If you're planning to hit the waters of the Puget Sound around Seattle today, here’s what you need to know:

First off, let's look at the tides. Today, January 18, 2025, the tide times for Tacoma, which are similar for the Seattle area, are as follows: the first low tide was at 1:09 AM, the first high tide is at 8:14 AM, the second low tide is at 2:33 PM, and the second high tide is at 7:42 PM. These significant tidal changes can make for some exciting fishing[2].

The weather is typical for this time of year - overcast skies with a chance of light rain, and temperatures will be in the mid-40s to low 50s, so make sure to dress warmly[3].

Sunrise is at 7:49 AM and sunset is at 4:51 PM, giving you a decent window for fishing.

Despite the chilly winter conditions, fishing in the Puget Sound is looking promising. Yesterday's catches were sparse in some areas, but there are still good spots to try. You can target salmon, particularly around Deception Pass and the north Whidbey Island beaches. Halibut fishing is also open, with a one-fish daily catch limit and no minimum size restriction[3].

For salmon, casting jigs or float fishing with herring is highly effective. Use medium-weight rods with 15 lb test line. For halibut, use sturdy gear and consider baiting with squid or octopus[3].

If you're looking for hot spots, Deception Pass is known for its high concentration of salmon in a small area. Another good spot is Possession Point at the southern tip of Whidbey Island, where several migration routes intersect, making it ideal for catching salmon and other species[3].

Sea-run cutthroat fishing has also been decent, especially with the recent reports of good fishing off the Puget Sound beaches. Look for moving water and early morning outgoing tides, and consider using fly patterns like Sculpin, Euphassiid, and Krill, or small suggestive patterns mimicking copepods and amphipods[1].

So, bundle up, check the tide tables, and head out to these hot spots for a productive day of fishing in the Puget Sound.