Episodios

  • Puget Sound Fishing Report: Tides and Temps Set Up Ideal Conditions for Salmon, Lingcod, and Trout

    Puget Sound Fishing Report: Tides and Temps Set Up Ideal Conditions for Salmon, Lingcod, and Trout
    May 17 2025
    Artificial Lure here with your Puget Sound fishing report for Saturday, May 17, 2025. The day is off to a mild start after a stretch of classic spring weather—expect partly cloudy skies and comfortable temps hovering in the mid-50s to low 60s. Sunrise came at 5:24 a.m. and sunset will be around 8:44 p.m., giving us plenty of daylight to hit the water.

    Tides are especially key right now. There’s a mid-morning incoming tide peaking just before noon, which should set up ideal conditions for shore and boat anglers alike. Look for fish to be actively feeding during these moving water periods, particularly at the top of the incoming and the start of outgoing.

    Fish activity in the Sound is heating up. Early reports out of the creel checks indicate chinook salmon are scarce in the central Sound due to tight regulations, but coho are trickling through and a few resident blackmouth have been landed by dedicated trollers. Most success has come from trolling three-inch spoons or hoochies behind a flasher at 80 to 120 feet over deeper channels. The best colors lately have been green/glow and blue/silver.

    Lingcod and rockfish are seeing steady action along rocky reefs and jetties. Fresh herring or scented soft plastics fished off bottom are working well. Try white or root beer colored swimbaits for lingcod. A few legal lings have come in from the Marine Area 10 and 11 reefs, with reports of solid numbers near Shilshole and Elliott Bay.

    In the local rivers, cutthroat trout are responding to minnow imitations and small poppers, especially during the morning hours. For fly anglers in the estuaries and lower rivers, chum fry patterns and olive clousers continue to draw strikes.

    If you’re just getting out, my top lure picks are a green/glow 3-inch Coho Killer or a chartreuse needlefish hoochie for salmon, and white curly-tail jigs or six-inch swimbaits for bottomfish. Natural baits like fresh herring or sand shrimp are prime for lingcod.

    For hotspots, point your boat to the waters off Point No Point and Edmonds in the morning for a shot at coho and blackmouth. On the south end, try the Tacoma Narrows tide rips for lingcod and various bottom dwellers.

    Overall, fishing is picking up as water temps rise and tides push fresh baitfish into the Sound. The bite is best during tidal swings, especially on the incoming tide mid-morning today. Good luck, keep those lines tight, and I’ll see you on the water.
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    3 m
  • Puget Sound Fishing Explodes with Pink Salmon Bonanza

    Puget Sound Fishing Explodes with Pink Salmon Bonanza
    May 16 2025
    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!
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    3 m
  • Puget Sound Fishing Report: Lingcod Hot, Salmon Picking Up, and Cutthroat Swarm the Beaches

    Puget Sound Fishing Report: Lingcod Hot, Salmon Picking Up, and Cutthroat Swarm the Beaches
    May 14 2025
    Good morning, anglers. This is Artificial Lure checking in with your May 14, 2025, Puget Sound fishing report straight from the docks and the beaches around Seattle.

    Today’s sunrise came at 5:33 am, with sunset expected around 8:39 pm. We’re looking at classic late spring weather in Seattle: mostly overcast skies, highs in the upper 50s, and a hint of drizzle in the forecast. The barometer’s holding steady, a bit of an onshore breeze out of the southwest, and mild conditions overall. Tidal swings are solid today, with a large morning ebb pushing bait into the shallows—ideal for those early risers casting from shore or launching small crafts.

    Lingcod is the big story right now. The season opened May 1st and the bite has been hot across Marine Areas 5 through 13 (excluding Hood Canal). Remember, the daily limit is one lingcod per angler with size restrictions—check those regs before you fish. Reports coming out of Point Defiance and the Tacoma Narrows show decent catches, especially at first light around slack tide. Anglers are finding success with large soft plastic swimbaits in white or root beer, as well as classic purple and black jigs fished close to rocky structure. For bait, nothing beats a fresh herring or squid strip threaded onto a leadhead jig[2][4].

    Salmon activity is picking up in the north sound—there are whispers of resident silvers being picked up around the Edmonds Marina and along the Mukilteo shoreline, mostly on small spoons and hoochies trolled just off the bottom. Down south, sea-run cutthroat fishing has remained solid, with anglers hooking decent numbers on chum fry patterns, small sand lance imitations, and olive over white Clouser minnows[5]. If you’re beach casting, keep an eye out for surface action—chum fry and sand lance are everywhere and the cutthroat are hot on their tails.

    Last week’s creel counts show a steady flow of chinook being checked in the mid and southern sound, though numbers are still modest as we wait for the summer push[1][3]. The top catches for the week included several lingcod over the slot minimum and a handful of fat sea-run cutthroat from the estuaries and beaches.

    Hot spots for today: Point Defiance Park (near the public ramp) is putting out good lingcod at dawn, and the shoreline around Lincoln Park in West Seattle is a tried-and-true spot for cutthroat on the fly or light spinning gear. If you’re looking for solitude, the Jetty Island shoreline near Everett is a sleeper for both cutthroat and resident coho.

    Tight lines and fair tides. See you out there.
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    3 m
  • Fishing Forecast for Puget Sound: Promising Pink Salmon Season Awaits Anglers

    Fishing Forecast for Puget Sound: Promising Pink Salmon Season Awaits Anglers
    May 12 2025
    Good morning, folks. I'm Artificial Lure, your local fishing expert. As we step into May 12, 2025, Puget Sound is buzzing with excitement, especially with the pink salmon forecast looking incredibly promising. Today's sunrise is at about 5:15 AM, and sunset will roll in around 8:32 PM, providing ample daylight for a full day of fishing.

    Weather-wise, Seattle is likely to be drizzly with a high of about 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Tides will be moderately strong, which should bring in some action around the usual hotspots. Dawn and dusk are typically the best times to cast your line.

    In recent days, catch reports have been steady, particularly around areas like the San Juan Islands and East Juan de Fuca Strait. Pink salmon are on everyone's radar this season, with the 2025 forecast predicting a return of 7.76 million fish, which is 70% above the 10-year average. While other species like Chinook might be less abundant this year, the general enthusiasm around pink salmon keeps spirits high.

    When it comes to tackle, I recommend using spoons or lures that mimic small fish, like the classic Krocodile spoon. If you're bait fishing, fresh shrimp or brine-scented lures are always effective for targeting halibut or bottom fish.

    Cornet Bay Public Ramp in Deception Pass remains one of the top spots for launching and catching a variety of species, including salmon making their way through the area. Another hotspot is Squalicum Harbor near Bellingham, which has seen consistent activity throughout the spring.

    As always, make sure to check the current fishing regulations before you head out. The Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife provides regular updates on fishery guidelines and quotas. With some luck and the right gear, you should have a productive day on the water.

    Safe fishing, and I hope to see you on the waters of Puget Sound.
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    2 m
  • Puget Sound Spring Fishing Forecast: Cutthroat, Lingcod, and Early Pinks Heating Up

    Puget Sound Spring Fishing Forecast: Cutthroat, Lingcod, and Early Pinks Heating Up
    May 11 2025
    Artificial Lure reporting in from Seattle, and with the sun breaking over the Sound at 5:37 this morning and setting tonight at 8:27, today’s shaping up for some classic spring angling action in Puget Sound. Weather’s cool and marine-layered early, with light winds and highs expected in the low 60s. That’s ideal—keeps the surface calm but stirs up just enough chop for easy bait movement.

    Tidal swing today is pronounced, with a big morning outgoing tide till about 11 a.m. and a strong afternoon incoming. These tides are pushing loads of bait into the shallows and igniting the bite, especially for sea-run cutthroat and the odd resident coho in South Sound. Recent days have seen good catches in the South Sound beaches—cutts are feeding heavy on lingering chum fry, along with plenty of herring and sand lance[5].

    Lingcod seasons opened up this month in most marine areas around Seattle, and they’re active right now. Anglers are reporting solid catches near rocky structure from Elliott Bay out toward Point Jefferson. Reports from the WDFW creel show steady lingcod action, although remember the daily limit is one fish between 26 and 36 inches, and you must use barbless hooks[2].

    The biggest buzz is about pink salmon—WDFW is projecting one of the largest runs in memory this summer, with over 7.7 million humpies expected to flood the Sound[3][4]. While the run is still warming up, early arrivals sometimes show during these big tide swings, so keep your eyes peeled.

    As for what’s working: for cutthroat and coho from shore, toss small chum fry patterns, olive-over-white Clousers, or minnow spinners. If you’re targeting lingcod, large white or chartreuse swimbaits and 6-inch curly-tail plastics on 2-ounce jigheads have been producing. For bait, live herring or sand dab fished near bottom structure is classic and still unbeatable.

    Hot spots today to consider:
    1. Lincoln Park beach—always reliable this time of year for cutthroat, especially on the outgoing tide.
    2. West Point near Discovery Park—good structure for both lingcod and the odd early salmon.

    Overall, with a big tide, plenty of baitfish, and solid early-summer action, now’s the time to hit the water. Don’t forget your license and barbless hooks. Good luck out there—tight lines!
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    3 m
  • Puget Sound Fishing Report: Pink Salmon Bonanza and Hot Cutthroat Action

    Puget Sound Fishing Report: Pink Salmon Bonanza and Hot Cutthroat Action
    May 10 2025
    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!
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    3 m
  • Puget Sound Fishing Report: Lingcod Bonanza, Pink Salmon Forecast, and More

    Puget Sound Fishing Report: Lingcod Bonanza, Pink Salmon Forecast, and More
    May 9 2025
    Hey there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Puget Sound fishing report for Friday, May 9, 2025.

    We're a week into the Lingcod season and reports are coming in hot! Lingcod fishing has been absolutely on fire since the season opened on May 1st[2]. Anglers throughout Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands are having great success targeting these bucket-mouthed predators. Remember, you can keep one Lingcod between 26-36 inches daily, and you must fish in waters less than 120 feet[2].

    Weather today is looking decent with partly cloudy skies and light winds from the northwest around 5-10 knots. Sunrise was at 5:42 AM and sunset will be at 8:31 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to get those lines wet.

    For today's tides, we've got a high tide at 10:23 AM followed by a low at 4:47 PM. This morning's outgoing tide should provide some good action for those targeting Lingcod along the rocky structure.

    Pink salmon forecasts are looking fantastic this year with 7.76 million expected to return - that's 70% above the 10-year average and potentially the third largest return on record[5]. The Green and Nisqually rivers are projected to have especially strong pink returns[5]. While it's still early for the main salmon runs, some early arrivals have been spotted.

    For Lingcod, I've been hearing great reports from Possession Bar, Point No Point, and around the artificial reefs off Edmonds. Live herring or large white jigs with curly tail grubs have been the ticket. Don't forget your descending device - it's required onboard and ready to deploy[2].

    Hot spots this weekend: Try the south end of Whidbey Island and the eastern side of Possession Bar for Lingcod. For those wanting to target resident Coho, the Kingston area has been producing some nice catches on green/white Coyote spoons trolled behind a flasher.

    The San Juan Islands are also heating up for bottomfish action. Several anglers reported limits of Lingcod using large herring or salmon bellies fished near rocky structure.

    Remember folks, when fishing for bottomfish, you're allowed an aggregate limit of 15 per person[2]. The WDFW creel reports are showing steady catch rates throughout Puget Sound areas[1].

    For those fly fishing enthusiasts, reports indicate the dry fly action is picking up nicely in our regional waters[4].

    Get out there and enjoy the fantastic May fishing we've got right now. This is Artificial Lure saying tight lines and see you on the water!
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    3 m
  • Puget Sound Fishing Report - Lingcod Hot, Salmon Outlook Promising for May 7, 2025

    Puget Sound Fishing Report - Lingcod Hot, Salmon Outlook Promising for May 7, 2025
    May 7 2025
    Puget Sound anglers, this is Artificial Lure with your Seattle-area fishing report for Wednesday, May 7, 2025.

    First, let’s talk weather. Expect cloudy skies this morning with scattered sun breaks in the afternoon. Temps will hover in the mid-50s, with a light breeze that should keep chop minimal on the water. Sunrise hit right about 5:39 AM and sunset will be around 8:32 PM, giving us a good, long window to fish.

    Tides are favorable for morning outings. There’s a low tide early, rising to a midday high. That mix of moving water should boost fish activity up until lunchtime, especially near points and tidal rips.

    Lingcod season just opened this month and the bite is hot. Reports from Marine Areas 10 and 11 confirm that legal-sized lings are being caught around rocky structure and deeper kelp beds. Try jigging 5- to 7-inch white or chartreuse soft plastics on heavy leadheads. Herring, either rigged whole or cut, is the go-to bait if you’re anchoring up. Remember, the daily limit is one for lingcod and barbless hooks are required for all bottomfish[2].

    Resident blackmouth (Chinook salmon) are still being found, with the best numbers around Edmonds, Shilshole, and West Point. Trollers using 3.5-inch spoons, hoochies, or cut-plug herring behind flashers are doing well, especially working depths between 80 and 120 feet. Early mornings with the outgoing tide have produced the most consistent action. Some solid sea-run cutthroat have also been reported around Point No Point and Lincoln Park beaches, mostly on small baitfish imitations and olive over white clousers for the fly crowd[5].

    While we’re still a little early for the massive pink run projected later this summer, signs are looking good for a strong salmon season. Inshore, the usual mix of flounder and perch are willing biters on smaller jigs and worm-tipped hooks near the piers and docks[3].

    For bait, bring herring, sand shrimp, and squid for bottomfish. For lures, popular picks this week include white grub jigs, metal spoons, and needlefish-style plugs for both salmon and lingcod.

    Hot spots today include the artificial reefs out from Shilshole Bay and the boulder piles off the Southworth Ferry. Point Defiance continues to kick out keeper lingcod and the Edmonds oil docks remain a salmon standby.

    That’s your rundown for today. Tight lines from Artificial Lure, and remember to check those regs and handle your catch with care.
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    3 m
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