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Chinook Salmon · Marine Area 11

Tacoma Narrows / South Sound

Closed for Chinook SalmonUpdated Tuesday, July 14, 2026

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

Point Defiance

THE spot for South Sound Chinook — clay banks hold bait and fish in a compact zone year-round

Depth: 40-80 ft along the banksBest tide: Both tides — fish the clay banks on the incoming, the point on the outgoing

Point Gibson

Extension of the Point Defiance structure — less pressure, same fish

Depth: 40-70 ftBest tide: Ebb tide

Gig Harbor

Harbor mouth creates a funnel — fish cruise past the entrance

Depth: 30-60 ft at the mouthBest tide: Outgoing tide pushes bait out of the harbor

Commencement Bay

Industrial bay with surprising productivity — Puyallup River outflow brings nutrients

Depth: 40-80 ftBest tide: Outgoing tide

Tacoma Narrows

Extreme current creates feed lanes — fish stack at current breaks

Depth: 60-120 ftBest tide: Slack tide transitions — do NOT fish peak current

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
2026-07-13Point Defiance Public Ramp—0
2026-07-13Point Defiance Boathouse—0
2026-07-12Point Defiance Public Ramp—0
2026-07-12Point Defiance Boathouse—0
2026-07-08Point Defiance Public Ramp—0
2026-07-07Point Defiance Public Ramp—0
2026-07-06Point Defiance Public Ramp—0
2026-07-06Point Defiance Boathouse—0
2026-07-05Point Defiance Public Ramp—0
2026-07-05Point Defiance Boathouse—0
2026-06-30Point Defiance Boathouse—3
2026-06-30Point Defiance Public Ramp—5

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 11All 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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