Puget Sound Fishing Explodes with Pink Salmon Bonanza

Hey there, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Puget Sound fishing report for this beautiful Friday morning, May 16th, 2025.

The sun's just coming up over the Sound this morning, and we're looking at what should be a fantastic day to hit the water! Today marks the opening of a new fishing season that runs through June 30th, so timing couldn't be better.

The big news around Puget Sound continues to be the phenomenal pink salmon returns we're seeing this year. The 2025 forecast is sitting at 7.76 million pinks - that's up 70% from the 10-year average and on track to be the third largest return on record. The Green and Nisqually rivers are showing particularly strong numbers, so keep those in mind if you're targeting pinks.

Based on recent creel reports from the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, anglers have been having good success at Point Defiance Public Ramp in Area 11 around Tacoma-Vashon Island. Another hot spot has been up north at the Bellingham Ramp at Squalicum Harbor - they've been seeing consistent action there over the past few days.

For you fly fishing enthusiasts, conditions are prime right now. The Cedar River is at ideal wading levels between 150-600 cfs, and the Snoqualmie is perfect for both wading and floating. If you're willing to venture a bit further out, the Skagit is fishing well too.

For tackle recommendations, I've been hearing silver spoons and pink hoochies have been working magic for the salmon. If you're bait fishing, herring has been the consistent producer, especially around the Point Defiance area. Don't forget to tip your jigs with a bit of cured shrimp - that's been the local secret weapon lately.

For today's hot spots, I'd recommend trying the north end of Vashon Island during the morning incoming tide, then shifting to the Edmonds waterfront as the afternoon progresses. The structure around the Kingston ferry terminal has also been holding some nice fish.

Tidal movement today should give us a nice push of fresh fish, with the tide changes creating those perfect feeding windows. The weather is cooperating too - just enough cloud cover to keep the fish from getting too skittish.

Remember, with the strong pink forecast, we're seeing more anglers on the water than usual, so get to your spots early. The Nisqually reach has been less crowded if you're looking to avoid the masses.

That's your Friday report, folks. This is Artificial Lure signing off - tight lines and see you on the water!