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Puget Sound Spring Chinook Fishing Heats Up: Tidal Currents, Lure Choices, and Hotspots for Anglers
Good morning anglers! Here’s your fishing report for April 4, 2025, focusing on Puget Sound, Washington.
The excitement is palpable with the recent opening of the spring Chinook salmon season on April 2 in Marine Areas 10 (Seattle-Bremerton) and 11 (Tacoma-Vashon Island). This fishery operates Wednesdays through Saturdays, meaning today is prime time to get out there. Blackmouth Chinook, the resident salmon that stay local year-round, are the main target. Regulations allow for a daily limit of two salmon, but only one clipped Chinook measuring over 22 inches can be kept, while wild Chinook and chum must be released. Always double-check emergency rule changes before heading out, as the fisheries may close early if encounter limits are met.
For fishing conditions, tidal reports indicate strong currents that will create prime feeding spots for salmon. An outgoing tide is ideal for areas like Jeff Head (Marine Area 10) and Point Defiance (Marine Area 11). The weather today is forecast to be mild with partly cloudy skies and light winds, so expect decent visibility and calmer waters—perfect for trolling or jigging. Sunrise was at 6:46 AM, and sunset will be at 7:39 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to make the most of the water.
Recent catches in the area have been promising, with anglers reporting consistent success near the bottom, particularly in depths of 90-200 feet. Top-producing lures include Silver Horde Kingfisher Spoons, Pro-Troll Flashers paired with Hoochies, and Tomic Plugs, especially in green, purple haze, or glow colors. For those jigging or mooching, Puget Pounder Jigs and cut-plug herring have also proven effective. Keep your setups within 10 feet of the bottom for the best chances of landing a Chinook.
If you're looking for hotspots, focus on:
1. **Jeff Head and Kingston in Area 10**: Fish the south side near the Gravel Bar during outgoing tides and the north side off President’s Point on the incoming tide.
2. **Point Defiance and Dalco Point in Area 11**: Target 90-150 feet deep along the edges of the contour lines, especially during tidal transitions.
Several anglers have switched to bait presentations this spring, with cured herring or anchovy working wonders since dogfish are no longer active in the cooler water. Pack your bait with a brine to firm it up and give it durability for trolling or mooching.
Lastly, shore anglers and pier fishers have been finding success with Berkley Gulp sandworms and shrimp-tipped jigs, while boaters continue to dominate the scene.
Today’s conditions are perfect for a scenic day on the Sound, so get out there and enjoy this excellent spring Chinook season. Tight lines and happy fishing!
The excitement is palpable with the recent opening of the spring Chinook salmon season on April 2 in Marine Areas 10 (Seattle-Bremerton) and 11 (Tacoma-Vashon Island). This fishery operates Wednesdays through Saturdays, meaning today is prime time to get out there. Blackmouth Chinook, the resident salmon that stay local year-round, are the main target. Regulations allow for a daily limit of two salmon, but only one clipped Chinook measuring over 22 inches can be kept, while wild Chinook and chum must be released. Always double-check emergency rule changes before heading out, as the fisheries may close early if encounter limits are met.
For fishing conditions, tidal reports indicate strong currents that will create prime feeding spots for salmon. An outgoing tide is ideal for areas like Jeff Head (Marine Area 10) and Point Defiance (Marine Area 11). The weather today is forecast to be mild with partly cloudy skies and light winds, so expect decent visibility and calmer waters—perfect for trolling or jigging. Sunrise was at 6:46 AM, and sunset will be at 7:39 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to make the most of the water.
Recent catches in the area have been promising, with anglers reporting consistent success near the bottom, particularly in depths of 90-200 feet. Top-producing lures include Silver Horde Kingfisher Spoons, Pro-Troll Flashers paired with Hoochies, and Tomic Plugs, especially in green, purple haze, or glow colors. For those jigging or mooching, Puget Pounder Jigs and cut-plug herring have also proven effective. Keep your setups within 10 feet of the bottom for the best chances of landing a Chinook.
If you're looking for hotspots, focus on:
1. **Jeff Head and Kingston in Area 10**: Fish the south side near the Gravel Bar during outgoing tides and the north side off President’s Point on the incoming tide.
2. **Point Defiance and Dalco Point in Area 11**: Target 90-150 feet deep along the edges of the contour lines, especially during tidal transitions.
Several anglers have switched to bait presentations this spring, with cured herring or anchovy working wonders since dogfish are no longer active in the cooler water. Pack your bait with a brine to firm it up and give it durability for trolling or mooching.
Lastly, shore anglers and pier fishers have been finding success with Berkley Gulp sandworms and shrimp-tipped jigs, while boaters continue to dominate the scene.
Today’s conditions are perfect for a scenic day on the Sound, so get out there and enjoy this excellent spring Chinook season. Tight lines and happy fishing!
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By Quiet. PleaseGood morning anglers! Here’s your fishing report for April 4, 2025, focusing on Puget Sound, Washington.
The excitement is palpable with the recent opening of the spring Chinook salmon season on April 2 in Marine Areas 10 (Seattle-Bremerton) and 11 (Tacoma-Vashon Island). This fishery operates Wednesdays through Saturdays, meaning today is prime time to get out there. Blackmouth Chinook, the resident salmon that stay local year-round, are the main target. Regulations allow for a daily limit of two salmon, but only one clipped Chinook measuring over 22 inches can be kept, while wild Chinook and chum must be released. Always double-check emergency rule changes before heading out, as the fisheries may close early if encounter limits are met.
For fishing conditions, tidal reports indicate strong currents that will create prime feeding spots for salmon. An outgoing tide is ideal for areas like Jeff Head (Marine Area 10) and Point Defiance (Marine Area 11). The weather today is forecast to be mild with partly cloudy skies and light winds, so expect decent visibility and calmer waters—perfect for trolling or jigging. Sunrise was at 6:46 AM, and sunset will be at 7:39 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to make the most of the water.
Recent catches in the area have been promising, with anglers reporting consistent success near the bottom, particularly in depths of 90-200 feet. Top-producing lures include Silver Horde Kingfisher Spoons, Pro-Troll Flashers paired with Hoochies, and Tomic Plugs, especially in green, purple haze, or glow colors. For those jigging or mooching, Puget Pounder Jigs and cut-plug herring have also proven effective. Keep your setups within 10 feet of the bottom for the best chances of landing a Chinook.
If you're looking for hotspots, focus on:
1. **Jeff Head and Kingston in Area 10**: Fish the south side near the Gravel Bar during outgoing tides and the north side off President’s Point on the incoming tide.
2. **Point Defiance and Dalco Point in Area 11**: Target 90-150 feet deep along the edges of the contour lines, especially during tidal transitions.
Several anglers have switched to bait presentations this spring, with cured herring or anchovy working wonders since dogfish are no longer active in the cooler water. Pack your bait with a brine to firm it up and give it durability for trolling or mooching.
Lastly, shore anglers and pier fishers have been finding success with Berkley Gulp sandworms and shrimp-tipped jigs, while boaters continue to dominate the scene.
Today’s conditions are perfect for a scenic day on the Sound, so get out there and enjoy this excellent spring Chinook season. Tight lines and happy fishing!
The excitement is palpable with the recent opening of the spring Chinook salmon season on April 2 in Marine Areas 10 (Seattle-Bremerton) and 11 (Tacoma-Vashon Island). This fishery operates Wednesdays through Saturdays, meaning today is prime time to get out there. Blackmouth Chinook, the resident salmon that stay local year-round, are the main target. Regulations allow for a daily limit of two salmon, but only one clipped Chinook measuring over 22 inches can be kept, while wild Chinook and chum must be released. Always double-check emergency rule changes before heading out, as the fisheries may close early if encounter limits are met.
For fishing conditions, tidal reports indicate strong currents that will create prime feeding spots for salmon. An outgoing tide is ideal for areas like Jeff Head (Marine Area 10) and Point Defiance (Marine Area 11). The weather today is forecast to be mild with partly cloudy skies and light winds, so expect decent visibility and calmer waters—perfect for trolling or jigging. Sunrise was at 6:46 AM, and sunset will be at 7:39 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to make the most of the water.
Recent catches in the area have been promising, with anglers reporting consistent success near the bottom, particularly in depths of 90-200 feet. Top-producing lures include Silver Horde Kingfisher Spoons, Pro-Troll Flashers paired with Hoochies, and Tomic Plugs, especially in green, purple haze, or glow colors. For those jigging or mooching, Puget Pounder Jigs and cut-plug herring have also proven effective. Keep your setups within 10 feet of the bottom for the best chances of landing a Chinook.
If you're looking for hotspots, focus on:
1. **Jeff Head and Kingston in Area 10**: Fish the south side near the Gravel Bar during outgoing tides and the north side off President’s Point on the incoming tide.
2. **Point Defiance and Dalco Point in Area 11**: Target 90-150 feet deep along the edges of the contour lines, especially during tidal transitions.
Several anglers have switched to bait presentations this spring, with cured herring or anchovy working wonders since dogfish are no longer active in the cooler water. Pack your bait with a brine to firm it up and give it durability for trolling or mooching.
Lastly, shore anglers and pier fishers have been finding success with Berkley Gulp sandworms and shrimp-tipped jigs, while boaters continue to dominate the scene.
Today’s conditions are perfect for a scenic day on the Sound, so get out there and enjoy this excellent spring Chinook season. Tight lines and happy fishing!