• Fishing in Puget Sound: Targeting Chinook Salmon and Halibut on a Rainy Seattle Day

  • Jan 30 2025
  • Length: 3 mins
  • Podcast

Fishing in Puget Sound: Targeting Chinook Salmon and Halibut on a Rainy Seattle Day

  • Summary

  • Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, your go-to expert for all things fishing in and around Puget Sound, Seattle. As of today, January 30, 2025, here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

    First off, let's talk about the tides. According to the tide times, the next high tide in Seattle is at 6:18 AM, and the next low tide is at 12:03 PM. This rising and falling tide can significantly impact fish activity, so it's crucial to plan your fishing trip accordingly[2].

    Weather-wise, it's a typical winter day in Seattle – overcast with a slight chance of rain. The water temperature is a bit chilly, but that's perfect for targeting some of our favorite species.

    Sunrise today is at 7:51 AM, and sunset is at 4:47 PM, giving us a decent window for fishing. Given the time of year, we're primarily targeting Chinook salmon, as well as some halibut if the season allows.

    Recent creel reports from the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife indicate that Chinook salmon catches have been moderate in areas like Tacoma-Vashon Island and the South Puget Sound. While the numbers aren't staggering, there are definitely fish to be caught[5].

    For lures, I highly recommend using some of the tried-and-true favorites for Puget Sound. The Grand Slam Bucktails, particularly the 4″ Needlefish and Herring patterns, have been proven killers. Trolling them behind a flasher can mimic the natural movement of baitfish, making them irresistible to Chinook salmon[3].

    Another excellent choice is the Silver Horde Kingfisher Spoon. These spoons are dynamic and productive in every area of Puget Sound, working well for both winter blackmouth and summer Chinook. Make sure to fish them behind a flasher to add that extra flash and attract more fish[3].

    If you prefer jigging, the Puget Pounder Jig is a great option. These metal jigs are very effective, especially in the southern areas of Puget Sound near Vashon Island, Tacoma, and Gig Harbor. Vertical jigging can be very effective if you know where the Chinook salmon are concentrated[3].

    For halibut, which might be a bit challenging given the current closures and restrictions, it's essential to check the latest updates from NOAA Fisheries. As of now, recreational fishing for halibut is closed in certain areas, but there are plans to reopen some subareas based on the 2025 Pacific Halibut Catch Sharing Plan allocations[1].

    Hot spots to consider include the waters around Point Defiance, particularly the public ramp area, and the Luhr Beach Ramp in South Puget Sound. These areas have shown some activity in recent creel reports and are known for their productive fishing grounds[5].

    In summary, today's fishing in Puget Sound looks promising, especially if you're targeting Chinook salmon. Make sure to check the tide times, use the right lures, and head to the known hot spots. Stay dry, and tight lines
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