• Puget Sound Spring Fishing Report April 13 2025 - Chinook, Halibut & Hot Spots

  • Apr 13 2025
  • Length: 4 mins
  • Podcast

Puget Sound Spring Fishing Report April 13 2025 - Chinook, Halibut & Hot Spots

  • Summary

  • April 13, 2025

    Good morning, anglers! It’s shaping up to be another fantastic spring day for fishing in Puget Sound. Let’s dive into today’s report, covering the latest conditions, catches, and tips for making the most of your day on the water.

    **Weather and Conditions:**
    Expect calm waters with partly cloudy skies and temperatures starting at 47°F in the morning and climbing to the mid-50s by the afternoon. Sunrise was at 6:37 AM, with sunset at 7:41 PM, leaving plenty of daylight for a full day of fishing. Tidal movements are critical today: focus on the outgoing tide at Jeff Head or Kingston’s inner bowl, and switch to the incoming tide near President’s Point or Kingston’s outer bar in Marine Area 10. In Marine Area 11, target the Slag Pile or Dalco Point on the Vashon side during tide shifts.

    **Current Fishing Activity:**
    Chinook salmon fishing is the primary draw right now, with the early spring season in full swing. Marine Areas 10 and 11 have been producing solid numbers of legal-sized Chinook, many over the 22-inch minimum. Anglers are enjoying an uptick in catches of hatchery-marked fish, as the season started off well on April 2. For halibut enthusiasts, fishing has also been open since April 3 in designated areas, with anglers reporting some success in deeper waters.

    **Hot Spots to Hit Today:**
    1. **Marine Area 10:** Jeff Head and Kingston are consistently productive. Stick to the south side of Jeff Head on an outgoing tide and President’s Point during the incoming tide.
    2. **Marine Area 11:** The Clay Banks, Slag Pile, and Dalco Point remain top spots. Focus on depths of 90 to 150 feet to stay in the Chinook action.

    **Gear and Techniques:**
    Trolling remains the most effective method for Chinook. Use gear set 90-200 feet deep, staying within 10 feet of the bottom. Successful setups include:
    - Silver Horde Kingfisher spoons in "Cookies and Cream" or "Irish Cream."
    - Tomic Plugs (#602 or #603), rigged 30-40 feet behind the downrigger clip.
    - Traditional mooching with brined herring.
    Vertical jigging with Puget Pounder Jigs also works well, especially in deeper zones. Opt for lures with UV and glow finishes, as they perform best in low-light underwater conditions.

    **Recent Catches:**
    Anglers in Marine Areas 10 and 11 have reported consistent encounters with Chinook, with hatchery-marked fish making up the bulk of the take home. The season’s adjusted dates appear to be timed perfectly for larger fish, with Blackmouth salmon actively feeding on herring and candlefish.

    **Tips for Success:**
    - Match your lure size to the bait in the water. A 3.5-inch hoochie or Ace Hi Fly paired with a flasher works wonders.
    - Focus on rocky contour lines and keep your gear near the bottom.
    - Check WDFW emergency rule updates to ensure your area is open and within the allowable encounter guidelines.

    Tight lines, everyone! Make the most of this beautiful spring day on Puget Sound. Keep safety in mind and don’t forget to log your catches. Let’s reel in some trophies!
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