I work in Puyallup and occasionally drive down to the river during my lunch break in anticipation of the upcoming salmon run. Just staring at a river temporarily relieves my fishing "anxiety." Today I did just that. Parked at my usual hole and ate my sandwich. I decided to put on my shades and walk down to the river (holy cow it's changed since the early winter). Anyhow, in a deep pool I could see everything. Water was crystal clear and I thought I saw a fish moving around. I kept looking and to my amazement I saw what looked like two kings moving around slowly with the current. I'm not sure if these fish were downriver natives or spring salmon. If they were in fact springers, how cool. Made my day. Can anyone confirm this?

I can confirm that there is a run of Springers in the Stuck River. I guess the Muckleshoots have been trying to get a run going. I would guess that you were below the Stuck River confluence.

The reason that Commencement Bay closed to blackmouth on April 1 rather that April 10 and the reopening not occuring until July 31 is to protect the Stuck River Springer. Frankly, I am surprised the lower Puyallup is not closed to all fishing to protect them. I am sure there will be fishing for Steelhead on June 1 and "accidently" getting into the Springers.

I do believe you are correct MA. There is a small run at that.

Actually, I was way up high. Almost at the Carbon...

How about the White River Spring Chinook? Wasn't part of the reason they started shutting down the bay because they were trying to get a spring run back in that river? Just showing my ignorance here if the White doesn't even run into the Puyallup.

Cutty,

Don't know where you where on the P, but spring chinook begin returning to the White River in May. So it's not all that unlikely that fresh kings may cruising around the area. (BTW, they are ESA listed, so fishing for them is still a dream for a few more years.)

Sincerely,

Salmo g.

Stuck and White are the same rivers.

I believe you are correct!

I'm not sure about the White and the Stuck bein the same, however I am sure that 4 Salt will bring us all up to speed on the whole deal so just check back and I'm sure he will have it all sorted out!



herm

Herm,

So nice of you to think of me as your source of enlightenment!

I am at your beck and call! Just ask, and ye shall receive!

Yes! the White and the Stuck are indeed one and the same river! and yes, it does have a run of ESA listed spring chinook!

So, now it's your turn! Next time I need an educated opinion on say Quantum physics, or Pediatric Oncology, you'll be the first one I ask!

The White River was once a tributary of the Green River. Many years ago its lower portion was diverted into the channel of Stuck Creek, a tributary of the Puyallup. The lower reaches of the White River are still referred to as the Stuck River.