Episodes

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

    Puget Sound Fishing Update: Steelhead, Cutthroat & Chinook Opportunities in February 2025
    Feb 12 2025
    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
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    4 mins
  • Puget Sound Fishing Report: Winter Steelhead, Sea-Run Cutthroat, and Chinook Opportunities Abound

    Puget Sound Fishing Report: Winter Steelhead, Sea-Run Cutthroat, and Chinook Opportunities Abound
    Feb 10 2025
    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 10, 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 10, we have a high tide at 4:51 AM with a level of 12.1 feet, and another high tide at 14:32 PM with a level of 10.4 feet. The low tides are at 10:08 AM with a level of 7.4 feet and again at 21:34 PM with a level of -1.3 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, 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.

    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. Focus on slow retrieves with krill and euphasid patterns, and 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. Lures like the Gold Star Yamashita #35 Octopus Squid, Grand Slam Bucktails, and Silver Horde Kingfisher Spoons are proven winners in these waters. If you're not set up for trolling with downriggers, vertical jigging with metal jigs like the Puget Pounder Jig can also be very effective.

    If you're looking for some hot spots, the beaches around the South Puget Sound are always a good bet. Places like Point Defiance and the shores around Vashon Island have been producing some nice catches of sea-run cutthroat and resident coho. For salmon, the areas near Tacoma and Gig Harbor have been productive, especially when using the aforementioned lures.

    In summary, today looks like a good day to get out and catch some fish in Puget Sound. With the right lures and a bit of patience, you should be able to land some nice sea-run cutthroat or even a Chinook salmon. Just remember to slow down your retrieves, especially for the cutthroat, and keep an eye out for those early morning and late evening tides.

    Tight lines, everyone
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    4 mins
  • Puget Sound Fishing Forecast: Steelhead, Cutthroat, and Chinook Salmon Opportunities Abound in February

    Puget Sound Fishing Forecast: Steelhead, Cutthroat, and Chinook Salmon Opportunities Abound in February
    Feb 9 2025
    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 9, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the conditions. Today, 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 9:19 AM and the low tide at 3:30 PM, according to the Seattle tide times[5]. 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.

    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.

    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. 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, which should be used behind a flasher to maximize their effectiveness.

    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.

    If you're looking for some hot spots, consider the Olympic Peninsula rivers for steelhead, and the South Puget Sound areas like Vashon Island, Tacoma, and Gig Harbor for Chinook salmon. For sea-run cutthroat, the waters around Kingston and Suquamish have been producing good results.

    In terms of specific lures and bait, for Blackmouth (a type of Chinook salmon), using the SpinFish bait-holding plug with canned Chicken of the Sea Tuna packed in oil mixed with Pro-Cure’s Bloody Tuna scent has been highly effective. This combination, when used with 11” rotating flashers and medium size Fish Flash, has produced immediate results[3].

    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
    Show more Show less
    4 mins
  • Puget Sound Fishing Update: Tides, Trout, and Tackling Salmon in February 2025

    Puget Sound Fishing Update: Tides, Trout, and Tackling Salmon in February 2025
    Feb 8 2025
    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 8, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the tides. Today, we have a high tide at 3:26 AM with a level of 11.1 feet, and another high tide at 12:21 PM with a level of 10.6 feet. The low tides are at 8:10 AM with a level of 8.7 feet and again at 19:53 PM with a level of -1.0 feet. These tidal changes should provide some good windows for fishing, especially during the early morning and late evening hours.

    Weather-wise, it's a typical Pacific Northwest day – overcast with a light drizzle, temperatures in the mid-40s to low 50s. Not ideal, but certainly fishable. Sunrise today is at 7:23 AM, and sunset is at 4:57 PM, giving us a decent amount of daylight to get out on the water.

    Now, onto the fish activity. Recently, the South Puget Sound has been seeing some action with sea-run cutthroat trout. These fish are active, especially during the early morning outgoing tides. You can expect to find them feeding on chum fry and other small crustaceans close to the shore. For these fish, using fly patterns like Sculpin, Euphausiid and Krill, and small suggestive patterns mimicking copepods and amphipods are your best bets.

    For those targeting salmon, the winter blackmouth (Chinook) fishing has been decent. Lures like the Gold Star Yamashita #35 Octopus Squid, Grand Slam Bucktails, and Silver Horde Kingfisher Spoons are proven winners in these waters. If you're not set up for trolling with downriggers, vertical jigging with metal jigs like the Puget Pounder Jig can also be very effective.

    If you're looking for some hot spots, the beaches around the South Puget Sound are always a good bet. Places like Point Defiance and the shores around Vashon Island have been producing some nice catches of sea-run cutthroat and resident coho. For salmon, the areas near Tacoma and Gig Harbor have been productive, especially when using the aforementioned lures.

    In the Olympic Peninsula, the steelhead season is in full swing. The Bogachiel and Calawah rivers are still yielding some hatchery fish and a few nice native steelhead. Make sure to bring a variety of sink tips and flies to adapt to the changing water conditions.

    In summary, today looks like a good day to get out and catch some fish in Puget Sound. With the right lures and a bit of patience, you should be able to land some nice sea-run cutthroat or even a Chinook salmon. Just remember to slow down your retrieves, especially for the cutthroat, and keep an eye out for those early morning and late evening tides.

    Tight lines, everyone
    Show more Show less
    3 mins
  • Puget Sound Fishing Forecast: Steelhead, Cutthroat, and Chinook Opportunities Abound in February 2025

    Puget Sound Fishing Forecast: Steelhead, Cutthroat, and Chinook Opportunities Abound in February 2025
    Feb 7 2025
    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 7, 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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    If you're looking for some hot spots, consider the Olympic Peninsula rivers for steelhead, and the South Puget Sound areas like Vashon Island, Tacoma, and Gig Harbor for Chinook salmon. For sea-run cutthroat, the waters around Kingston and Suquamish have been producing good results.

    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
    Show more Show less
    4 mins
  • Puget Sound Fishing Report: Steelhead, Cutthroat, and Chinook Salmon Opportunities in February 2025

    Puget Sound Fishing Report: Steelhead, Cutthroat, and Chinook Salmon Opportunities in February 2025
    Feb 5 2025
    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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    4 mins
  • Puget Sound Fishing Forecast - Sea Run Cutthroat, Coho, and Chinook on the Bite

    Puget Sound Fishing Forecast - Sea Run Cutthroat, Coho, and Chinook on the Bite
    Jan 31 2025
    Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, your go-to expert for all things fishing in and around Puget Sound. Today, January 31st, 2025, promises to be an exciting day on the water, so let's dive into the details.

    First off, let's check the tides. According to the tide reports, we have a low tide at 00:33 AM with a height of -0.62 meters, followed by a high tide at 7:29 AM reaching 4.98 meters. The next low tide is at 1:25 PM with a height of 1.85 meters, and the final high tide of the day is at 6:22 PM, hitting 4.18 meters[2].

    The weather is looking relatively calm, with partial cloud cover and mild temperatures, making it ideal for a day out on the water. Sunrise is at 7:37 AM, and sunset is at 5:13 PM, giving us a good window to catch those early morning and late afternoon bites.

    Recently, the South Puget Sound has been seeing some great action. Sea Run Cutthroat fishing has been excellent, with fish actively moving around, especially during early morning outgoing tides. For these cutthroats, it's best to use fly patterns that mimic small crustaceans like krill, euphausiids, and sculpin. Slow down your retrieves and focus on winter fly patterns to increase your chances[1].

    Coho fishing has also been good, with both resident and ocean-going coho present in the waters. For coho, using baitfish patterns like the Foul Free Herring or the Mini Deceiver can be very effective. If you're targeting coho, look for moving water and keep searching and covering the water to find the best spots[1].

    For those after Chinook salmon, lures like the Grand Slam Bucktails, Puget Pounder Jigs, and Silver Horde Kingfisher Spoons are top choices. These lures, especially when trolled behind a flasher, can be very productive in the southern areas of Puget Sound near Vashon Island, Tacoma, and Gig Harbor[3].

    If you're looking for some hot spots, I recommend checking out the beaches around Olympia and the Budd Inlet. These areas have been known for their good fishing conditions, especially during the early morning and late afternoon tides. Another great spot is the southern part of Puget Sound, particularly around Vashon Island and the waters near Tacoma and Gig Harbor.

    In summary, today is shaping up to be a great day for fishing in Puget Sound. With the right tides, calm weather, and the right lures, you're set for a productive day on the water. Remember to slow down your retrieves for those winter fly patterns and keep an eye out for moving water and early morning outgoing tides. Tight lines, everyone
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    3 mins
  • Fishing in Puget Sound: Targeting Chinook Salmon and Halibut on a Rainy Seattle Day

    Fishing in Puget Sound: Targeting Chinook Salmon and Halibut on a Rainy Seattle Day
    Jan 30 2025
    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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    3 mins