• Puget Sound Fishing Update: Steelhead, Cutthroat & Chinook Opportunities in February 2025

  • Feb 12 2025
  • Length: 4 mins
  • Podcast

Puget Sound Fishing Update: Steelhead, Cutthroat & Chinook Opportunities in February 2025

Listen for free

View show details

  • 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 12, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the conditions. Today, the sunrise is at about 7:23 AM, and sunset will be around 4:57 PM. The weather is typical for the Pacific Northwest this time of year – overcast with a light drizzle, temperatures hovering in the mid-40s to low 50s. It's not ideal, but it's certainly fishable.

    Now, let's dive into the tidal report. For today, February 12, we have a high tide at 5:17 AM with a level of 11.8 feet, and another high tide at 15:58 PM with a level of 10.2 feet. The low tides are at 10:44 AM with a level of 7.1 feet and again at 22:10 PM with a level of -1.5 feet. These tidal changes should provide some good windows for fishing, especially during the early morning and late evening hours.

    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. For steelhead, using a variety of sink tips and flies to adapt to the changing water conditions is key. 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.

    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, Euphausiid and Krill, and small suggestive patterns mimicking copepods and amphipods are also highly effective. 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.

    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. Other top performers include the Gold Star Yamashita #35 Octopus Squid, Grand Slam Bucktails, and Silver Horde Kingfisher Spoons. These lures should be used behind a flasher to maximize their effectiveness.

    If you're looking for some hot spots, consider the Olympic Peninsula rivers for steelhead, and the South Puget Sound for sea-run cutthroat. For Chinook salmon, areas near Vashon Island, Tacoma, and Gig Harbor are particularly productive, especially when using metal jigs like the Puget Pounder.

    So, gear up and get out there – the fish are waiting, and with the right lures and knowledge of the tides, you're set for a great day of fishing in Puget Sound. Tight lines, everyone
    Show more Show less
Show more Show less

What listeners say about Puget Sound Fishing Update: Steelhead, Cutthroat & Chinook Opportunities in February 2025

Average customer ratings

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

Audible.com reviews

Amazon reviews
No Reviews are Available