As of today, January 10, 2025, the fishing scene in Puget Sound is looking promising, especially with the right conditions and knowledge.
First, let's look at the tides. For Olympia, Budd Inlet, Puget Sound, today's tides are as follows: High tide at 4:12 AM with a height of 13.8 feet, low tide at 8:39 AM with a height of 9.33 feet, high tide at 1:20 PM with a height of 15.17 feet, and low tide at 9:06 PM with a height of -1.93 feet. These tidal changes can significantly impact fish activity, especially during the early morning and late afternoon when the water is moving[2].
The weather is typical for this time of year, with partly cloudy skies and temperatures in the mid-40s. Sunrise is at 7:55 AM, and sunset is at 4:43 PM, providing a decent window for both morning and afternoon fishing trips.
Fish activity in the Puget Sound has been steady, particularly for sea-run cutthroat trout and coho salmon. Yesterday, anglers reported catching several sea-run cutthroat trout, especially in the southern parts of the Sound, using chum fry patterns and small suggestive patterns mimicking copepods and amphipods. Coho salmon have also been active, with some resident fish and occasional ocean-going coho being caught[5].
For the best results, use medium-weight rods with 15 lb test line. Effective lures include chum fry patterns, sculpin patterns, euphasiid and krill patterns, and small baitfish patterns like the Foul Free Herring or Mini Deceiver. Bait such as herring or jigs can also be very effective for salmon[4][5].
If you're looking for hot spots, consider Deception Pass and the north Whidbey Island beaches. Deception Pass is renowned for its high concentration of salmon in a small area, while the north Whidbey Island beaches offer great opportunities for catching stunning cutthroat and bull trout. Another excellent spot is Possession Point, located at the southern tip of Whidbey Island, which is a meeting point of several migration routes and offers fantastic fishing year-round[4].
Overall, with the right gear, knowledge of the tides, and a bit of patience, you should have a successful and enjoyable fishing trip in the Puget Sound today.