Puget Sound Fishing Report: Pink Salmon Bonanza and Hot Cutthroat Action

Howdy anglers, Artificial Lure here with your Puget Sound fishing report for this fine Saturday morning, May 10, 2025.

Folks, we're looking at prime time for fishing around Seattle waters today! The pink salmon forecast for 2025 is a whopper at 7.76 million fish - that's up 70% from the 10-year average and expected to be the third largest return on record. The Green and Nisqually rivers are showing particularly strong pink returns this season.

The sea run cutthroat action has been hot in South Puget Sound these past weeks. Anglers have been having success as these aggressive fish are chasing the migrating chum fry. I've also heard reports of some resident silvers being caught lately. The massive tidal exchanges we've been experiencing are moving bait around nicely, creating perfect feeding opportunities.

For those targeting cutthroat, you'll want to pack a variety of patterns. While chum fry imitations are your go-to right now, smart anglers are also carrying small sand lance imitations, herring patterns, and some surface flies just in case the fish get finicky. The recent reports show that herring, sand lance, and shiner perch are all on the menu along with those chum fry.

For salmon anglers, it's worth noting that while pink numbers look fantastic, Chinook regulations remain tight this season due to continued low abundance of many stocks. The fishery managers had to work extra hard planning this season due to differences in ages of returning fish.

As for hot spots, the beaches around South Puget Sound have been producing consistently for cutthroat. The tidal currents are strong this time of year, which typically makes for exciting fishing along the shorelines. For salmon seekers, keep an eye on the Nisqually approach as those strong pink returns should start showing up.

River conditions are favorable with the Snoqualmie running at ideal wading levels. The Skykomish is also in good shape for fishing, perfect for those looking to hit the rivers instead of the Sound.

Remember that this is just the beginning of what should be an epic season with those huge pink returns. The Fraser River over in BC is expecting 27 million pinks, which should spill over into our waters too.

Tight lines, everyone! This is Artificial Lure reminding you that the worst day fishing still beats the best day working. See you on the water!