Updates From the Water - June 2026
- Lingcod season is winding down and will close on June 15th. It's been an excellent season with plenty of successful trips for our guests. Keeper lingcod have averaged 30–33 inches.
- June 1st marked the opening of our summer salmon season. This year, we're offering two exciting opportunities: Seattle coho salmon fishing and Tacoma king salmon fishing.
- Opening day salmon fishing was a bit slow as fish settled into their early-season patterns, but things quickly turned around. By day two, we had established productive patterns in both Seattle and Tacoma and started seeing much more consistent action.
- Expectations are high for a strong summer salmon season. The amount of bait in the system is very encouraging, and we're already seeing plenty of king and coho salmon around. With abundant food sources available, salmon are concentrating in key feeding areas that we can target throughout the season.
- Early June is one of the best times to target Tacoma king salmon. These early-migrating kings are prized for their exceptional table quality, and the first three weeks of June traditionally offer some of the best opportunities to catch them.
- If you've been thinking about getting out on the water, now is the time. Join us this June for a chance to chase king salmon, coho salmon, or get in on the final weeks of our excellent lingcod season before it closes for the summer.
June Salmon Fishing in Seattle: King & Coho Salmon Action
In June, salmon fishing reopens after taking a break during May, while Lingcod season continues through June 15th. June is one of the most diverse months of the year for fishing in Seattle, as it offers anglers the opportunity of catching multiple different species.
What fish species can you catch in Seattle in June?
During the first half of June, we have the option of chasing King (Chinook) salmon and resident Coho (Silver) salmon as they fatten up for the spawn, as well as Lingcod and Flounder while the seasons overlap.
June Bottom Fishing
Until Lingcod season closes on June 15th, we continue our bottom fishing charters for lingcod and flounder. The great thing about these first two weeks of June is the flexibility we have. If bottom fishing isn't going well, we can switch gears to salmon fishing, and vice versa. Fishing charters in June are never boring!
King (Chinook) Salmon Fishing
Early summer King salmon in June are some of the best table fare and hardest-fighting fish of the year, as they feed aggressively in preparation for the spawn, but are still far enough from spawning season that they haven't started to lose condition yet.
Coho (Silver) Salmon Fishing
Coho salmon fishing in June can be epic. Although they are not as big as the ocean-returning Coho, they are packed full of krill, and the meat is bright orange, or almost red. This meat is very comparable to Sockeye salmon, which is the preferred salmon meat for many individuals.
June Salmon Fishing Techniques
Mooching for King and Coho salmon is the normal technique during June, with some jigging mixed in as well. Our fishing guides at Cut Plug Charters are experts on these techniques and can teach you how to catch fish using them.
Come Enjoy a Seattle Fishing Charter This Summer!
June Summary:
June is a great time to go fishing in Seattle and pursue a diverse range of species. The weather is excellent and it's a great time for everyone to get a rod in their hand and enjoy some active fishing techniques!
July Outlook:
We will continue to see many more Kings come into the area in July, and Coho fishing will remain consistent as well. Be sure to snag your summer King salmon dates, as we have a limited season and spots fill up fast.
Posted in: Seattle Fishing Reports
