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April 2, 2024 by Justin Wong
April Salmon Fishing in Seattle
When the month of April rolls around, we are in search of the early Spring Chinook that show up in the Puget Sound in limited numbers. April fishing consists of a mix between blackmouth (Winter Chinook salmon) and early Spring Chinook salmon. These two fish congregate in the same areas and their common denominator is their urge to feed and get big and fatten up. Both blackmouth and spring chinook are voracious feeders, when you can find a concentration of forage fish, or a tide swing that pushes baitfish on a ledge or shelf. These are the places you will want to target these fish. However, the spring chinook are more susceptible to rising toward the surface in the water column to eat versus a blackmouth that is generally keyed in on the bottom thirds of the water column.
What areas in the Puget Sound are best for salmon fishing in April?
Most years, April sets up with our focus on the north Puget Sound fishing areas around Whidbey island and around the Kitsap peninsula south of Port Townsend. These areas traditionally hold bait fish in the early spring, which attracts the early spring chinook salmon. These areas consist of mainly herring and krill during the springtime, making these areas full of life. Other common forage fish are sand lance, anchovy, and Poggies.
What fish species can you catch in Seattle in April?
The first half of April is generally open to fishing for chinook salmon in Marine area 9; also known as the northern Puget Sound. As these are incoming fish, we focus our efforts as far north as possible. When area 9 closes in mid-April, we move south of Seattle in the Vashon Island and Tacoma area to chase after early spring chinook heading into the southern rivers and winter blackmouth that are residing in the Puget Sound gaining weight every week as they are feeding on forage fish. We finish the remainder of the salmon season chasing fish down in the Vashon Island areas as it closes every year in at the end of April. When it comes to Seattle fishing in May, the salmon gear gets put away for a month while we focus on chasing our toothy critters - lingcod!
Is April a good month to go fishing in Seattle?
April is a great month to come salmon fishing in Seattle, as it is the last opportunity until summer salmon seasons open and the weather is improving. Which creates some memorable days on the water in the sun. These days still might require a jacket, but they sure are some of our favorite days, as you never know when a big spring chinook will bite and get hooked up! These fish are not only pound for pound some of the best fighters, but they are the tastiest fish of the year as these fish are mature and fattening up for their long wait in the rivers until spawning season. They are full of fat content and omega-3 fatty acids that are great for nutrition and table fare. You will not find a better tasting chinook salmon than one caught in the saltwater before the fish has made a transition to spawning mode.
Looking to book a salmon fishing charter in April?
Come on out and enjoy a day on the water with Cut Plug Charters mooching for salmon! This is a great activity for the whole family as all ages can participate and there is no sitting and waiting. We will continuously keep you occupied in the hunt to catch your next salmon. Mooching is an engaging style of fishing where kids get to learn how to reel in their lines, drop down line, and participate in using line counters to count depths. This style of fishing is also great for the seasoned angler as it involves a lot of technique in enticing the fish to strike your bait in a particular presentation. Then you will feel the bite, set the hook, and reel your fish in!
If you are looking for the best fishing charter in Seattle, consider booking a trip with Cut Plug Charters in April.
Posted In: Seattle Fishing Reports
