Artificial Lure here with your Thursday, October 23, 2025 Puget Sound fishing report, serving up fresh details straight from the docks and shoreline around Seattle.

Sunrise splashed over the Sound at 7:34 a.m., with sunset rolling in tonight just after 6:08 p.m. Light south winds began the morning with crisp air and scattered clouds. Temps held in the high 40s at dawn, rising to mid-50s this afternoon, with a drizzle chance late day. Dress layered and keep your rain gear handy.

Tidal movement is key today—NOAA forecasts a high tide at 6:30 a.m around 8 feet, dropping to a midday low around 11:30 a.m at 5.46 feet, then climbing again for a late afternoon peak at 4:21 p.m. Anglers in the know will fish the incoming tide after that morning low; salmon cruise with the flood current, so plan to hit your favorite spot an hour before, and stick it out as that water rises for maximum action.

Coho salmon remain the headliner, thick across the north Sound and running strong through the Duwamish and Snohomish river mouths. Chum are arriving in small schools—expect bites to heat up end of month. Recent catches report coho averaging 7–12 pounds, with some teens landed off West Point and Shilshole. Hiram Chittenden Locks fish ladder data confirms peak coho migration now, so it’s prime time to cast for silver.

Out on the water, herring—either live or cut plug—has outperformed lately; drift them on a barbless stinger for best results (local YouTube anglers showed big fish netted using this method this week). Trollers should run maglips or small spoons behind flashers at 40 to 70 feet, dead slow. Early migrators respond to feeding triggers, so the roll and wobble matter: flashers with green or chartreuse paddles, leaders 36–54 inches, and bait trolled at a brisk walk.

Terminal areas favor pink hoochies with short leaders—longtime guides swear by the “Qualicum Special” (Purple Haze hoochie with an MP2 insert). Territorial aggression drives coho bites now, so downsizing and keeping lures visible is working around Mukilteo and Point No Point.

Don’t overlook Dungeness crab—pots filled up fast last week, especially near Alki and Vashon Island edges. Chicken and herring are top bait, but mix in fish heads if you’ve got ‘em from today’s fillet job.

Rockfish and perch are biting well for shore anglers along Edmonds jetty using three-hook drop shot rigs. Toss worms or shrimp bits for steady action; the perch are chunky and schooling.

For hot spots, West Point saltwater access remains productive for coho all week—troll the drop-off at flood tide with cut plug herring. Ballard Locks continues to be a draw for salmon-watchers and river mouth casting. Further north, Point No Point and the waters off Kingston have seen consistent coho and the first push of chum. For crabbers, the east side of Vashon is prime.

Fresh rumors of small shark catches are circulating in northern Sound but remain incidental—bycatch in deeper waters.

Remember, always check the latest WDFW regulations for area closures, selective gear rules, and emergency updates—they shift quickly during peak salmon and crab season.

Thanks for tuning in to the report. Don’t forget to subscribe for daily local fishing insight, tips, and all the dockside news you need. This has been a Quiet Please production; for more, check out quietplease dot ai.

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This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI