the ticket—use a green or chartreuse flasher paired with a white, pink, or green hoochie or a whole herring trolled behind a dodger.

Top hot spots today include Lincoln Park in West Seattle and the beaches at Dash Point where both pinks and sea-run cutthroat have been reported in good numbers. For boat anglers, the waters off Shilshole and Point Defiance are both holding salmon and have seen regular action this week.

Fish are moving with the tides so cover water and focus on that outgoing morning tide for your best shot. Bring your rain shell just in case but expect a pleasant day out. Good luck and tight lines from Artificial Lure.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Hey there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Puget Sound fishing report for this fine Wednesday morning, April 30, 2025.

The sun peeked over the horizon at about 5:45 AM today and will be setting around 8:15 PM, giving us plenty of daylight hours to get those lines wet. Weather's looking decent today - a bit overcast with temperatures in the mid-50s, which is pretty typical spring weather for us locals.

Tide-wise, we've got a moderate incoming tide through mid-morning, with high tide around noon, followed by an outgoing tide through the afternoon. That morning push should get those fish active, especially around structure and dropoffs.

The big news is halibut season is in full swing! The Puget Sound and Strait of Juan de Fuca halibut fishery opened on April 3rd and runs through June 30th, seven days a week. Folks have been having good success, particularly launching from Cornet Bay and Ediz Hook in Port Angeles. Recent creel reports show anglers at Cornet Bay landing 12 halibut in Area 6 (East Juan de Fuca Strait) and 8 more in Area 7 (San Juan Islands). Ediz Hook anglers managed 14 halibut in Area 6 as well.

Salmon fishing is a bit trickier right now. The winter Chinook season in Area 10 opened April 1st and runs through today (April 30th), but it's only been open Wednesday through Saturday. The catch guidelines show a total encounter limit of 4,787 fish, but I haven't seen many reports of success lately.

For those looking to target something other than halibut or salmon, the freshwater scene is starting to heat up. Got a report from a fella who hit a small lake near Bellingham recently, and he mentioned the fish are finally waking up after our long winter. He landed 5 and had numerous other bites. Another angler reported a nice 7.4-pound largemouth bass from a Thurston County lake.

As for hot spots, I'd recommend trying Cornet Bay if you're after halibut - the reports have been consistent there. For salmon, the eastern portion of Area 4 might be worth a shot, though catches have been spotty. If you're looking for some steady action, those smaller lakes around Bellingham are starting to produce.

Lure-wise (and yes, I'm partial to artificials, hence the name), herring-pattern jigs are working well for halibut, while salmon anglers are having better luck with spoons and plugs in chrome/blue combinations. There was even talk at the recent fishery management meeting about potentially introducing some "plug-only" fishing days in Marine Areas 10 and 11 to extend fishing opportunities while reducing impacts.

Tight lines, everyone! This is Artificial Lure signing off - see you on the water!

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.