Puget Sound Fishing Report: Squid Jigging Shines, Salmon Sparse, Bottom Fishing Solid

Artificial Lure here with your Puget Sound fishing report for Wednesday, November 5, 2025. Today’s sunrise in Seattle hit at 6:59am, and sunset’s dropping early at 4:45pm, signaling real November action on the Sound. We’re working with a big morning high tide at 4:44am, peaking around 11.6 feet, then sliding into a mid-morning low at 10:08am (5.8 feet), before another high at 3:20pm. That evening ebb will be prime for shore-based casting and squid jigging, with the late dusk bringing those squid in close[10]. Weather’s classic fall Puget Sound—expect cool temps in the mid-40s to low-50s, persistent cloud cover, and light northwest wind at 10 knots. Rain is spotty but not drenching, just enough to remind you it's proper Seattle fishing weather according to the National Weather Service. Salmon chatter is quiet. Puget Sound Anglers note the closure of most salmon fishing, lining up with recent reports showing sparse Chinook returns and most local runs below recovery targets. Biologists—and some hungry southern resident orcas—are still waiting for better numbers. If you’re out for salmon, focus on river mouths where late chum sometimes show, but don’t expect much. Chinook are down, and recent surveys from the Center for Whale Research underscore their importance, not only to anglers but also to orca survival. If you do find one, count it a win and snap a pic for the boat log. Squid jigging is the biggest November draw right now. Evenings around the Edmonds pier and downtown Seattle lights are firing up, especially on the incoming tide after sunset. Classic jigs in pink, green, or glow are top producers—drop ‘em under the lights and bounce gently off bottom for best results. Reports from Puget Sound Anglers say numbers are solid, with buckets filling up after dusk, especially on calm nights[6]. Bottom fishing’s a reliable fallback, with plenty of ratfish, flounder, and dogfish on tap. “Salish Current” reports ratfish are almost an accidental certainty when bouncing bait along the bottom. If you’re after flounder or sole, stick with a high-low rig baited with herring strips or squid; offshore structure near West Point and Shilshole always delivers steady action. The ratfish, bizarre as they are, make up the bulk catches on trawl surveys, so don't be surprised by their frequency. Crabbing’s closed in most spots, but don’t forget the clamming. WDFW has razor clam digs running daily through the ninth at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, and Mocrocks; Puget Sound beaches aren’t open, but the tides are right for checking legal locations. Check toxin levels before heading out—domoic acid closures are still in effect depending on last-minute tests[3]. Today’s hot spots: - **Edmonds Pier:** Squid action after dark. Lure up with pink and glow jigs for best results. - **Elliott Bay:** Early morning and late afternoon for mixed flounder and ratfish. Use herring or squid strips near the grain terminal pilings. - **Shilshole Marina breakwater:** Good bets for bottom This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.