Tides are in our favor today. There’s a strong high tide mid-morning, with a good ebb into the late afternoon, making for prime action whether you’re casting off a pier or out on the boat. The weather’s mild and classic for this time of year, partly cloudy with a light NW breeze. Temps will top out in the mid-60s. Sunrise was early at 5:15 am, and you have until sunset at 8:55 pm to squeeze in every cast you can[1].
Salmon fishing is on fire following a recent run of strong catches. Chinook and Coho are being picked up at a steady clip near the Snohomish River mouth and around the San Juan Islands, with the broader forecast expecting over 6 million salmon back to the Sound this season[1][4]. Pink salmon numbers look better than any recent year, with over 7 million returning, so expect the bite to only improve as summer approaches[3].
Lingcod season opened May 1 and is still going strong, especially around reefs and rocky structure in central and south Sound. Anglers regularly report good-sized fish, but remember—one lingcod per person, with 26 to 36 inches as your keeper slot[1]. For halibut hunters, the early run is on. The hot spots are Hein Bank and Protection Island east in the Strait, plus classic favorites like Sekiu and Clallam Bay out west. These spots are pumping out fish for those who know how to work the tides and bottom structure[1].
If you are staying closer to shore, the south Sound beaches are still producing sea run cutthroat, with some resident coho showing up too. These fish are chasing chum fry, sand lance, and herring all over the shallow water[5].
Top lures and bait today—try trolling herring, anchovies, or hoochies for salmon, and use swimbaits or big jigs for targeting lingcod along rocky bottoms. For halibut, nothing beats a chunk of salted herring or octopus on a spreader bar. Fly fishers will find cutthroat willing to grab small chum fry or sand lance patterns, especially near creek mouths and points[1][5].
A couple of hot spots to hit today include Point No Point for shore or boat anglers seeking salmon and cutthroat, and the Edmonds oil docks for a decent shot at both salmon and lingcod. If heading north, don’t sleep on Possession Bar for Chinook and Hein Bank for halibut.
That’s the scope for today. Good luck out there and tight lines.
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