Puget Sound Fishing Report: Chinook Salmon Biting, Seals Hunting, Stay Safe Out There

# Artificial Lure's Puget Sound Fishing Report – Thursday, December 4th

What's up, fellow anglers! This is Artificial Lure bringing you today's Puget Sound fishing report for December 4th, 2025.

Let's start with the conditions. We're looking at south winds around 5 knots early today, with waves holding around 2 feet or less – pretty manageable stuff. Rain moves in later this morning and sticks around all day, so bundle up out there. Tidal-wise, we've got moderate conditions today that should keep things interesting around the key spots.

Here's what's been happening in the Sound lately. There's been solid activity on Chinook salmon, which is fantastic for us anglers. Small baitfish patterns have been working like a charm – think sand lance, herring, and smelt imitations if you're working the fly. For conventional gear, pink salmon and Chinook are your target species right now. Winter conditions favor shrimp and euphausiid patterns, so don't sleep on those if you're experimenting.

Fair warning though – marine mammal activity has been significant around Puget Sound. Harbor seals have been managing a healthy appetite out there, so don't get discouraged if you're seeing fewer returns than expected. It's just nature doing its thing.

For your hot spots today, I'd suggest hitting the Puget Sound beaches for sea-run cutthroat – bring those small baitfish patterns and work methodically. The Columbia River tributaries like the Cowlitz and Lewis Rivers are also firing for steelhead if you want to venture that direction, though predation pressure remains heavy.

Urban water quality in the Sound has been a concern lately, so consider staying in the cleaner tributaries if possible. Your best bets are proven producers – live bait, sand eels, and herring work great for Chinook. Keep your presentation tight and your expectations realistic given current conditions.

Thanks for tuning in to today's report! Make sure to subscribe for your daily updates on what's biting around the Pacific Northwest. Get out there safely and respect the water.

This has been a Quiet Please production. For more, check out quietplease.ai

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