Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure with your Puget Sound fishing report for Monday, May 19, 2025.

The weather today is shaping up nicely for a day on the water. Expect partly cloudy skies, mild temperatures in the upper 50s to low 60s, and a light breeze—perfect spring conditions for both boat and shore fishing. Sunrise was at 5:28 am and you’ll have until sunset at 8:45 pm to get lines in the water.

Tides today are moderate, with a morning high tide around 7:00 am and a late afternoon low just before 3:00 pm. Plan your fishing around that morning tide swing for the best action, particularly near structure and current breaks.

Let’s talk fish. The lingcod opener in Puget Sound is in full swing, running through June 15. Anglers have reported consistent catches, especially around rocky shorelines, jetties, and reefs in Marine Areas 5 through 13. Lingcod are biting well on large soft plastics like white or rootbeer swimbaits, and live bait herring is also drawing strikes. Just make sure you’re fishing in less than 120 feet, as deeper waters are off-limits for bottomfish right now. Remember, only one lingcod per angler, with size limits in effect—check those regs before you keep anything[3].

For salmon seekers, the Sound has been a bit quieter, but you might still bump into some late blackmouth (resident Chinook) in deeper slots, especially around Point No Point and Jeff Head. Trolling with green or white hootchies behind a flasher has done well, but always check the current regulations as some areas and species remain closed[1][3].

On the fly side, cutthroat trout are active along the beaches. Reports from the past weekend mention good numbers chasing small baitfish patterns, especially on the outgoing tide. Olive or chartreuse Clouser minnows are the ticket—strip fast and cover water for these aggressive feeders[2].

Other notable catches include piling perch and the odd black rockfish near shoreline structure. Try shrimp or squid strips under a bobber if you’re fishing with bait.

Hot spots this week: Possession Bar is producing lingcod and the usual mix of flounder and sole. Richmond Beach is a solid bet for shore casters targeting cutthroat. Point No Point continues to be a favorite for both salmon and bottomfish.

That’s your report for today—watch the weather, mind the tides, and don’t forget to pinch your barbs on those hooks. Good luck out there and tight lines!

Hey there anglers, Artificial Lure here with your Puget Sound fishing report for this beautiful Sunday morning, May 18, 2025.

The sun rose about 5:30 this morning and will set around 8:45 tonight, giving us plenty of daylight hours on the water. Weather's looking decent today with temperatures in the mid-60s, light winds, and partly cloudy skies - perfect conditions for a day on the Sound.

Lingcod fishing is really heating up across Puget Sound right now. The season opened May 1st and runs through June 15th in marine areas 5 through 13, except Area 12 which remains closed. Folks have been having good success with one fish per angler, and remember the size limits are strict - minimum 26 inches, maximum 36 inches. If you're into spearfishing for lingcod, that option opens in just a few days on May 21st.

Recent creel reports show promising action, especially around Area 5 near Sekiu and Pillar Point, where anglers are landing some nice catches. Barbless hooks are mandatory throughout Puget Sound areas 5-13 for all species, so make sure your tackle box is compliant before heading out.

The big news this year is the pink salmon forecast - we're expecting 7.76 million pinks in Puget Sound this season, which is a whopping 70% above the 10-year average and potentially the third largest return on record. While they're not quite here yet, it's time to get your gear ready for when they arrive.

For bait, herring has been the consistent producer for lingcod, while some anglers are having luck with large jigs in white or chartreuse. If you're targeting bottomfish, try a variety of paddle tail jigs or curly tail grubs on a 1-2 oz jighead.

Hot spots this weekend include the waters around Possession Bar, Point No Point, and Possession Point. The eastern side of Marine Area 4 has also been producing, with locals reporting multiple catches per outing.

For those of you planning ahead, the clam and oyster harvest is worth considering. WDFW has published their 2025 best clam and oyster harvest tides chart, which highlights the most favorable Puget Sound tides for successful harvests.

Remember that fishing for bottomfish including lingcod is prohibited in waters deeper than 120 feet in Puget Sound, and keep an eye out for the quality assurance updates on the creel reports from WDFW, as their initial data often gets refined.

As always, check the regulations before heading out, and make sure you've got your license current. Tight lines, folks! This is Artificial Lure signing off until next time. See you on the water!

Artificial Lure's Puget Sound Fishing Report - May 17, 2025

Good morning, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your weekend fishing report for beautiful Puget Sound.

The salmon season is looking promising with forecasts showing over 6 million fish expected to return to Puget Sound this year, though chinook retention regulations remain tight[3]. Recent creel reports from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife show some decent catch rates, especially around Point Defiance where anglers have been averaging 0.19 fish per rod in Area 11[1].

Today's weather is typical May conditions - morning fog burning off to partly cloudy skies with light westerly winds picking up in the afternoon. Sunrise was at 5:24 AM with sunset coming at 8:47 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to get your lines wet.

Tides today show a low at 10:23 AM followed by a high at 4:52 PM - that incoming tide should trigger some good action, especially for sea-run cutthroat trout along the beaches.

For those targeting salmon, recent samplings show some success at Van Ripers Resort in Area 5 and Point Defiance in Area 11[1]. Chartreuse Coyote spoons and white hoochies behind flashers have been working well in the upper water column, especially during the first light and last light periods.

If you're after bottomfish, the creel data shows decent lingcod catches around Point Defiance and Shilshole[1]. Jigs in the 4-6 oz range tipped with herring or artificial swimbaits are doing the trick in 60-120 feet of water.

The river fishing in our region is also heating up. Current river levels look good for both wading and floating on the Skykomish, Skagit, and Snoqualmie[4]. These rivers are ideal for fishing right now, with the Skykomish showing water flows between 700-7000 CFS - perfect conditions for steelhead action. Don't forget your March Brown and skwala patterns if you're fly fishing[5].

Hot spots this weekend:

Point Defiance is producing well for salmon trollers. Get there early to beat the weekend crowd and fish the tide change.

Shilshole ramp area has been giving up some nice catches lately, with reports of chinook in the 8-12 pound range[1].

For river anglers, the Skykomish is your best bet with good water conditions and active fish.

Remember folks, the 2025 regs require barbless hooks in most areas and selective gear rules are in effect on many rivers. The chinook are running a bit smaller than last year, but what they lack in size they're making up for in numbers.

Until next time, keep your lines tight and your nets ready. This is Artificial Lure signing off - I'll see you on the water!

Good morning Puget Sound anglers, this is Artificial Lure with your May 16, 2025 fishing report.

Today greets us with mild spring conditions that should make for a comfortable day on the water. Sunrise rolled in at 5:28 AM and sunset will close shop at 8:38 PM, giving us plenty of daylight to work the Sound. Weather is expected to stay mostly cloudy with light winds, temperatures hovering in the upper 50s to low 60s, and just a slim chance of drizzle—ideal conditions for both boat and shore fishing.

For tides, we’re sitting on a moderate exchange today. This morning’s low tide hit around 4:30 AM, followed by a rising tide peaking close to midday. The afternoon outgoing tide should stir up the bait and get the predators moving, especially around the rips and points.

The chatter has mostly been about salmon and flounder. Creel reports from the last couple days show steady action: Chinook are still a little tight, with success mainly for those putting in the hours at the Tacoma-Vashon area and Point No Point. The big news is the early signs of a huge pink salmon run in 2025. The forecast is for 7.76 million pinks into Puget Sound this year—nearly double the usual average—so keep your eyes open for jumpers and get your gear ready for July and August, when the action really kicks off[2][5]. For now, expect increasing encounters with early pinks around the Nisqually and Green rivers, with better numbers to come.

Lingcod and rockfish are consistent catches for those fishing structure and reefs. Recent catches out of the Edmonds marina and Possession Bar included legal lings, especially on the outgoing tide. Flounder fishing is fair in the Elliott Bay and Commencement Bay flats, with sand dabs in good eating size on simple dropper rigs.

Best lures this morning are chartreuse Buzz Bombs, Point Wilson Darts, and small pink hoochies for those early pinks. Coho Killers and 3-inch spoons trolled fast are pulling in some resident coho as well. If you’re targeting bottomfish, nothing beats a white grub on a leadhead for lingcod, or a simple herring-tipped rig for flounder.

As for bait, herring or anchovy strips are top choices for Chinook and coho. Scented soft plastics can be deadly on both salmon and bottomfish, especially when the bite is slow.

Two hotspots to consider today: Point Defiance, where the tide swing and underwater structure hold both salmon and lings, and Possession Bar for those after bigger Chinook and regular encounters with legal lings. Don’t overlook the southern Green River mouth if you want an early shot at pinks.

That’s your May 16 report—tight lines out there, and remember: sometimes the best lure is persistence. See you on the water!

PUGET SOUND FISHING REPORT - May 14, 2025

Hey there anglers, Artificial Lure here with your mid-May fishing update for Puget Sound!

Today marks an important transition in our fishing season as the river fishing from Highway 536 bridge closes today, so this is your last chance if you were planning to hit that spot[5]. The good news is there's plenty of action elsewhere around the Sound.

North Puget Sound has been fishing exceptionally well lately. Chum salmon activity has picked up significantly since early May[5]. The tidal swings have been substantial, which is perfect for moving bait around and creating active feeding zones.

Down in South Puget Sound, sea run cutthroat fishing remains strong, with reports of resident silvers making appearances too. The chum fry are still hanging around beaches waiting to make their big migration to the ocean, creating prime fishing opportunities[5]. Beyond chum fry, there's a variety of bait swimming around including herring, sand lance, and shiner perch, so pack a diverse selection of patterns.

For those targeting salmon, recreational fishery samplers have been collecting catch information throughout Puget Sound, and while I don't have the exact numbers for today, the season has been productive based on recent sampling[1]. Remember that we're operating under the 2024-2025 Puget Sound Salmon Harvest guidelines, which expire exactly one year from today on May 14, 2025[4].

For tackle recommendations, chum fry imitations are your best bet right now, particularly locally-tied patterns. Also bring small sand lance imitations, herring patterns, surface flies and some krill patterns as backups[5]. The fish can be picky, so having options is key.

Hot spots to consider today include beaches with good structure exposed during lower tides. The massive tidal exchanges we've been experiencing make this a perfect time to scout your local beaches during super low tides to identify productive structure for future trips[5].

For those who prefer more guided information, the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife maintains updated Puget Sound salmon fishery guidelines and quotas online, which is worth checking before heading out[2].

Water conditions and weather have created ideal environments for active feeding, making this a prime time to be on the water. The fish are there - you just need to match what they're feeding on.

That's it for today's report, folks. Remember, the fishing's always good, but sometimes the catching is better! This is Artificial Lure, signing off until next time.

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!

Good morning Puget Sound anglers, this is Artificial Lure with your local fishing report for Sunday, May 11, 2025.

We started off today with sunrise just before 5:30 AM and we’re looking at sunset around 8:40 PM, giving us a long window to hit the water. Today’s weather is classic spring Puget Sound, with partly cloudy skies and temps sitting in the mid-50s to low 60s. Light wind from the north is keeping things comfortable, but watch for patchy morning fog if you’re out early. The tides today are swinging wide, with a strong morning outgoing tide and a solid midday flood — perfect for stirring up bait and getting fish on the move.

On the fish front, there’s a lot to get excited about. The buzz all around the Sound is the massive pink salmon forecast: over 7.7 million pinks expected to return this year, one of the biggest runs on record. While most pink action won’t peak until later in the summer, folks are already prepping gear and scouting shorelines and river mouths for early signs of movement. The chinook opener is just around the corner, and with tight retention regulations, be sure to double-check limits before you harvest any kings[3][4].

If you’re headed out today, lingcod is the star of the show. Lingcod fishing opened May 1 and is rock solid right now in most Puget Sound marine areas except Hood Canal, which remains closed. Anglers working rocky structure and reef areas in 30 to 100 feet are finding steady action. The hot ticket lures are white or motor oil swimbaits and big curly tail grubs on a 2- to 6-ounce jighead. If you’re fishing live or natural bait, nothing beats a lively sand dab or a herring. Remember, barbless hooks are required, and you’re limited to one lingcod per day, between 26 and 36 inches[2].

Sea-run cutthroat action in south Sound has been excellent this week, with good numbers chasing chum fry along the beaches. The best luck has come to anglers casting small minnow imitations, epoxy minnows, or olive and white clouser flies. Resident coho and the occasional chunky shiner perch are also keeping things interesting from shore near Olympia, Fox Island, and Point Defiance[5].

Recent creel reports show solid lingcod catches out of Cornet Bay and Bellingham, with most groups picking up keeper-sized fish and the occasional bonus cabezon. Squalicum Harbor and Deception Pass have been producing well, especially on the outgoing tide when bait pushes off the structure[1].

For today’s hotspots, try the reefs and dropoffs off Possession Bar — always reliable for lingcod and an early season blackmouth. In the south Sound, the Tacoma Narrows and the beaches around Steilacoom are turning up big cutthroat and some resident salmon.

Good luck out there, respect the regs, and tight lines from Artificial Lure.

Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure with your Puget Sound fishing report for Saturday, May 10, 2025.

We’re looking at classic Puget Sound spring conditions today. The weather is starting out cool but clear, with reports calling for light winds and highs near the upper 50s. Sunrise this morning was at 5:35 AM, and you’ll have light to fish until sunset at 8:29 PM. The tides today are moderate with a morning incoming tide peaking right before noon, which has historically produced good bites in the Sound.

Water clarity is decent, and fish activity is picking up with the water warming and baitfish moving in. According to recent creel reports, anglers have seen some solid action in Area 7, the San Juans, where boats launching out of Cornet Bay have reported respectable counts—over 40 bottomfish in some samples, including a mix of lingcod and black rockfish. Deception Pass and Skagit Bay are also producing, with both resident coho and cutthroat trout showing up for fly and gear anglers alike[1].

For salmon, the main buzz is about the upcoming massive pink salmon run, forecasted at 7.76 million fish this summer, one of the best in a decade. Early signs of staging have been spotted near the Green and Nisqually river mouths, so keep an eye on those areas as the season ramps up[2]. For now, resident blackmouth chinook are still in play around Possession Bar and Point No Point, though catches have been spotty.

Hot lures right now include 3- to 4-inch spoons in silver or chartreuse and hoochies behind a dodger for trolling. If you’re casting from shore, try metal jigs or buzz bombs, especially in the shallows on the incoming tide. For bait, herring or anchovy—either whole or plug-cut—are your best bet for chinook, while soft plastics and sandworm imitations are getting the attention of sea-run cutthroat.

If you want specific hotspots, I’d start your morning around Point No Point, always a spring favorite for chinook, especially on the early slack. Later in the day, head up to the San Juans, particularly around Parker Reef and Eagle Point, where those bottomfish are stacking up. West Seattle’s Lincoln Park beach has also seen some nice afternoon action for cutthroat and small resident coho.

That’s your Puget Sound report for today. From all of us local anglers, get out there, stay safe on the water, and good luck chasing that big one.

PUGET SOUND FISHING REPORT - May 9, 2025
By Artificial Lure, Local Angling Expert

Good morning, fellow anglers! The coffee's hot and the fish are biting across Puget Sound today. We've got a beauty of a day shaping up with those classic Northwest spring conditions.

Folks, the lingcod season is in full swing since it opened on May 1st, and it'll run through June 15th in most Puget Sound marine areas (except Hood Canal which remains closed). Remember your size limits - 26 inches minimum, 36 inches maximum, and you're limited to one fish per day. If you're planning to target these toothy critters, stick to waters less than 120 feet deep and don't forget those barbless hooks - they're required for all species in marine areas 5-13.

Sea-run cutthroat fishing has been absolutely dynamite lately, especially in the South Sound. The chum fry migration is still going strong, creating perfect feeding opportunities. Several anglers reported success with small chum fry patterns, but keep some herring, sand lance, and shiner perch imitations handy too. The large tidal swings we've been seeing are moving plenty of bait around, creating prime feeding conditions.

There are also reports of some resident coho being caught in the South Sound - a nice bonus if you're out targeting cutthroat. These fish are opportunistic feeders, so similar patterns should work well.

For those looking to get out on the rivers, current levels are favorable across much of the region. The Snoqualmie is running at ideal wading conditions between 300-1500 CFS, while the Skykomish and Skagit are both within their ideal fishing ranges.

Hot spots this weekend? I'd put my money on the beaches around Vashon Island for cutthroat and the rocky structures near Possession Point for lingcod. Several buddies have been doing well at both locations this past week.

Bait-wise, if you're not a fly angler, small Dick Nite spoons in blue/silver have been producing, and those who prefer bait are finding success with fresh herring or candlefish.

With these strong tidal swings coming up, it's a great time to scout your local beaches during the extreme low tides to identify structure that's normally hidden.

Remember, those barbless hooks are mandatory throughout Puget Sound, and be sure to check the regs before heading out as size and catch limits vary by location and species.

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

Artificial Lure's Puget Sound Fishing Report - May 7, 2025

Mornin' anglers! Artificial Lure here with your fresh-off-the-dock Puget Sound fishing report for this fine Wednesday.

We're looking at a banner day with temps warming up nicely as we head into mid-spring. The big news everyone's buzzing about is the projected 2025 pink salmon run - WDFW's calling for 7.76 million fish, one of the largest runs on record! While they ain't in yet, that's mighty promising for the coming months[3].

Today's lingcod season is in full swing across Puget Sound (Marine Areas 5-13, except Area 12 which remains closed). Remember your regs - one ling per angler, 26-inch minimum and 36-inch maximum size. If you're spearfishing, that doesn't open until May 21[2].

Water conditions are favorable across most of our local rivers. The Snoqualmie's running at a good fishing flow, as are the Skagit and Sauk. Check your favorite river's current levels before heading out[4].

For you bottomfish hunters, all coastal areas (Marine Areas 1-4) are open through October 18 for lingcod, rockfish and other tasty denizens of the deep. Don't forget those depth restrictions though - no fishing deeper than 120 feet in Puget Sound, and barbless hooks required for all species except when using forage fish gear[2].

Shellfish harvesters should grab that 2025 best clam and oyster harvest tides chart from WDFW - it's got all the Puget Sound area tides with favorable harvest results[2].

Hot spots this week: Port Angeles West Ramp in Area 6 has been productive with anglers reporting decent catches. The Port of Friday Harbor Marina in the San Juans is also showing promise. WDFW samplers were out interviewing anglers at these locations, so the bite must be decent[1].

Gear recommendation: For lingcod, I'm hearing good reports on large white or glow-in-the-dark jigs worked slowly near structure. The jetty fishing near Westport and Ocean Shores has been heating up too - those spots are perfect for folks without boats[2].

Recreational samplers are out collecting data throughout Puget Sound on a random schedule, so don't be surprised if you get asked about your catch. Remember, their data helps us all understand what's happening in our waters[1].

That's your report for today, May 7th. This is Artificial Lure signing off - tight lines and stay dry out there! Don't forget your gear before you leave the dock, and I'll catch ya on tomorrow's report.