Puget Sound, Washington Fishing Report - Daily

Good morning Puget Sound anglers, this is Artificial Lure with your local fishing report for Sunday, May 11, 2025.We started off today with sunrise just before 5:30 AM and we’re looking at sunset around 8:40 PM, giving us a long window to hit the water. Today’s weather is classic spring Puget Sound, with partly cloudy skies and temps sitting in the mid-50s to low 60s. Light wind from the north is keeping things comfortable, but watch for patchy morning fog if you’re out early. The tides today are swinging wide, with a strong morning outgoing tide and a solid midday flood — perfect for stirring up bait and getting fish on the move.On the fish front, there’s a lot to get excited about. The buzz all around the Sound is the massive pink salmon forecast: over 7.7 million pinks expected to return this year, one of the biggest runs on record. While most pink action won’t peak until later in the summer, folks are already prepping gear and scouting shorelines and river mouths for early signs of movement. The chinook opener is just around the corner, and with tight retention regulations, be sure to double-check limits before you harvest any kings[3][4].If you’re headed out today, lingcod is the star of the show. Lingcod fishing opened May 1 and is rock solid right now in most Puget Sound marine areas except Hood Canal, which remains closed. Anglers working rocky structure and reef areas in 30 to 100 feet are finding steady action. The hot ticket lures are white or motor oil swimbaits and big curly tail grubs on a 2- to 6-ounce jighead. If you’re fishing live or natural bait, nothing beats a lively sand dab or a herring. Remember, barbless hooks are required, and you’re limited to one lingcod per day, between 26 and 36 inches[2].Sea-run cutthroat action in south Sound has been excellent this week, with good numbers chasing chum fry along the beaches. The best luck has come to anglers casting small minnow imitations, epoxy minnows, or olive and white clouser flies. Resident coho and the occasional chunky shiner perch are also keeping things interesting from shore near Olympia, Fox Island, and Point Defiance[5].Recent creel reports show solid lingcod catches out of Cornet Bay and Bellingham, with most groups picking up keeper-sized fish and the occasional bonus cabezon. Squalicum Harbor and Deception Pass have been producing well, especially on the outgoing tide when bait pushes off the structure[1].For today’s hotspots, try the reefs and dropoffs off Possession Bar — always reliable for lingcod and an early season blackmouth. In the south Sound, the Tacoma Narrows and the beaches around Steilacoom are turning up big cutthroat and some resident salmon.Good luck out there, respect the regs, and tight lines from Artificial Lure.

Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure with your Puget Sound fishing report for Saturday, May 10, 2025.We’re looking at classic Puget Sound spring conditions today. The weather is starting out cool but clear, with reports calling for light winds and highs near the upper 50s. Sunrise this morning was at 5:35 AM, and you’ll have light to fish until sunset at 8:29 PM. The tides today are moderate with a morning incoming tide peaking right before noon, which has historically produced good bites in the Sound.Water clarity is decent, and fish activity is picking up with the water warming and baitfish moving in. According to recent creel reports, anglers have seen some solid action in Area 7, the San Juans, where boats launching out of Cornet Bay have reported respectable counts—over 40 bottomfish in some samples, including a mix of lingcod and black rockfish. Deception Pass and Skagit Bay are also producing, with both resident coho and cutthroat trout showing up for fly and gear anglers alike[1].For salmon, the main buzz is about the upcoming massive pink salmon run, forecasted at 7.76 million fish this summer, one of the best in a decade. Early signs of staging have been spotted near the Green and Nisqually river mouths, so keep an eye on those areas as the season ramps up[2]. For now, resident blackmouth chinook are still in play around Possession Bar and Point No Point, though catches have been spotty.Hot lures right now include 3- to 4-inch spoons in silver or chartreuse and hoochies behind a dodger for trolling. If you’re casting from shore, try metal jigs or buzz bombs, especially in the shallows on the incoming tide. For bait, herring or anchovy—either whole or plug-cut—are your best bet for chinook, while soft plastics and sandworm imitations are getting the attention of sea-run cutthroat.If you want specific hotspots, I’d start your morning around Point No Point, always a spring favorite for chinook, especially on the early slack. Later in the day, head up to the San Juans, particularly around Parker Reef and Eagle Point, where those bottomfish are stacking up. West Seattle’s Lincoln Park beach has also seen some nice afternoon action for cutthroat and small resident coho.That’s your Puget Sound report for today. From all of us local anglers, get out there, stay safe on the water, and good luck chasing that big one.

PUGET SOUND FISHING REPORT - May 9, 2025By Artificial Lure, Local Angling ExpertGood morning, fellow anglers! The coffee's hot and the fish are biting across Puget Sound today. We've got a beauty of a day shaping up with those classic Northwest spring conditions.Folks, the lingcod season is in full swing since it opened on May 1st, and it'll run through June 15th in most Puget Sound marine areas (except Hood Canal which remains closed). Remember your size limits - 26 inches minimum, 36 inches maximum, and you're limited to one fish per day. If you're planning to target these toothy critters, stick to waters less than 120 feet deep and don't forget those barbless hooks - they're required for all species in marine areas 5-13.Sea-run cutthroat fishing has been absolutely dynamite lately, especially in the South Sound. The chum fry migration is still going strong, creating perfect feeding opportunities. Several anglers reported success with small chum fry patterns, but keep some herring, sand lance, and shiner perch imitations handy too. The large tidal swings we've been seeing are moving plenty of bait around, creating prime feeding conditions.There are also reports of some resident coho being caught in the South Sound - a nice bonus if you're out targeting cutthroat. These fish are opportunistic feeders, so similar patterns should work well.For those looking to get out on the rivers, current levels are favorable across much of the region. The Snoqualmie is running at ideal wading conditions between 300-1500 CFS, while the Skykomish and Skagit are both within their ideal fishing ranges.Hot spots this weekend? I'd put my money on the beaches around Vashon Island for cutthroat and the rocky structures near Possession Point for lingcod. Several buddies have been doing well at both locations this past week.Bait-wise, if you're not a fly angler, small Dick Nite spoons in blue/silver have been producing, and those who prefer bait are finding success with fresh herring or candlefish.With these strong tidal swings coming up, it's a great time to scout your local beaches during the extreme low tides to identify structure that's normally hidden.Remember, those barbless hooks are mandatory throughout Puget Sound, and be sure to check the regs before heading out as size and catch limits vary by location and species.Tight lines, everyone! This is Artificial Lure signing off - see you on the water!

Artificial Lure's Puget Sound Fishing Report - May 7, 2025Mornin' anglers! Artificial Lure here with your fresh-off-the-dock Puget Sound fishing report for this fine Wednesday.We're looking at a banner day with temps warming up nicely as we head into mid-spring. The big news everyone's buzzing about is the projected 2025 pink salmon run - WDFW's calling for 7.76 million fish, one of the largest runs on record! While they ain't in yet, that's mighty promising for the coming months[3].Today's lingcod season is in full swing across Puget Sound (Marine Areas 5-13, except Area 12 which remains closed). Remember your regs - one ling per angler, 26-inch minimum and 36-inch maximum size. If you're spearfishing, that doesn't open until May 21[2].Water conditions are favorable across most of our local rivers. The Snoqualmie's running at a good fishing flow, as are the Skagit and Sauk. Check your favorite river's current levels before heading out[4].For you bottomfish hunters, all coastal areas (Marine Areas 1-4) are open through October 18 for lingcod, rockfish and other tasty denizens of the deep. Don't forget those depth restrictions though - no fishing deeper than 120 feet in Puget Sound, and barbless hooks required for all species except when using forage fish gear[2].Shellfish harvesters should grab that 2025 best clam and oyster harvest tides chart from WDFW - it's got all the Puget Sound area tides with favorable harvest results[2].Hot spots this week: Port Angeles West Ramp in Area 6 has been productive with anglers reporting decent catches. The Port of Friday Harbor Marina in the San Juans is also showing promise. WDFW samplers were out interviewing anglers at these locations, so the bite must be decent[1].Gear recommendation: For lingcod, I'm hearing good reports on large white or glow-in-the-dark jigs worked slowly near structure. The jetty fishing near Westport and Ocean Shores has been heating up too - those spots are perfect for folks without boats[2].Recreational samplers are out collecting data throughout Puget Sound on a random schedule, so don't be surprised if you get asked about your catch. Remember, their data helps us all understand what's happening in our waters[1].That's your report for today, May 7th. This is Artificial Lure signing off - tight lines and stay dry out there! Don't forget your gear before you leave the dock, and I'll catch ya on tomorrow's report.

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 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].

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.

PUGET SOUND FISHING REPORT - May 2, 2025By Artificial Lure, Local Angling ExpertGood 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!

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 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