Exploring the Thrills of Puget Sound Fishing in April

In the world of fishing, there are times when the rivers are closed, the ocean is mean and the lakes grow still. Yet, for those in Western Washington who know where to look, there exists a hidden gem that shines brightest during these lulls – Puget Sound.

Last weekend, on April 14th, we set our sights on Olympia, Washington, where the sun kissed the water, and the temperature hovered in the mid-60s. Armed with an array of articulated shrimp flies on Spawn Micro Jig Shanks, we launched into the sound around 8:30 am, just in time for high slack tide at 8:45. Excitement pulsed through the air as we made our way to our first beach, eager to see what the day held in store.

Sunny days can present their challenges, but for us, wind and water clarity are the only obstacles worth mentioning and on this day the water was clear and the wind laid low. As we reached our first beach, we found the cutthroat laying still, biding their time until the perfect moment to strike. It was slow going at first, with a fish here and there, but we knew that perseverance would pay off.

For us we were headed towards an unproductive day on the water which means catching under 20 fish, while a productive day can yield anywhere from 30 to 50+. It may sound unbelievable to some, but after spending countless hours honing our craft, we've learned to crack the code and unlock the secrets of these elusive creatures. It's important to mention that there is no such thing as a bad day on the water but productivity in our mind can be bad and we've always acknowledged the difference.

As the tide began to shift, so did our luck. Moving from beach to beach, we chased the tide, hitting beaches that we have fished for a decade. The crystal-clear waters of Puget Sound offered us a front-row seat to the action, as each chase and follow unfolded before our eyes. This fishery from a beach is amazing, exciting and can be visual but from a boat the entire time is a show that you get to see first hand. It is truly a visual fishery.

And then, it happened – we hit our stride, hitting our favorite spots at just the right time. Cast after cast, the thrill of the chase was palpable as the cutthroat trout danced and darted around our flies. At one point, we had three fish in the net and hooked a fourth on the very next cast. It was a moment of pure exhilaration to see groups of cutthroat chasing down our flies, a true testament to the magic of Puget Sound fishing.

As the tide ebbed and flowed, we continued to explore, probing different beaches and picking up fish all along the way. With miles of water stretching out before us, we reveled in the solitude and serenity of this special fishery

Overall, fishing in Puget Sound is nothing short of fantastic, especially during this time of year. As the days grow longer and the weather grows warmer, we can't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to chase these incredible sea-run cutthroat. They may be elusive, but for those who dare to seek them out, the rewards are truly unparalleled. We love Puget Sound fishing, and we can't wait to see what adventures await us next.

Gear Used:

Rods 4-6wt

Fly Line - Outbound Short Floating

Leader - Maxima 12lb Ultragreen

Flies - Steamboat Leech, Articulated Spawn Simi Seal Flies

Polarized Sunglasses