The Puyallup River in Washington state offers anglers excellent opportunities to catch salmon when it is open for fishing. With its origins in the glaciers of Mount Rainier, this river winds through the Puget Sound region down to Commencement Bay in Tacoma. Let’s take a closer look at when and where you can fish for salmon in the Puyallup River.
Salmon Fishing Seasons
The Puyallup River opens for salmon fishing in mid-August and remains open through the end of the year The best fishing is typically from late August through October when good numbers of hatchery coho and Chinook salmon enter the river During odd-numbered years, pink salmon may also be abundant from late August into September.
While you may still catch all three salmon species in October, coho tend to be the main target for anglers later in the fall. The Puyallup River is closed to all fishing outside of the August to December salmon season to protect migrating trout and steelhead.
Where to Fish the Puyallup for Salmon
The lower Puyallup River from Tacoma up through Puyallup offers numerous access points for bank anglers. The North Levee Road runs along the north shore, providing places to cast from shore. Upstream of Puyallup, Riverside Drive and McCutcheon Road parallel the river with several bank fishing spots between Sumner and the McMillin area.
Boaters can launch at the undeveloped ramp at 116th Ave E and drift down toward Sumner. Key spots include the stretch from the Carbon River mouth down to Sumner and the county park near the Puyallup’s sharp bend at Riverside. Backtrolling with wobbling plugs works well for hooking salmon from a boat.
Salmon Fishing Techniques
Chinook salmon anglers often use bait like eggs or shrimp fished off the bottom with weight. Casting spinners like Blue Foxes can be extremely effective as the coho start to arrive in September. Focus on pool tailouts, runs, and inside corners of river bends for the best action.
Be sure to use barbless single-point hooks, as required on the Puyallup. Also be aware of night closures and anti-snagging regulations here. You must carefully release any wild Chinook salmon along with all chum salmon and steelhead.
Hatchery Salmon Runs
The Puyallup’s healthy fall salmon runs result primarily from hatchery production. The Voight Creek Hatchery on a tributary of the Carbon River rears many of the coho and Chinook caught in the lower river. The Puyallup Tribe also supplements salmon numbers at its hatchery facilities.
Pink salmon runs fluctuate more based on natural reproduction. But the tribe and state fishery managers forecast decent coho and Chinook returns for 2023, thanks in large part to ongoing hatchery efforts. Barring unforeseen environmental factors, the fall salmon fishing on the Puyallup River should provide plenty of action.
Other Puyallup River Fish Species
In addition to salmon, the Puyallup River system harbors steelhead, cutthroat and bull trout, rainbow trout, and introduced brown and brook trout. However, regulations allow very limited or no harvest of these trout species on the Puyallup.
Steelhead numbers have declined dramatically from their historical abundance. And all wild cutthroat trout must be released unharmed. Sizeable hatchery steelhead and sea-run cutthroat once entered the lower river in fall but are now a rare sight.
Above Voight Creek, selective gear rules are in place. So no bait fishing for trout is allowed outside of the salmon fishing zone. Carefully check the trout fishing regulations for each section of river and stream in the system.
Bottom Line
The short answer is yes – the Puyallup River is open for salmon fishing from mid-August through December 2023. Focus on the stretch from the Carbon River mouth down to Sumner for your best shot at hooking fresh hatchery coho and Chinook. With easy access and consistent fall runs, the Puyallup is sure to provide great salmon action this season.
Barbless Hooks and Gear Restrictions
One of the more specific rules that caught me off guard initially was the requirement to use barbless hooks when fishing for salmon on the Puyallup River. At first, I didn’t think it would make much difference, but after switching, I found that it actually improved my catch-and-release technique. Barbless hooks make it easier to release fish unharmed, which is critical during catch-and-release seasons or when handling fish outside your limit.
There are also rules about the types of gear you can use. For example, certain sections of the river may have restrictions on bait or require single-point hooks. It’s essential to keep track of these to avoid accidental infractions. I always double-check my tackle box to ensure I’m using the correct gear for the river conditions and season. Being diligent about the gear you use not only keeps you compliant but also improves your fishing skills.
Insights from My Personal Experience
The Puyallup River are a gem nestled in the heart of Washington State, offering anglers like me an incredible opportunity to experience a variety of salmon runs, steelhead, and trout. Over the years, I’ve spent countless hours fishing the banks, refining techniques, and learning the subtle nuances that make the Puyallup River a unique fishery. This article is a compilation of my personal experiences, insights, and tips for anyone who wants to make the most out of their time fishing this remarkable river.
The Puyallup River originates from the majestic Mount Rainier, flowing down into Puget Sound. This river boasts a diverse range of species, with the most notable being Chinook (King) salmon, Coho (Silver) salmon, Pink (Humpy) salmon, Chum salmon, and steelhead. The runs differ throughout the year, with certain periods seeing a peak in specific species.
- Chinook Salmon (King): The King salmon runs typically peak from mid-August through September. These fish are large, strong, and put up a serious fight.
- Coho Salmon (Silver): Coho runs are excellent in late September to October, with fish known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps.
- Pink Salmon: Odd-numbered years bring in Pink salmon runs, peaking around August to September.
- Chum Salmon: Chum salmon are late-season runners, typically making their appearance in November.
- Steelhead: Winter steelhead can be caught starting in December, with the run lasting through February. Summer steelhead are available from June to September.
Each species has its own distinct behavior, requiring different approaches to maximize success.
How to Catch a Salmon in Three Casts – Puyallup River Salmon Fishing 2024
FAQ
When can you fish for salmon in the Puyallup River?
| Species | Date |
|---|---|
| All species | |
| Sept. 1-Dec. 31 | |
| All game fish | Year-round |
| Salmon | Sept. 1-Dec. 31 |
What rivers are open for salmon in Washington?
- The Mouth of Columbia River. The largest river system in Washington is the Columbia, and its mouth is a great place to find Salmon. …
- Puget Sound and Incorporated Coastal Rivers. …
- Outer Edge Olympic Peninsula Bays. …
- Puget Sound Fisheries.
- Columbia River Tributaries.
What is the best month for salmon fishing?
Peak Salmon Runs are May to September
Peak season for salmon fishing occurs from May through September, with the five major species spread across the season. King Salmon fishing begins in May, and you can continue fishing for Silver Salmon all the way through November.
What is the best bait for salmon in the river?
Salmon eggs are the top choice for bait, although sand shrimp are very popular for chinook salmon. Some anglers like to fish both at the same time. Marabou jigs (Photo 10) can be used instead of bait and can be especially effective on pink salmon, or other salmon when the water is very low and clear.
When does salmon fishing open on the Puyallup River?
OLYMPIA – Recreational salmon fishing will open in August and September on the Puyallup River, while fishery managers work to finalize fall salmon fisheries. The sport fishery on the upper portion of Puyallup River will get under way Aug. 1 while the lower stretch will open Aug. 16.
When is the best time to fish in Puyallup?
Fall is the best time for fishing in the Puyallup River. September is one of the best months to catch Coho Salmon in the saltwater areas just past the mouth of the Puyallup River. Although, Chinook Salmon start heading up the river in September, they are mostly gone by October.
Is it possible to fish in the Puyallup River?
Yes, Puyallup residents and visitors can fish in the Puyallup River. The river provides a beautiful, scenic area for fishing and there are many accessible fishing spots with easy parking. Most people fishing for Steelhead are successful when fishing on the Puyallup River.
Where can I fish for pink salmon in Puyallup?
Anglers can fish for pink salmon in the lower part of the Puyallup River from 11th Avenue Bridge and upstream to East Main Avenue and from the mouth of the White River. Fishing for Pink Salmon is also possible on the Carbon River at numerous locations along the Foothills Trail.
When does the Puyallup River sport fishery open?
The sport fishery on the upper portion of Puyallup River will get under way Aug. 1 while the lower stretch will open Aug. 16. Earlier this year, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and Puyallup Tribe of Indians were unable to reach agreement on fisheries during the annual salmon season-setting process, known as North of Falcon.
Can you fish on Voight Creek & Puyallup River?
Selective gear rules apply above Voight Creek, so no bait fishing is allowed outside the salmon-fishing area. The Carbon River is open to salmon fishing in the lower few miles in the Orting area, only from the mouth of Voight Creek downstream to the confluence with the Puyallup River.