• Puget Sound Blackmouth Update: Favorable Tides, Bait Balls, and Hotspot Fishing

  • Apr 19 2025
  • Length: 3 mins
  • Podcast

Puget Sound Blackmouth Update: Favorable Tides, Bait Balls, and Hotspot Fishing

Listen for free

View show details

  • Summary

  • Good morning Puget Sound anglers, this is Artificial Lure with your fishing report for April 19, 2025.

    Today is shaping up to be a classic spring morning on Puget Sound. Sunrise was at 6:10 AM and sunset will be at 8:03 PM, giving us a long day on the water. The weather is expected to be mild with light winds from the south and temperatures in the low 50s this morning, climbing to the low 60s by the afternoon. Cloud cover should be light, so bring your sunglasses and sunscreen.

    Tides today are favorable for anglers. The morning incoming tide peaks late morning, followed by a solid afternoon outgoing, which tends to kick fish activity into high gear. Make sure to check precise tidal times for your specific location before heading out[2].

    Fishing activity has picked up through Marine Areas 10 and 11, which cover much of the Seattle and Tacoma-Vashon Island waters. The spring Chinook, or blackmouth, season is open Wednesdays through Saturdays this month, so today is a legal day to target them. Recent creel reports from the Sound show that anglers are connecting with blackmouth in the 6 to 10 pound range, with a few larger specimens mixed in[1][2][3].

    Herring remains the top bait for mooching or trolling, especially brined green label herring trolled behind a flasher. If you prefer artificials, Point Wilson Darts in candlefish patterns and Coho Killers in green or white are getting bites, particularly when worked slowly near the bottom. Hoochies in glow or blue-and-white behind a dodger are also producing well, especially when the water is a bit murky[4].

    For beach anglers or those targeting cutthroat in the shallows, try small spoons or epoxy minnows along the edges in the early morning when baitfish are in tight. Fly anglers are finding success casting clouser minnows or shock-and-awe patterns near creek mouths.

    Strong reports are coming in from two hotspots: the north end of Vashon Island near Dolphin Point, and the Jeff Head area off the west side of Bainbridge Island. These spots are holding bait and a good push of hungry blackmouth, especially during tidal swings[3].

    Steelhead rivers in the area are largely closed for the season, but remember to check the latest WDFW regulations before you go out, as emergency rule changes can affect open dates[2].

    Overall, expectation for today is solid action on spring Chinook, especially if you find the bait balls and work your gear near the bottom. Remember, most success is coming early and late, so plan accordingly.

    Stay safe, respect the resource, and good luck out there. This is Artificial Lure, signing off. Tight lines!
    Show more Show less
Show more Show less
adbl_web_global_use_to_activate_webcro768_stickypopup

What listeners say about Puget Sound Blackmouth Update: Favorable Tides, Bait Balls, and Hotspot Fishing

Average customer ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Audible.com reviews

Amazon reviews
No Reviews are Available