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Chinook Salmon · Marine Area 9

Admiralty Inlet

Closed for Chinook SalmonUpdated Tuesday, July 21, 2026

Active Regulations

CLOSED: WDFW closes Hood Canal, Admiralty Inlet shellfish harvesting effective immediately following reports of lethal levels of shellfish biotoxins

About Chinook Salmon

Chinook (King) salmon are the largest Pacific salmon and the primary target for Puget Sound anglers. Mature fish can exceed 30 pounds, though most catches in the Sound range from 5-15 pounds. Blackmouth (immature Chinook that stay in the Sound year-round) provide a winter fishery unique to Puget Sound.

Regulations

Daily limit 2, min size 22 inches. Barbless hooks required. Wild Chinook release varies by area/season. Always check WDFW emergency rules.

WDFW · WDFW base seasons — quick reference
Verified Jun 28, 2026
Limits and seasons change annually and via in-season emergency rules. Reference only — not legal advice.

Techniques

  • Downrigger trolling with cut-plug herring
  • Mooching with herring
  • Jigging with 2-4 oz metal jigs
  • Trolling with spoons behind flasher

Where to Fish

Jefferson Head

First landmass salmon encounter entering Puget Sound — creates a natural ambush point

Depth: 80-150 ftBest tide: Ebb tide pushes fish along the point

Point No Point

Classic point with strong current convergence — fish funnel past on both sides

Depth: 60-120 ftBest tide: Flood tide — fish the back eddy on the south side

Bush Point

Whidbey Island point with consistent tidal flow and bait concentrations

Depth: 40-100 ftBest tide: Ebb tide

Double Bluff

Long bluff creates a current shadow — fish hold in the calm water

Depth: 40-80 ftBest tide: Flood tide — fish the lee side

Gear Recommendations

⚓

Best Downriggers for Puget Sound Salmon Fishing

downrigger trolling

🐟

Cut Plug Herring Setup — Everything You Need

cut plug herring

🪝

Best Jigging Gear for Puget Sound Salmon

jigging

✨

Best Trolling Spoons for Puget Sound Salmon

trolling spoons

Recent Chinook Salmon Catches

DateLocationBaitCount
2026-07-18Port of Friday Harbor Marina, San Juan Is—2
2026-07-18Armeni Public Ramp—10
2026-07-18Cornet Bay Public Ramp—2
2026-07-18Everett Ramp)—166
2026-07-18Kingston Public Ramp—7
2026-07-18Point Defiance Boathouse—2
2026-07-18Port Townsend Boat Haven Ramp—70
2026-07-18Shilshole Public Ramp—37
2026-07-17Shilshole Public Ramp—30
2026-07-17Cornet Bay Public Ramp—1
2026-07-17Armeni Public Ramp—17
2026-07-17Everett Ramp)—254
2026-07-17Fort Casey Public Ramp and Shore—87
2026-07-16Port Townsend Boat Haven Ramp—65
2026-07-16Armeni Public Ramp—13

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best bait for Chinook salmon in Puget Sound?

Cut-plug herring is the #1 bait, used by virtually every charter captain. Green-label (medium) herring behind a flasher at 60-100 feet is the standard setup. Whole herring works for mooching.

What is a blackmouth?

Blackmouth are immature Chinook salmon that remain in Puget Sound year-round instead of migrating to the ocean. They provide a winter fishery (November-April) unique to this region. Typically 3-10 pounds.

What depth should I fish for Chinook?

Most Chinook are caught between 60 and 120 feet in Puget Sound. Use a downrigger to get your bait to depth. In winter (blackmouth), fish tend to be slightly shallower at 40-80 feet.

When is the best time to catch Chinook in Puget Sound?

Year-round opportunity. Winter blackmouth from November-April, spring opener varies by area, summer kings peak August-September. Area 10 has the longest season (April-November).

← Back to Marine Area 9All Marine Areas
Disclaimer: Regulations change frequently via emergency rules. Always verify current regulations at wdfw.wa.gov before fishing. FishInsight provides predictions and data analysis, not legal regulatory advice.
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