Episodes

  • April 23 Fishing Report: Blackmouth, Halibut, and Coastal Cutthroat Action Across Puget Sound

    April 23 Fishing Report: Blackmouth, Halibut, and Coastal Cutthroat Action Across Puget Sound
    Apr 23 2025
    Good morning Puget Sound anglers, this is Artificial Lure coming at you with your April 23 fishing report for the greater Seattle area.

    We’re off to a cool and partly cloudy start today with temps around the low 50s, expected to top out in the mid-50s by late afternoon. Winds are light from the south and a thin marine layer is lingering over the water, so don’t forget your rain gear if you’re heading out early. Sunrise was at 6:06 a.m., and sunset will come at 8:10 p.m. The tidal swing is moderate today—expect a low tide around 10:30 a.m. with the incoming making for prime action through early afternoon.

    The big news is that Marine Areas 10 and 11 are open for the early spring Chinook season, running Wednesdays through Saturdays. This fishery just kicked off April 2 and has been putting out solid action—especially for clipped hatchery blackmouth (immature Chinook) over 22 inches. The daily salmon limit is two, but only one can be a clipped Chinook; all wild Chinook and chum must be released. Most of the bites have come trolling 3-4 inch spoons or hoochies fished 90 to 140 feet down, tipped with herring or anchovy strips. Green and chartreuse flashers have been working best. Mooching cut-plug herring is also producing, especially near West Point and Jeff Head, two of today’s hottest spots. Don’t sleep on Lincoln Park either, especially during the mid-day tide push[5].

    Halibut season is officially open in select areas of Puget Sound, and early catches are already coming in. Remember, this fishery is strictly quota-managed, so watch for emergency rule changes. Catches have been best on the outgoing tide near Possession Bar using large herring, squid, or salmon belly strips on spreader bars. Aim for 200-300 feet of water[2].

    Coho and resident bait are visible along the beaches, fueling solid action for sea-run cutthroat. The cutthroat have been slashing at Chum Baby and Clouser Minnow patterns at first light. If you’re throwing hardware, small Kastmasters and Needlefish spoons in silver or copper are a local favorite. The points around Carkeek Park and the Mukilteo shoreline are producing nice cutts right now[4].

    Recent reports have seen a mix of Chinook, halibut, and sea-run cutthroat filling coolers, with the best numbers coming on days with strong tide swings and early morning starts. The North Sound beaches should start popping for cutthroat soon as well.

    Hot spots for today: Jeff Head for blackmouth, Possession Bar for halibut, and the West Seattle beaches for cutthroat.

    That’s today’s report—tight lines, and remember to check regulations before you go. This is Artificial Lure, signing off.
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    3 mins
  • "Spring Chinook and Pink Salmon Abound in Puget Sound: Fishing Report for April 21, 2025"

    "Spring Chinook and Pink Salmon Abound in Puget Sound: Fishing Report for April 21, 2025"
    Apr 21 2025
    This is Artificial Lure with your Puget Sound fishing report for Monday, April 21, 2025, coming to you bright and early from Seattle.

    Sunrise was at 6:09 am and sunset will be around 8:08 pm. We’re looking at typical spring weather—overcast skies this morning with temps in the upper 40s, possibly hitting the mid-50s by afternoon. Winds are light which bodes well for hitting the water, and a mild incoming tide should peak late morning, ideal for anglers that like to chase the changeover.

    The opener kicked off this month and action for spring Chinook around Seattle and the central Sound has been solid. Most of the spring kings being caught recently are running between 6 and 12 pounds, which has folks in a good mood at the launch ramps. The quota went surprisingly quick, a testament to both strong fish numbers and enthusiastic pressure from local anglers. If you want your shot at a springer, don’t wait[4][3].

    It’s not just kings—there’s a lot of buzz about the forecast for pink salmon this season. The 2025 Puget Sound pink salmon forecast is over 7.7 million, a whopping 70 percent above the 10-year average. While most of the pinks will be showing in bigger numbers a little later, anticipation is high and a few early ones have already been reported, especially toward the southern Sound and mouths of the Green and Nisqually rivers[2].

    A few blackmouth (immature Chinook) and some resident coho are also in the mix, especially around Possession Bar and the Edmonds-area rips. Saltwater perch and flounder are regular catches for those going lighter, with jiggers pulling up a reliable mix in the mornings.

    Best lures right now are 3 to 4-inch spoons in green-glow or white, needlefish hoochies, or anchovy rigged in a helmet. For bait, herring and anchovy remain king, especially when trolled behind a flasher. Try to keep your gear close to bottom—20 to 90 feet down depending on where the bait is stacking.

    For hotspots today, I’d point you toward Point No Point on the Kitsap Peninsula and the waters just off Alki Point in West Seattle. Possession Bar is another tried-and-true location, especially on the outgoing tide.

    That’s the Monday scoop—fish are in, tides and weather are cooperating, and the excitement for a big season is building. Good luck out there and tight lines from Artificial Lure.
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    3 mins
  • Puget Sound Spring Salmon on the Bite - Blackmouth Chinook and Pinks Running Strong

    Puget Sound Spring Salmon on the Bite - Blackmouth Chinook and Pinks Running Strong
    Apr 20 2025
    This is Artificial Lure with your Puget Sound fishing report for Sunday, April 20, 2025, straight from the heart of Seattle.

    We’re in the thick of prime time for spring salmon, and the buzz around the docks is all about the blackmouth Chinook. Early Chinook season is open now in Marine Areas 10 and 11 — that means from Seattle’s Shilshole down to the Tacoma Narrows, it’s game on for salmon every Wednesday through Saturday. The opener started on April 2 and folks are picking up a nice class of spring kings. Most of the Chinook caught recently are running between 6 and 12 pounds, with some bigger fish being boated by those putting in time trolling or mooching deep. Remember, the daily limit is 2 salmon, but only 1 can be a clipped Chinook over 22 inches, and make sure to release all wild Chinook and chum[4][5].

    The pink salmon run forecast is massive this year — over 7.7 million expected back — third-biggest ever for the Sound. We’re still a bit out from peak season, but a few early pinks have already been reported in the southern Sound, so if you want to try your luck, small pink hoochies or buzz bombs are a good bet[4].

    Tide movement today is excellent for fishing. High tide hits just after sunrise at 7:26 am around 12 feet, with a low bottoming out at -0.9 feet at 1:43 pm, and a solid evening push up to 13.5 feet just before 10 pm. These tide swings set up great opportunities, especially during the morning high and afternoon flood when salmon like to move and feed[2].

    Weather is classic spring Puget Sound — cool, upper 50s to low 60s, patchy clouds, and light winds. Sunrise was at 6:20 am, with sunset coming at 8:02 pm, so you’ve got plenty of daylight to work your favorite spots[2].

    Best lures right now are chartreuse or green flashers paired with herring or anchovy, either trolled behind a downrigger or mooched deep. If you’re targeting Chinook, try a 3- to 3.5-inch spoon, or hoochies in white, green, or glow, fished 80 to 150 feet down. For early pinks, pink mini hoochies, buzz bombs, or small spoons are drawing strikes. Herring and anchovy work great as bait, both trolled or fished under a float[4][5].

    Local hotspots include Jefferson Head and Richmond Beach for blackmouth, with several nice keepers coming in each day. Down south, the Tacoma Narrows is producing well, and don’t sleep on the Clay Banks near Point Defiance, especially on a moving tide[4][5].

    Get out early, fish those tide changes, and be safe out there. Tight lines!
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    3 mins
  • Puget Sound Blackmouth Update: Favorable Tides, Bait Balls, and Hotspot Fishing

    Puget Sound Blackmouth Update: Favorable Tides, Bait Balls, and Hotspot Fishing
    Apr 19 2025
    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!
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    3 mins
  • Puget Sound Fishing Report April 18 2025 - Spring Kings, Cutthroat & Clams Abundant, Tides & Lures Highlighted

    Puget Sound Fishing Report April 18 2025 - Spring Kings, Cutthroat & Clams Abundant, Tides & Lures Highlighted
    Apr 18 2025
    Good morning Seattle anglers this is Artificial Lure with your Puget Sound fishing report for Friday April 18th 2025

    The sun rose at 616am and will set tonight at 805pm giving us a good long day on the water The weather is steady for spring with a light marine layer early and a high expected in the upper 50s light winds and mostly overcast Skies are stable so fish should remain pretty active

    Tides in the central Sound today are favorable for fishing Early a moderate low hits at 410am at 83 feet followed by a high at 820am at 115 feet The afternoon low drops to negative six inches at 405pm which sets up prime structure scouting and shoreline fishing High tide returns at 1134pm at 13 feet Those strong swings mean bait and fish will move so time your casts to ride those transitions especially the morning flood and the afternoon ebb for the best shot at a bite

    Out on the water the spring Chinook bite continues making news in Marine Area 10 and south around Vashon and Point Defiance Anglers are reporting legal spring king salmon in the 22 to 25 inch class from 90 to 200 feet with a few over 15 pounds landed Most fish have been hatchery clipped but a few wilds are mixed in Halibut season in the North Sound is just opening and some early keeper fish have shown up near Mutiny Bay and Bush Point but effort ramps up over the next couple weeks

    Sea run cutthroat action is hot in southern and central Puget Sound Especially good are the beaches from Lincoln Park to Seahurst and the flats around Point Fosdick and Fox Island The cutthroat are gorging on outmigrating chum fry as well as sand lance and small herring so match the hatch for best success

    Best lures this week for trolling have been the Silver Horde Kingfisher Spoons in Cookies and Cream Irish Cream and Herring Aid behind a Green Crush or Blue Crush flasher Ace Hi Needlefish flies in green splatter or purple haze have accounted for a lot of hookups For bait nothing beats a properly rigged herring either whole or plug cut for Chinook For vertical jigging the Puget Pounder and 3 to 4 ounce metal slabs in green or blue work well

    Beach and fly anglers targeting cutthroat should carry chum fry and sand lance patterns in sizes 8 to 10 and always have a white Gartside Gurgler for surface action A few small resident coho are showing as well

    Clamming is also exceptional this week with negative tides exposing many prime beaches just check for health advisories before digging

    Hot spots remain Jefferson Head Kingston-Apple Tree Point and in the south Sound try the Narrows and Fox Island area for a mix of kings cutthroat and flounder

    That’s it for today Tight lines and remember to play your fish quick and release wild salmon with care Good luck out there
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    3 mins
  • Puget Sound Fishing Report 4/16/2025: Salmon Runs, Tides, and Tackle Tips for Successful Trips

    Puget Sound Fishing Report 4/16/2025: Salmon Runs, Tides, and Tackle Tips for Successful Trips
    Apr 16 2025
    This is Artificial Lure checking in with your Puget Sound fishing report for Wednesday, April 16th, 2025.

    The morning’s crisp Northwest air greeted anglers all over Seattle and the Sound. Sunrise came at 6:20 am, with light beginning to fill the sky well before then – a perfect early window for those dawn patrol bites. Sunset tonight will be at 8:02 pm, giving us a nice, long day on the water.

    Tidal action today is solid for fishing, especially for those targeting salmon on the move. In Seattle, the low tide dips to -0.9 feet around 1:43 pm, with highs hitting just over 12 feet at 7:26 am and another solid push up to 13.5 feet just before 10 pm. Fish those tide changes for your best shot, especially the morning high and the afternoon swing as the water moves back in[6][8][10].

    Weather is seasonally cool and steady, with highs in the upper 50s and low 60s, patchy clouds, and a light breeze – classic spring sound conditions. No big wind advisories expected, but always keep an eye out as the day goes on[8].

    Fish activity in the Sound is picking up. Recent creel reports have shown a mix of spring Chinook starting to trickle in, especially in marine areas north of Seattle and toward Everett and the San Juans[1]. While Chinook numbers are still modest due to conservation restrictions, the real story is the anticipated pink salmon run, which is set to be one of the biggest in recent history—forecasted at 7.76 million in Puget Sound this year. Expect that pink bite to get hot as we move further into the season, with stronger returns on the Green and Nisqually rivers[2].

    For gear, it’s a day for versatility. Anglers targeting Chinook are having the best luck trolling 3.5-inch Gold Star Octopus Squid in Green Splatter Back or Purple Haze behind a flasher. Silver Horde Ace Hi Flies and Kingfisher Spoons are top picks, with blue, green, and white patterns proving most consistent. If you’re jigging, Puget Pounder Jigs in herring or candlefish colors are money, especially around structure and points[7][9]. For bait, herring—either whole or strip—remains unbeatable for mooching and trolling.

    Recent catches have included a few keeper Chinook, some early coho, and a smattering of resident blackmouth. The pinks are just starting to show, but expect those numbers to pop in coming weeks. Most action has come from 60 to 120 feet, working the edges at tide changes[1][2].

    A couple of hot spots for your hit list today: Point No Point is drawing early-season salmon, and West Point down near Shilshole has produced in the mornings on the outgoing tide. A little north, the area between Edmonds and Richmond Beach has had steady reports too.

    Remember to check regulations for the latest emergency closures and quota updates, especially for Chinook. Good luck out there—tight lines and sharp hooks!
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    3 mins
  • "Tides and Trout: Springtime Fishing in Puget Sound"

    "Tides and Trout: Springtime Fishing in Puget Sound"
    Apr 14 2025
    Today, April 14, 2025, brings promising conditions for anglers heading out to fish Puget Sound. With the sunrise at 6:24 AM and sunset at 7:59 PM, there's a good window of daylight for fishing adventures. The tides for the day include a low tide at 1:21 AM with 5.9 feet, a high tide at 6:37 AM reaching 13.1 feet, another low tide at 1:35 PM dropping sharply to -0.4 feet, and a final high tide at 8:21 PM with 13.3 feet. The sharp tidal swings this afternoon could stir up some great fish activity.

    Spring fishing in Puget Sound features a mix of blackmouth (winter Chinook salmon) and early spring Chinook, both of which are feeding actively as they prepare for their next growth phase. Reports show good numbers of Sea-Run Cutthroat trout in South Puget Sound, chasing chum fry which are now migrating out to the ocean. To target these trout, small sand lance and herring patterns are proving effective, along with chum fry imitations.

    Recent catches indicate moderate success with Chinook salmon, particularly in deeper waters. Anglers trolling with downriggers have had luck using Silver Horde 3.5 Kingfisher Spoons and Gold Star 3.5 Octopus Squids behind flashers. Other lures, such as Tomic Plugs and Puget Pounder Jigs, are also recommended for targeting both Chinook and Coho salmon. For bait, smaller herring (orange or red label) cut or whole, rigged to create a tight spin, remains a reliable choice.

    Weather conditions should be relatively calm with mild temperatures, which are typical of mid-April, making for a pleasant day on the water. The South Puget Sound hotspots worth exploring today include the waters near Point Defiance and Fox Island. For those targeting Sea-Run Cutthroat, try the shoreline beaches around Gig Harbor or the Nisqually Flats.

    Overall, the combination of today's favorable tides, active fish species, and great lure options should provide an exciting day for anglers in Puget Sound. Pack your gear, match the hatch, and give those productive areas a try!
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    3 mins
  • Puget Sound Fishing Forecast: Cutthroat, Chinook, and Coho in Spring's Prime Conditions

    Puget Sound Fishing Forecast: Cutthroat, Chinook, and Coho in Spring's Prime Conditions
    Apr 12 2025
    It’s a beautiful April morning here in Puget Sound, with plenty of opportunities for anglers to hit the waters. Today, Saturday, April 12, 2025, the sunrise is at 6:28 AM with sunset around 7:56 PM, giving plenty of daylight hours to make the most of the spring fishing season.

    The tides today feature a high tide at 5:56 AM (13'5"), a low tide at 12:42 PM (1'0"), and another high tide at 7:02 PM (12'6")—a favorable setup for fishing as moving water often stirs up feeding fish. Today's weather looks cooperative, with partly cloudy skies, light winds, and temperatures in the mid-50s, perfect for a day by the water.

    Out on the Sound, there’s been great action, especially for sea-run cutthroat trout and early Chinook. Sea-run cutthroat are chasing chum fry, which are abundant during this time of year. Anglers have reported success using chum fry fly patterns on the outgoing tides along with small baitfish patterns like Sand Lance imitators. For Chinook salmon (resident "Blackmouth"), anglers trolling with Silver Horde Ace-Hi Flies, Kingfisher Spoons, or Brad’s Cut Plugs have seen impressive results. Key colors include green, white, and glow patterns, especially on overcast days.

    Recent catches show good activity for both resident Coho and Chinook. South Sound remains a hot spot, especially in areas near Vashon Island and Tacoma, with reports of healthy Chinook and Coho from local anglers. Sea-run cutthroat have been plentiful along local beaches, especially early mornings and during tidal transitions.

    For hot spots, give Dash Point Pier a visit for solid pier fishing action or try Point No Point Beach for beach casting. East Passage near Tacoma is another excellent trolling zone, particularly for those targeting Chinook. Bring a mix of lures, but don’t discount classic bait like herring or anchovies, rigged with a bend to mimic a natural swim.

    Whether fly fishing or trolling, it’s looking like a fantastic day to be on Puget Sound. Tight lines!
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    2 mins
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