Good morning anglers, Artificial Lure here with your April 20, 2025, Puget Sound fishing report. If you are heading out today, you are in for one of the best starts to spring we have seen in a few years.

First, your tidal and weather conditions. We’re experiencing large spring tides, with the morning ebb lining up nicely for a dawn patrol bite, especially in the mid- to south sound. Expect a partly cloudy start with a mild breeze out of the north and temps in the low 50s. Sunrise was at 6:06 AM, and sunset will be at 8:04 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to chase down some fish.

The early spring Chinook, or Blackmouth, season just opened for Marine Areas 10 and 11 and the fishing pressure has definitely picked up. With the opener now set for April and running Wednesdays through Saturdays, boat ramps in spots like Shilshole and Point Defiance have been busy. Catch reports from the last few days show solid Chinook action, with fish running 5 to 10 pounds but some pushing into the teens. Anglers trolling flasher-hoochie setups in 100 to 140 feet of water are finding fish, especially as the tide switches. Mooching herring has also been productive around Jeff Head and Possession Bar. Remember, in Areas 10 and 11, the daily limit is two salmon, with only one being a clipped Chinook over 22 inches, and all wild Chinook and Chum must be released[5].

There is plenty of excitement about this year’s pink salmon forecast. WDFW projects the 2025 Puget Sound pink run at 7.76 million fish, one of the largest on record, and while they’re not in yet, it’s a good sign for the months ahead. Chinook are the main game right now, but it won’t be long before those humpies show up and add even more action[4].

For bait and tackle, most success is coming on green splatter back hoochies and 3.5-inch spoons like the Irish Cream or Cop Car behind a rotating flasher. If you are mooching, plug-cut herring is the local favorite. Colder water means keep your troll slow and near the bottom. Don’t be afraid to work the edges of the bait balls—Chinook are feeding heavy ahead of the tidal changes.

Hot spots this weekend continue to be Point Defiance in Area 11 and Jeff Head in Area 10. Both have seen consistent numbers of keepers over the last few checks, and there’s plenty of bait holding fish in both areas. Possession Bar has also reported some solid action for trollers early in the morning.

That’s it for today’s Puget Sound report. Tight lines, take only what you need, and enjoy the best of spring fishing!

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Artificial Lure here with your Puget Sound fishing report for April 19, 2025.

We’re heading into prime time for spring salmon fishing, especially with the early Chinook (blackmouth) season open in Marine Areas 10 and 11. The opener started April 2nd and runs Wednesdays to Saturdays, so today is a green light if you want to target these prized fish. Most of the catches lately are Chinook in the 6 to 12-pound range, with a few bigger fish being picked up by trollers and moochers working deeper water off Jefferson Head, Richmond Beach, and the Tacoma Narrows. Remember, daily limit is 2 salmon, but only 1 clipped Chinook over 22 inches, and be sure to release all wild Chinook and chum.

As for pink salmon, this year’s forecast is huge—over 7.7 million pinks expected to return, which is the third-largest in history for Puget Sound. While the peak pink run is still a few months off, early scouts are already showing up in the southern Sound, so it’s worth trying small pink hoochies or buzz bombs if you’re looking for variety.

Cutthroat trout are also showing strong in the central and south Sound, with anglers reporting good action on small spoons and streamer flies worked near the surface at creek mouths. The beaches around Point No Point and Dash Point have seen consistent catches.

Today’s weather looks favorable for a long day on the water: mostly cloudy with highs around 54, light southwest winds under 10 knots, and only a slight chance of drizzle in the late afternoon. Sunrise was at 6:08 a.m., with sunset at 8:02 p.m., giving us a full day to chase those spring fish.

Tides today are moderate, with an early morning incoming tide peaking around 8:17 a.m. and a solid outgoing push through the midday. The morning high is your best bet for Chinook, especially if you can be on your spot early.

Best lures right now are 3.5-inch green or white/glow spoons like Coho Killers and Kingfishers, fished behind a flasher 70 to 120 feet down. For mooching, try herring in a green-label brine. If you’re after resident coho or cutthroat, smaller needlefish hoochies and smelt-pattern flies are working great.

Hotspots to hit today include Jefferson Head for Chinook—lots of bait, good structure, and several limits reported already this week—and the Tacoma Narrows for an early mixed bag. For cutthroat, try the beaches at Point No Point or along the Narrows shoreline.

That’s your Puget Sound roundup for April 19. Tight lines and see you on the water!

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Puget Sound Fishing Report for April 18, 2025

Good morning anglers, Artificial Lure here with your Puget Sound fishing report for Friday, April 18th. We’re heading into a classic Northwest spring day, with partly cloudy skies, comfortable temps from the upper 40s into the mid-50s, and gentle winds making for smooth conditions on the Sound. Sunrise was at 6:18 AM and you’ll have daylight until about 8:00 PM, giving you plenty of hours to chase that fish of a lifetime out on the water.

Tides are moving nicely today, with an outgoing tide through mid-morning and the flood starting to push in around late morning. These shifts are prime times for salmon fishing, as baitfish get moved around and predators come out to play.

Chinook, or “blackmouth,” are the main event right now in Marine Areas 10 and 11. The early spring Chinook fishery has been lively since the April opener, with good numbers of hatchery Chinook over the 22-inch minimum hitting the decks. Anglers trolling deep—anywhere from 90 to 200 feet, staying within 10 feet of the bottom—are doing especially well.

As for lures, the clear winners are Silver Horde Kingfisher spoons, especially in “Cookies and Cream” or “Irish Cream” patterns. Tomic Plugs (602 or 603) run 30 to 40 feet behind the downrigger clip are also hot. Mooching with brined herring or vertical jigging with Puget Pounder Jigs is producing—bring out the UV and glow gear for deeper, low-light conditions. If you want to try something different, the SpinFish bait-holding plug stuffed with canned tuna and Bloody Tuna scent has been getting savage strikes.

Reports from last week show nice classes of spring Chinook being caught near Jeff Head, Kingston Bowl, and the south side of President’s Point in Area 10, especially as the tide changes. In Area 11, Point Defiance, Clay Banks, the Slag Pile, and Dalco Point are seeing good action on both the outgoing and incoming tides. Make sure you’re trolling close to those rocky contours and switching sides with the tide.

If you’re after variety, the lingcod bite is picking up in the shallower rock piles, so gear up with soft plastics or large jigs if you want to mix it up.

There’s an uptick coming for pink salmon later this summer, with the forecast for over 7.7 million pinks in the Sound—so keep your light spoons and pink hoochies handy for the coming months.

Quick recap of today’s hot spots:
- Marine Area 10: Jeff Head, Kingston Bowl, President’s Point
- Marine Area 11: Point Defiance (Slag Pile, Clay Banks), Dalco Point

Remember, get your gear to the bottom, follow the contour lines, and check WDFW updates before heading out in case of any last-minute rule changes. Enjoy the calm weather and tight lines to everyone hitting the Sound today!

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Puget Sound anglers, Artificial Lure here with your April 16th, 2025, fishing report, straight from the water.

First, let’s talk weather. Today’s skies are partly cloudy, with morning temps around 47°F and inching up to the mid-50s by the afternoon. Winds are light, making for comfortable runs and good water conditions. Sunrise hit at 6:39 AM, and sunset will be at 7:39 PM, so there’s lots of daylight to chase your target fish[2].

The tide is swinging today—focus efforts around the outgoing tide for your best odds and shift with the turn. Outgoing tides push bait into classic Chinook holding spots like the south side of Jeff Head or inside Kingston’s bowl in Marine Area 10. If you’re fishing the flood, President’s Point and Kingston’s outer bar get the nod. Down in Area 11, work the Slag Pile or Clay Banks near Point Defiance on the ebb; when it floods, Dalco Point and the 90-150 foot contour in front of Quartermaster Harbor are reliable[2][5].

The blackmouth Chinook bite continues to impress since the season’s opener on April 2. Quality hatchery Chinook over 22 inches are getting boxed, and most boats working the contours near bottom at 90-200 feet are reporting good action. Keep in mind, both areas are managed by encounter quotas, so always double-check the WDFW’s latest updates before you commit to a big day[5].

Best-performing lures right now include Silver Horde Kingfisher spoons in “Cookies and Cream” and “Irish Cream” colors, fished 30-40 feet behind your downrigger clip. Tomic Plugs—especially #602 and #603—are another go-to. For deeper water or low-light periods, UV or glow finishes are money. Moochers are scoring with brined herring, while jig anglers doing their thing with Puget Pounder Jigs are also having success. Keep your presentations tight to bottom, occasionally ticking gravel—the blackmouth are hugging the structure[2][5][6][10].

Other hot baits: Gold Star Yamashita #35 Octopus Squid in green dot or purple haze, Ace Hi Flies, and traditional flasher-spoon combos all have a place on your spread right now[6].

Today’s hotspots:
- Marine Area 10: South Jeff Head, Kingston bowl, President’s Point.
- Marine Area 11: Point Defiance Clay Banks, Slag Pile, Dalco Point[2][5].

As for other action, lakes like American and Cushman are offering up fair trout and cutthroat bites, but the main event is definitely Chinook on the Sound[7].

That wraps it up—pay attention to those tides and run your gear near the bottom with a focus on UV and glow patterns for best results. Tight lines, and see you on the water!

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

The Puget Sound fishing scene today, April 14, 2025, offers promising opportunities for anglers targeting Chinook salmon, particularly in Marine Areas 10 (Seattle-Bremerton) and 11 (Tacoma-Vashon). The weather is cooperative with partly cloudy skies and temperatures rising from a crisp 47°F in the morning to mid-50s by the afternoon. Sunrise was at 6:39 AM, and sunset will be at 7:39 PM, providing plenty of daylight for action on the water. The tides are crucial today; focus on the outgoing tide at hotspots like Jeff Head and Kingston’s inner bowl in Marine Area 10, as well as Point Defiance’s Slag Pile and Clay Banks in Area 11. During the incoming tide, President’s Point in Area 10 and Dalco Point in Area 11 are excellent bets.

The Chinook fishery, which opened April 2, has been producing well. Anglers are seeing good numbers of legal-sized Chinook over the 22-inch limit for hatchery-marked fish. These spring Blackmouth are biting best close to the bottom in depths of 90-200 feet. Be prepared to troll deep and use gear that stays within 10 feet of the seabed.

Effective lures for Chinook today include:
- Silver Horde Kingfisher spoons in patterns like "Cookies and Cream" and "Irish Cream."
- Tomic Plugs (#602 or #603) with a setback of 30-40 feet behind the downrigger clip.
- Gold Star 3.5 Octopus Squid in colors like Green Dot and Purple Haze, rigged with flashers.
If you’re mooching or jigging, brined herring and Puget Pounder Jigs are excellent for consistent results. UV and glow lures are also effective, particularly in deeper, low-light conditions.

Recent reports indicate Marine Area 10’s Jeff Head and Kingston areas have been producing well during tidal transitions. In Marine Area 11, Point Defiance’s Slag Pile and Dalco Point are solid choices. For those without downriggers, mooching with bait like Red Label Herring remains a solid option.

With manageable weather, optimal tidal changes, and a healthy Chinook salmon run in progress, today is shaping up to be a stellar day for fishing in Puget Sound. Check regulations to stay updated on quotas and emergency closures. Tight lines!

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

April 13, 2025

Good morning, anglers! It’s shaping up to be another fantastic spring day for fishing in Puget Sound. Let’s dive into today’s report, covering the latest conditions, catches, and tips for making the most of your day on the water.

**Weather and Conditions:**
Expect calm waters with partly cloudy skies and temperatures starting at 47°F in the morning and climbing to the mid-50s by the afternoon. Sunrise was at 6:37 AM, with sunset at 7:41 PM, leaving plenty of daylight for a full day of fishing. Tidal movements are critical today: focus on the outgoing tide at Jeff Head or Kingston’s inner bowl, and switch to the incoming tide near President’s Point or Kingston’s outer bar in Marine Area 10. In Marine Area 11, target the Slag Pile or Dalco Point on the Vashon side during tide shifts.

**Current Fishing Activity:**
Chinook salmon fishing is the primary draw right now, with the early spring season in full swing. Marine Areas 10 and 11 have been producing solid numbers of legal-sized Chinook, many over the 22-inch minimum. Anglers are enjoying an uptick in catches of hatchery-marked fish, as the season started off well on April 2. For halibut enthusiasts, fishing has also been open since April 3 in designated areas, with anglers reporting some success in deeper waters.

**Hot Spots to Hit Today:**
1. **Marine Area 10:** Jeff Head and Kingston are consistently productive. Stick to the south side of Jeff Head on an outgoing tide and President’s Point during the incoming tide.
2. **Marine Area 11:** The Clay Banks, Slag Pile, and Dalco Point remain top spots. Focus on depths of 90 to 150 feet to stay in the Chinook action.

**Gear and Techniques:**
Trolling remains the most effective method for Chinook. Use gear set 90-200 feet deep, staying within 10 feet of the bottom. Successful setups include:
- Silver Horde Kingfisher spoons in "Cookies and Cream" or "Irish Cream."
- Tomic Plugs (#602 or #603), rigged 30-40 feet behind the downrigger clip.
- Traditional mooching with brined herring.
Vertical jigging with Puget Pounder Jigs also works well, especially in deeper zones. Opt for lures with UV and glow finishes, as they perform best in low-light underwater conditions.

**Recent Catches:**
Anglers in Marine Areas 10 and 11 have reported consistent encounters with Chinook, with hatchery-marked fish making up the bulk of the take home. The season’s adjusted dates appear to be timed perfectly for larger fish, with Blackmouth salmon actively feeding on herring and candlefish.

**Tips for Success:**
- Match your lure size to the bait in the water. A 3.5-inch hoochie or Ace Hi Fly paired with a flasher works wonders.
- Focus on rocky contour lines and keep your gear near the bottom.
- Check WDFW emergency rule updates to ensure your area is open and within the allowable encounter guidelines.

Tight lines, everyone! Make the most of this beautiful spring day on Puget Sound. Keep safety in mind and don’t forget to log your catches. Let’s reel in some trophies!

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

Good morning, anglers! Today is shaping up to be a fantastic day on Puget Sound, so grab your gear and hit the water! Here’s your fishing update for April 12, 2025.

The weather is pleasant, with partly cloudy skies and temperatures ranging from 48°F this morning to a high of 58°F later in the day. Winds are light, around 5–10 knots, making for calm waters. Sunrise was at 6:30 a.m., and sunset will be at 7:50 p.m., which gives you plenty of daylight to reel in the big ones.

Tides today are cooperative for fishing. Low tide hits at 4:32 p.m. (-0.70 ft), and the high tide will follow this evening at 12:55 a.m. tomorrow (10.30 ft). This tidal swing should boost fish activity, particularly during the transition periods.

Fishing reports around the Sound show great results lately, especially for Chinook salmon, also known as Blackmouth. Anglers have reported lots of action in Marine Areas 10 (Seattle-Bremerton) and 11 (Tacoma-Vashon Island), with daily limits being reached by many. Resident Coho and Chum salmon are also making appearances across the central and southern Sound.

For lures, the crowd-favorites include Silver Horde Kingfisher Spoons and Gold Star 3.5 Octopus Squid, which have consistently produced results. These lures work well when trolled behind flashers at varying depths. Anglers targeting Blackmouth are also having success with Brad’s Cut Plugs stuffed with tuna or herring. For those jigging, Puget Pounder Jigs in vibrant colors are delivering strikes, especially in the Tacoma area.

Natural baits are another great option, with Red Label herring and anchovies rigged to spin proving irresistible to salmon. Adding glow or UV tape to your setup can improve performance in deeper waters or during early morning conditions.

Hot spots for today include Dolphin Point, off Vashon Island, and Point No Point in Kitsap County. Both areas have seen consistent Chinook catches over the past week. Additionally, kayakers and small boaters are finding success near Gig Harbor, especially when trolling mid-depths.

With the fish biting and conditions aligning, it’s a day not to miss. Tight lines and happy fishing!

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Good morning, anglers! Today is Friday, April 11, 2025, and it's shaping up to be a fine day for fishing in Puget Sound, Washington. Let’s dive into the latest conditions, fish activity, and hotspots to help you make the most of your day on the water.

The sunrise today was at 6:37 AM, and sunset will be at 7:53 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to reel in a good catch. The tide is moderate, with high tide peaking early at 4:20 AM at 13.27 feet, followed by a low tide around 10:00 AM at 7.64 feet. The second high tide is scheduled for 2:47 PM at 11.79 feet, and it will dip again later in the evening. These tidal movements will significantly influence fish activity, so plan accordingly.

Weather-wise, the skies are expected to be partly cloudy with temperatures ranging from the low 50s to mid-60s. Winds are light, making for smooth waters and ideal trolling conditions.

Fishing reports from Marine Areas 10 and 11 indicate an exciting Blackmouth (Chinook salmon) season. Recent activity shows decent numbers of keeper Chinook being caught, especially in places like Jeff Head and Kingston in Marine Area 10 and Point Defiance and Dalco Point in Marine Area 11. Most catches have been in the range of 22 inches or longer, with anglers reporting success while fishing deep, close to the bottom. Focus on staying within 10 feet of the seabed in 90-200 feet of water. Resident Blackmouth are feeding heavily on herring and candlefish, so mimic these baitfish for the best results.

For lures, top producers include Silver Horde Kingfisher Spoons (3.5 and 4.0 sizes) and Gold Star Yamashita #35 Octopus Squid in color patterns like Green Splatter Back and Purple Haze. Tomic Plugs and Puget Pounder Jigs are also excellent choices, particularly for anglers who prefer vertical jigging. If you want to use bait, whole or cut-plug herring trolled behind a flasher is a proven method—consider matching the size of your bait to the local hatch. Smaller orange or red label herring are working well this spring.

The key hotspots for today:
1. **Jeff Head** in Marine Area 10: Fish the south side on an outgoing tide or the north side near President’s Point with incoming water.
2. **Point Defiance** in Marine Area 11: Target the Slag Pile and Clay Banks during outgoing tides, or head to Dalco Point during flood tides.

Don’t forget that all wild Chinook and Chum salmon must be released. Stay updated on emergency rule changes as quotas are monitored closely in these areas.

Make the most of these spring conditions—tight lines and safe fishing!

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

Today’s fishing report for April 9, 2025, focuses on the waters of Puget Sound, Washington, particularly Marine Areas 10 (Seattle-Bremerton) and 11 (Tacoma-Vashon). Conditions are excellent for anglers targeting Chinook salmon, or "Blackmouth," as the early spring season progresses.

The weather is cooperative with calm waters, partly cloudy skies, and temperatures rising from 47°F in the morning to the mid-50s by the afternoon. Sunrise was at 6:39 AM, and sunset will be at 7:39 PM, offering ample daylight. The tide is a major factor for success—target the outgoing tide near areas like Jeff Head (south side) or Kingston’s inner bowl. On the incoming tide, try President’s Point or Kingston’s outer bar in Marine Area 10. For Area 11, focus on Point Defiance's Slag Pile or Dalco Point on the Vashon side depending on tidal flow.

Fishing activity has been encouraging since the early Chinook season began on April 2. Anglers are encountering good numbers of legal-sized Chinook salmon, particularly those over the 22-inch minimum for hatchery-marked fish. Both Marine Areas 10 and 11 have encounter guidelines, so it’s wise to monitor fish counts and emergency closures via WDFW updates.

Successful anglers are trolling deep, with gear positioned 90 to 200 feet down, staying within 10 feet of the bottom. Top-performing setups include Silver Horde Kingfisher spoons in “Cookies and Cream” and “Irish Cream” patterns, and Tomic Plugs (#602 or #603) rigged 30-40 feet behind the downrigger clip. Mooching with brined herring or vertical jigging with Puget Pounder Jigs are also productive, especially for those fishing without downriggers. UV and glow lures are advised for deeper waters, as they are highly effective in low-light conditions.

Recommended hot spots for today:
- In Marine Area 10, hit Jeff Head or Kingston during tidal shifts.
- In Marine Area 11, target Point Defiance (Clay Banks and Slag Pile) or Dalco Point.

Overall, today’s conditions are perfect for trolling the rocky contours of Puget Sound. Remember to check daily fishing regulations and emergency rule updates before heading out. Good luck, and tight lines!

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

Good afternoon, anglers! Here's your Puget Sound fishing report for Friday, April 4, 2025.

The Chinook fishing season opened earlier this week in Marine Areas 10 (Seattle-Bremerton) and 11 (Tacoma-Vashon Island), offering four days a week of prime access to Blackmouth Chinook salmon. Reports from the past couple of days are promising, with good numbers of legal-sized fish being landed. Keep in mind the daily limit: two salmon per angler, only one of which can be a clipped Chinook over 22 inches. Wild Chinook and chum must be released. Check emergency rule changes to stay updated throughout the season.

**Tides and Weather:**
Today began with partly cloudy skies and light winds, making it an excellent day to be on the water. Temperatures started in the mid-40s and are expected to climb into the mid-50s. Sunrise was at 6:39 AM, and sunset will be at 7:39 PM, leaving plenty of daylight for fishing. Tidal movements will favor fishing during the outgoing tide at hotspots like Jeff Head (south side) and Kingston's inner bowl. On the incoming tide, the north side of Jeff Head near President’s Point and Kingston's outer bar should produce good results.

**Fish Activity and Catches:**
Blackmouth Chinook are active and hugging the bottom at depths of 90 to 200 feet. Anglers trolling near these depths have witnessed steady action. Recent catches include a mix of clipped Chinook over 22 inches, with many anglers praising the quality of the fish. Trolling has been particularly effective, accounting for the majority of catches.

**Best Lures and Bait:**
- **Flashers and Spoons**: Try Silver Horde Kingfisher Lite spoons in “Irish Cream” or “Cookies and Cream” colors for trolling setups. Pair them with UV/glow flashers to attract attention in deeper waters.
- **Tomic Plugs**: The #602 and #603 models, fished 30-40 feet behind the downrigger clip, are excellent choices for Blackmouth strikes.
- **Jigs and Mooching**: For those without downriggers, Puget Pounder Jigs and mooching with herring have proven very effective.
- **Pro Tip**: UV/glow finishes on all lures and bait setups are crucial in Puget Sound’s often murky water.

**Hotspots:**
- **Marine Area 10**: Focus on Jeff Head and Kingston. Use the south side of Jeff Head during the outgoing tide and move to President’s Point on the incoming tide. The Kingston ferry terminal area is productive—fish the inner bowl for outgoing and move to the outer bar for incoming tides.
- **Marine Area 11**: Point Defiance (Slag Pile and Clay Banks) is great during the outgoing tide. For the incoming tide, cross to Dalco Point on Vashon Island and work the contours between 90 and 150 feet.

Halibut season opens tomorrow, so gear up if you're planning to chase flatfish. Looking ahead, Lingcod season will also pick up later this month, adding to the excitement.

With calm waters, cooperative fish, and plenty of daylight, today offers a fantastic opportunity to hit the water in Puget Sound. Tight lines and safe fishing!

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