Winter Fishing in Puget Sound: Cutthroat Trout, Chum Salmon, and Coho on the Rise

For December 20, 2024, fishing in the Puget Sound, particularly around the South Puget Sound and Olympia areas, is looking promising despite the winter conditions. ### Tidal Report Today's tides are as follows: Low tide at 2:34 AM with a height of -0.44 ft, high tide at 9:59 AM reaching 15.72 ft, another low tide at 4:29 PM with 6.87 ft, and a final high tide at 8:36 PM at 10.81 ft[2][5]. ### Weather and Daylight Sunrise is at 7:55 AM, and sunset is at 4:25 PM. Be prepared for typical winter weather, which may include cooler temperatures and potential rain. ### Fish Activity Currently, the South Puget Sound is producing some very nice Cutthroat trout. You can also expect to see some Chum Salmon returning in the coming weeks. Resident Coho salmon are also present, although their numbers might be lower this time of year[1]. ### Types and Amounts of Fish Recent reports indicate that Cutthroat trout fishing has been improving, with some quality fish caught. While the numbers of Coho salmon may be fewer, there are still opportunities to catch them. Chum Salmon are starting to return, but the peak is expected in the coming weeks. ### Best Lures and Bait For Cutthroat trout, use chum fry patterns, Sculpin patterns, Euphausiid and Krill, and small suggestive patterns mimicking copepods, amphipods, and other small crustacean larvae. A floating krill pattern like the White Gartside Gurgler can be very effective. For Coho salmon, consider baitfish patterns such as the Foul Free Herring or Mini Deceiver[1]. ### Hot Spots Focus on areas with moving water, especially during early morning outgoing tides. The beaches around the South Puget Sound, particularly those near Olympia and Budd Inlet, are good spots to look for Cutthroat trout and Coho salmon. Keep searching and covering water to find the best action. Overall, it's a good time to get out on the water, especially if you're targeting Cutthroat trout and preparing for the return of Chum Salmon. Be patient, slow down your retrieves, and pay close attention to the water for any signs of fish activity. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.