Muck Creek used to be a prime producer of steelhead (probably age-1 smolts) and chum. It is significantly degraded due to loss of water and in-channel weed growth. Loss of that stream may be one of the prime reducers of Nisqually steelhead although there were some harvest issues.

Chum go through decadal or more productivity swings. 60s and 70s were low while 80s and 90s were high. Salmon populations were never meant, despite manager's intentions, to be consistent. Fluctuation was good for the soul.

There is something really wrong with Deep South Sound, south of the Narrows. When I was involved, the problem was with everything that smelted as a yearling or older. Problem may have expanded. Although everybody sings the praises of the delta restoration, what has happened to the chum since? Perhaps, enhancing the survival and growth of Chinook came that the expense of chum. We have certainly seen that expansions in pink come at the cost of Chinook.