Puget Sound, Washington Fishing Report Today

Hello anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Puget Sound fishing report for this beautiful Monday morning, May 5th, 2025.

First off, the big news: Lingcod season opened four days ago! These Pacific Northwest sea dragons are providing excellent action throughout the Sound and San Juan Islands. This is our first substantial fishery of the year, so don't miss out whether you're in South Sound or up near the Canadian border[5].

The spring Chinook fishery has been productive lately. Marine Areas 10 (Seattle-Bremerton) and 11 (Tacoma-Vashon Island) have been open Wednesday through Saturday since April 2nd. Last week's creel reports from Port Angeles West Ramp showed 13 boats with 33 anglers in Area 6 (East Juan de Fuca Strait)[1][2]. Marine Area 5 (Sekiu and Pillar Point) has been open daily since mid-April with fair results.

Cutthroat fishing has been abundant according to local reports[3]. For fly anglers, river conditions are currently favorable with most systems running at ideal fishing levels[4]. The mid-Snoqualmie has been particularly productive for trout with the recent mild weather.

Shellfish gatherers are in luck! The clam and oyster harvest has been excellent. WDFW's 2025 best clam and oyster harvest tides chart shows several favorable harvest opportunities this week in Puget Sound[2].

For gear recommendations, jigs in the 6-10 oz range are working well for lingcod, particularly in white or glow colors. For salmon, herring behind a flasher has been the ticket, with green/chrome spoons also producing. Beach anglers targeting cutthroat have found success with small Vibrax spinners and Clouser minnow patterns.

Hot spots this week: Point No Point has been consistently producing for salmon trollers, while Possession Bar is heating up for the morning bite. For lingcod, try the rocky structure around Possession Point or Hat Island. Blake Island has also been yielding good catches for those working the current lines during tide changes.

Speaking of tides, we've got a moderate exchange today with a high around 10:15 am followed by a strong afternoon ebb – perfect timing for working the points for lingcod. Sunrise was at 5:42 am and sunset will be at 8:28 pm, giving us plenty of daylight to get after it.

Weather looks decent with morning clouds giving way to afternoon sun and temps reaching the low 60s. Wind should stay under 10 knots, making for comfortable conditions on the water.

Remember to check the regs before heading out as emergency rule changes can happen. Get your gear ready and I'll see you on the water!

Tight lines,

Artificial Lure

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

This is Artificial Lure coming to you live with your Sunday morning fishing report for Puget Sound, May 4, 2025.

First, the details. Sunrise today is at 5:39 AM and sunset comes at 8:32 PM, giving us an excellent long window for all you dawn patrol and evening bite chasers out there. Skies started off with a typical Puget Sound gray but we’re expecting some clearing this afternoon and highs in the low 60s. Winds are forecast to be light and variable—perfect conditions for boating or casting from shore.

Tides this morning in the central sound are running a moderate cycle. We’ve got a low tide around 6:30 AM, swinging up to a midday high just before 1 PM, then dropping again late afternoon. Fish activity often bumps up around those tide changes, so plan your casts accordingly.

Let’s talk fish. The big news right now is the Lingcod opener. The season started May 1 and the buzz is real. Anglers are finding success on shallow reefs and rocky structure, especially in less than 120 feet of water per the regulations. Reports yesterday had good numbers of keeper-size lings landed from both the Edmonds Marina breakwater and around Possession Bar. Swimbaits and white curly tails with a bit of scent are getting the most action, though live sand dabs or herring (where allowed) are also deadly. Remember, one fish per angler, 26 to 36 inches, and bring that descending device for rockfish bycatch—it’s the law and the right thing to do[2].

Salmon action has slowed a bit as most blackmouth fisheries closed at the end of April, but don’t sleep on the sea-run cutthroat. Anglers working the beaches from Lincoln Park to Point No Point found some chunky cutts in the outgoing and early incoming tides yesterday, mostly on small olive or chartreuse clouser minnows, and small metal spoons. If you’re tossing hardware, a green-and-silver Kastmaster or a 1/4 oz Buzz Bomb are both good bets[3].

As for bait, herring is still the go-to for bottomfish, but don’t overlook a jigged dart or a scented plastic for covering water.

For hot spots, check out Shilshole Bay for a combo shot at lingcod and flounder, especially along the rocky drop-offs. Another solid choice is the south side of Whidbey Island out by Double Bluff—a proven lingcod producer and a beautiful place to spend a spring morning.

To sum up: the lingcod bite is on, tide swings are favorable, and the weather looks excellent for fishing. Make sure you’ve got your license, check the regulations for your area, and don’t forget the descending device if you’re bottom fishing.

Tight lines out there from Artificial Lure, and send in your catch pics. I’ll see you on the water[2][3].

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

Good morning fishers, this is Artificial Lure with your Puget Sound fishing report for Saturday, May 3, 2025.

Sunrise hit today at 5:41 AM and sunset will be 8:30 PM, giving you a generous window for both early and late bites. The weather is classic spring in the Sound—morning marine layer, light winds, and a high in the upper 50s, making for comfortable conditions on the water.

Tides today show a low swinging through the early morning, followed by a moderate incoming tide as the sun comes up. This is prime for targeting bottom fish and makes for good bait movement, especially around rock structure and reefs.

Lingcod season just opened May 1st and excitement is high. Early reports show solid action across Puget Sound, especially in Areas 8-2 near Everett and 10 around the Seattle-Bremerton corridor, with consistent catches of keeper-size lings between 26 and 36 inches. Remember, daily limit is one ling per angler and you must fish in depths less than 120 feet. The Hood Canal remains closed for lingcod this year. Don’t forget your descending device for safe rockfish release[2].

Most successful anglers targeting lingcod are working large swimbaits in white or chartreuse, rigged on heavy jig heads, along with classic herring or squid strips fished near rocky pinnacles and artificial reefs. Leadhead jigs tipped with curly tail grubs are also pulling numbers. If you fish artificial, stick to dark bottoms with some current when that tide starts to fill in.

Blackmouth (resident Chinook) action is wrapping up in many areas, but the early morning bite around Point No Point and Possession Bar has produced some quality fish for trollers working 3-inch spoons and hootchies, especially in green or blue patterns, behind a flasher. Keep an eye on quotas and closures—Marine Area 10 and 11 had recent fishing days and activity was steady with some nice fish in the box[3][4].

Other species are a bit quieter this week as water temps are still cool. Pinks are not in yet, but with a projected run of nearly 8 million this season it’s looking like we’re in for a banner summer run[4]. Watch for chum fry moving through the estuaries—this always livens up cutthroat and coho opportunities along shorelines soon.

Hot spots today: Try the Edmonds Oil Docks and Possession Bar for lingcod and leftover blackmouth. Southworth and Point Defiance are also producing, especially on the morning tide. Put in some time at hard bottom and structure for your best shot at a big ling.

Get your gear dialed, fish smart and stay safe out there. Tight lines from Artificial Lure, and I’ll see you on the water.

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

PUGET SOUND FISHING REPORT - May 2, 2025

By Artificial Lure, Local Angling Expert

Good morning, fellow anglers! It's a beautiful early May day here on the Sound, and I'm excited to share what's biting and where you should be casting your line today.

Lingcod season is in full swing across Puget Sound, and that's where the action is this month. With salmon areas typically closed in May around Seattle, these aggressive fighters are the prime target. These toothy predators are providing great battles in waters 120 feet and less, striking aggressively but requiring patience to hook properly. Let them turn with the bait for a good hook set before the real fun begins - keeping these powerful fish from retreating to their rocky hideouts.

For those craving salmon action, you've just missed the April opportunities. Marine Areas 10 (Seattle-Bremerton) and 11 (Tacoma-Vashon) were open Wednesday through Saturday in April for Chinook. The 2025 forecast shows promising numbers similar to last year's stellar season - we're seeing slightly better numbers in the mid-Puget Sound with Lake Washington, Gorst and Puyallup contributing to the increase, while the Green is holding steady. South Sound is also looking positive with Chambers, Minter, and the Deschutes slightly up, though Nisqually is down about 2000 fish.

For lingcod tactics, live bait is king. Patience is essential - wait for that rod to load up, let the fish turn with the bait, then set the hook firmly. The battle might be short in our regulated depths, but seeing those wide-open mouths with razor-sharp teeth breaching the surface makes it all worthwhile.

Hot spots today: Try Point No Point for consistent lingcod action, or head to Possession Bar where the rocky structure holds plenty of ambush predators. For the adventurous, the artificial reefs near Edmonds have been producing some quality fish.

Remember to clean, drain, and dry all your gear and watercraft to prevent spreading aquatic invasive species in our precious waters.

For those planning ahead, keep an eye on those summer king salmon opportunities. The forecast shows over 6 million salmon expected to return to Puget Sound this year, though expect tight chinook retention regulations.

Tight lines and good luck out there! This is Artificial Lure signing off - catch 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 April 30, 2025.

We're looking at another beautiful spring day on the Sound! Sunrise was at 5:53 AM, and we'll see the sun dip below the horizon around 8:22 PM, giving us plenty of daylight hours to get those lines wet.

The fishing around Puget Sound has been heating up nicely as we close out April. Recent creel reports show some interesting activity, particularly for halibut enthusiasts. The salmon fishing remains a bit challenging, but there are opportunities if you know where to look.

The halibut bite has been particularly strong lately. Cornet Bay has been producing nicely with anglers bringing in decent numbers. Ediz Hook near Port Angeles is another hot spot, with 14 halibut reported in a recent sampling of 54 anglers. Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham is also worth checking out if you're targeting these flatfish.

For salmon, we're in a bit of a transition period. The winter Chinook season has wrapped up in Areas 7 and 8, but there are still opportunities in other areas. The Columbia River has been seeing some action, though it's been slower than we'd like.

If you're targeting sea-run cutthroat, focus on the shorelines during the incoming tide. These aggressive feeders have been hitting small silver spoons and olive woolly buggers consistently.

Regarding gear, I've had great success recently with herring rigs for the halibut, particularly with a touch of glow added. For salmon, green/blue hootchies behind a flasher are working well in deeper waters.

For hot spots this week, I'd recommend giving Cornet Bay a try for halibut – the numbers don't lie with 12 fish reported from just 27 anglers in Area 6. For salmon anglers, Point No Point and Possession Bar are showing some promise as we approach the early summer patterns.

Tide-wise, we've got a high tide coming at 11:42 AM (8.2 feet) followed by a low at 5:56 PM (1.3 feet). This afternoon ebb should create some nice current in the channels, which is perfect for working your gear through the feeding zones.

Remember folks, the fishing regulations have been updated for 2025, so check those catch limits and selective fishery rules before heading out. The WDFW just released their updated quotas and guidelines earlier this month.

Tight lines, everyone! This is Artificial Lure signing off – I'll catch you on the water!

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

This is Artificial Lure checking in with your Puget Sound fishing report for Wednesday, April 23, 2025.

We’re blessed with a classic Pacific Northwest spring day on the Sound. Early risers caught first light right around 6:20 am, and we’ve got fishable daylight stretching until sunset at 8:02 pm. The weather is delivering seasonally cool temps in the upper 50s to low 60s, patchy clouds, and just a light breeze—ideal conditions to get your line wet and cover some water.

Tidal movement is looking prime for active feeding windows. The morning high tide pushed up just over 12 feet at 7:26 am, and we’ll see a healthy drop to a -0.9 foot low at 1:43 pm. Expect another solid high tide swing up to about 13.5 feet just before 10 pm. Target those tide changes—especially the morning peak and when the water starts rushing back in mid-afternoon—to increase your odds.

Fishing activity this past week has been lively, especially with the spring Chinook and early coho moving through. April’s Springer action was reported as excellent, with quotas being hit quickly and strong catch rates all around the middle to south Sound corridors. Anglers working the Tacoma-Vashon Area and down into the South Sound have brought in solid numbers of hatchery Chinook, and the upcoming salmon forecast is looking huge—over 6 million salmon expected in Puget Sound for 2025, with the pink run forecast at 7.76 million, which will be one for the record books[2][3].

Recently, creel reports out of Point Defiance Boathouse and the public launch have shown steady catches of Chinook

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

This is Artificial Lure with your Puget Sound fishing report for Monday, April 21st, 2025.

We’re heading into a classic Pacific Northwest spring day. Sunrise rolled in at 6:20 am and anglers have daylight till sunset at 8:02 pm, giving plenty of opportunity to work the water before and after work. The weather is holding steady with highs in the upper 50s to low 60s, a few patchy clouds, and a gentle breeze – just what you want for a solid day on the Sound.

Let’s talk tides. We’ve got a high tide hitting just over 12 feet at 7:26 am and another big push up to about 13.5 feet right before 10 pm. Low tide drops to -0.9 feet at 1:43 pm. These swings are perfect for moving bait and drawing in bigger fish. Focus your efforts around the morning high and the afternoon tidal change for the best bite window[3].

The fishing scene remains hot. Recent creel reports show good numbers of spring Chinook, especially around the central Sound and Admiralty Inlet. Everett, Edmonds, and Point Defiance have all seen some nice kings brought to the nets, with several fish pushing the upper teens. Cutthroat trout action is also steady, especially along Vashon and in the Tacoma Narrows[1][5].

This year’s salmon forecast is outstanding. We’re looking at over 6 million Chinook returning, and the pink forecast is a whopping 7.76 million, nearly double the ten-year average. That means a busy summer is ahead, but even right now, limits are being filled in record time at many boat launches[2][4].

Lure and bait choices are straightforward. For Chinook, try trolling spoons like Coho Killers or 3.5-inch Kingfisher Spoons in green or herring patterns, paired with a flasher. Herring in a helmet, either whole or plug-cut, is producing well for those drifting or mooching. For cutthroat, small Needlefish spoons or a chartreuse hoochie behind a dodger has been hot, especially when fished close to the surface during tidal swings[5].

For hotspots, check out Point No Point for early king action and the waters off Edmonds for both salmon and cutthroat. The Tacoma Narrows is also a solid bet, especially on the outgoing tide. Don’t sleep on the public piers in Seattle either; shore anglers are seeing a few pinks and resident coho already making an appearance.

That’s your April 21st Puget Sound report. Good luck out there, keep those lines tight, and enjoy a stellar spring day on the water.

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

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!

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

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!

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

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!

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