Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm excited to share my fishing report for today, January 31, 2025, focusing on the fantastic waters of Puget Sound, Washington.

First off, let's talk about the conditions. As of this morning, the tide in Olympia's Budd Inlet, Puget Sound, is looking favorable. We had a low tide at 00:33 AM with a height of -0.62 meters (-2.03 ft), followed by a high tide at 7:29 AM reaching 4.98 meters (16.33 ft). The next low tide is at 1:25 PM with a height of 1.85 meters (6.07 ft), and then another high tide at 6:22 PM hitting 4.18 meters (13.7 ft)[2].

The weather is a bit chilly, typical for January, but that's not stopping us from getting out on the water. Sunrise today is at 7:37 AM, and sunset will be at 5:13 PM, giving us a good window for fishing.

Recently, the fish activity in Puget Sound has been quite promising. We've been seeing a lot of blackmouth, or winter king salmon, which are essentially immature chinook salmon that stick around to feed and gain weight before their migration. These fish are voracious feeders and can be tricky to catch, but with the right techniques, it's been fantastic[3].

For catching blackmouth, I highly recommend using mooching as your primary method. This involves using light tackle with 2-6oz of weight, a 6ft leader, and tandem hooks with a cut plug herring attached. This setup is very effective and enjoyable for anglers of all skill levels. If the conditions are too windy or the current is too strong, trolling with downriggers or vertical jigging can also be effective[3].

In terms of hot spots, Possession Point on the southern tip of Whidbey Island is a favorite among locals. This area is a meeting point of migration routes, including Possession Bar, a collection of reefs that extend underwater from the island. It's known for its abundant salmon and other fish species, making it a must-visit for any serious angler[4].

Another great spot is Foulweather Bluff, which offers some of the best fishing in the Pacific Northwest. This area is known for its diverse fish population and is a great place to try your luck with both live bait and artificial lures.

For artificial lures, I suggest using soft plastic baits, jigs, or spoons that mimic the appearance and movement of natural prey. These lures are versatile and can be manipulated to imitate the natural movement of baitfish, making them very attractive to blackmouth and other species[5].

In summary, today is a great day to get out on Puget Sound. With the right tide, favorable weather, and the right techniques, you're in for a fantastic fishing experience. So grab your gear, head to Possession Point or Foulweather Bluff, and enjoy the thrill of reeling in some of those hungry blackmouth salmon. Tight lines, everyone