• Puget Sound Fishing Report: Steelhead, Cutthroat, and Chinook Salmon Opportunities in February 2025

  • Feb 5 2025
  • Length: 4 mins
  • Podcast

Puget Sound Fishing Report: Steelhead, Cutthroat, and Chinook Salmon Opportunities in February 2025

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  • Summary

  • Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on the fishing scene in and around Puget Sound as of February 5, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the conditions. Today, the sunrise is at about 7:30 AM, and sunset will be around 4:45 PM. The weather is looking partly cloudy with a high of around 48 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 38 degrees, making it a typical winter day in the Pacific Northwest.

    Now, let's dive into the tidal report. For today, the high tide is at 9:30 AM and the low tide at 3:30 PM. These tides are crucial, especially if you're targeting species like sea-run cutthroat or salmon, as they tend to be more active during the changing tides.

    ### Fish Activity

    The fish activity in Puget Sound has been quite promising lately. For those after winter steelhead, the Olympic Peninsula rivers like the Bogachiel and Calawah are still producing some hatchery fish, along with a few wild steelhead starting to show up in decent numbers. Historically, February and March are the peak months for wild steelhead returns, so we can expect the fishing to improve in the coming weeks[1][4].

    In the South Puget Sound, sea-run cutthroat fishing has been improving daily. Anglers have been doing well using chum fry patterns and covering a lot of water to find active fish. Sculpin patterns, Euphassiid and Krill, and small suggestive patterns mimicking copepods and amphipods are also highly effective[1].

    For salmon enthusiasts, Chinook salmon fishing is always a highlight in Puget Sound. While the peak season is usually in the summer, there are still opportunities to catch them, especially when using the right lures. Metal jigs like the Puget Pounder are excellent for pier fishing, as they descend quickly and have a salmon-catching flutter that Chinook salmon can't resist[2][5].

    ### Best Lures and Bait

    For winter steelhead, it's best to use a variety of sink tips and flies to adapt to the changing water conditions. Streamers or a double nymph rig under an indicator work well in the mornings, while dry fly fishing in the afternoons can be very productive. Flies like parachute Adams, Griffiths Gnat, WD-40, and Zebra Midge are good choices[1].

    For sea-run cutthroat, focus on slow retrieves with krill and euphasid patterns. A floating krill pattern like the White Gartside Gurgler can be very effective. Baitfish patterns such as the Foul Free Herring or Mini Deceiver are also worth having in your fly box[1].

    For Chinook salmon, lures like the Gold Star Yamashita #35 Octopus Squid, Grand Slam Bucktails, and Silver Horde Kingfisher Spoons are top performers. These lures should be used behind a flasher to maximize their effectiveness. The Puget Pounder metal jig is another excellent choice, especially for pier fishing[2][5].

    ### Hot Spots

    If you're looking for some hot spots, here are a few recommendations:

    - **Olympic Peninsula Rivers**: The Bogachiel and Calawah rivers are great for winter steelhead fishing.
    - **South Puget Sound Beaches**: Areas around Vashon Island, Tacoma, and Gig Harbor are excellent for sea-run cutthroat and occasional resident coho.
    - **Public Piers**: Piers in Puget Sound, such as those near Port Angeles to Tacoma, are ideal for catching salmon and squid. The Puget Pounder metal jig is a standout choice for these locations[1][5].

    In conclusion, the fishing in and around Puget Sound is looking promising, especially with the right gear and knowledge of the tides and fish activity. Make sure to check the local fishing regulations and enjoy the beautiful winter scenery while you're out on the water.

    Tight lines, everyone
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