Puget Sound Fishing Report: Silvers, Cutthroat, and More in the Northwest June Bite

Puget Sound anglers woke up bright and early to some classic Northwest June weather—overcast skies, patchy drizzle, and light winds from the southwest. Sunrise splashed through at 5:11 AM, and you’ll have daylight until a lingering sunset at 9:09 PM. Temps are hovering in the low 60s, making for comfortable, if a bit damp, conditions on the water.

Tidal swings today are prime for moving bait and heating up the bite. We’ve got a moderate outgoing tide through the morning, bottoming out around noon, with a strong flood pushing bait back in through the afternoon—ideal for salmon and sea-run cutthroat hunters. According to Emerald Water Anglers, these shifts are great for working beaches and structure, especially with so much forage in the mix this time of year.

On the salt, the main story this week is the resident Coho salmon, or “silvers.” They’re in full swing right now, with strong reports of steady action around Seattle. Cut Plug Charters is calling it “some of the best light tackle fishing for Salmon and Lingcod out of Seattle” and says the bite has been “epic” on days when the schools push in close to the surface. Most fish are running 3–6 pounds, but there are some bigger surprises in the mix. Light trolling with small hoochies, white or chartreuse Ace-Hi flies, and three-inch spoons have been the go-to, fished behind a dodger. Try herring or anchovy brined baits for that natural appeal if the bite gets tricky.

Lingcod fishing has been solid as well, with most successful rigs using live bait or large swimbaits in 50–100 feet of water. Structure around Elliott Bay and the south side of Bainbridge Island are holding fish—don’t be afraid to target those rocky drop-offs.

The 2025 Puget Sound pink salmon forecast is massive—over 7.7 million expected, one of the best runs in recent history, so early pinks could show at any time if you’re in the right spot, especially near the mouth of the Green or Nisqually Rivers.

Down south, Avid Angler notes sea-run cutthroat action is still rolling, with plenty of chum fry and baitfish holding along the beaches. Small sand lance and herring patterns, along with chum fry imitations, are working well for fly anglers. This is a great time to hit places like Lincoln Park, Seahurst Park, or Point No Point.

For halibut fans, the fishery is open through June 30 in most Marine Areas, so there’s still time to target these tasty flats. Focus on the deeper reefs in Marine Area 10, using bait herring on spreader bars or large white grub jigs.

Hot spots today? For salmon, try Jeff Head and Meadow Point in the morning and the Tacoma Narrows on the afternoon flood. For cutthroat, hit the flats at Dash Point and the beaches of Southworth.

Thanks for tuning in to today’s Puget Sound fishing report. Don’t forget to subscribe for the latest local tips, and tight lines out there!

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