Puyullup Tribe Salmon, Trout Char Report 2005-06 05 Niesson Creek To South Prairie Creek

WRIA 10: PUYALLUP/WHITE RIVER WATERSHED
NIESSON CREEK
WRIA: 10.0622 - PUYALLUP RIVER 2005 - 2006
Typical habitat
in Niesson
Creek. This
photo was
taken looking
upstream at
approximately
RM 1.8.
DESCRIPTION
Niesson Creek is a tributary to the Upper
Puyallup River. This medium sized stream varies
between pool-riffle and forced pool-riffle in
character and contains excellent spawning gravel
throughout the 2.5 mile survey section. The
riparian zone consists of conifers and alders with
moderate amounts of large woody debris.
Continued timber harvest activities have reduced
the riparian zone to the state required minimum
River miles surveyed: 0.0 to 2.5
along several extended reaches of the lower creek.
Dates surveyed: 3/15/06 to 5/11/06 This stream is only surveyed consistently for steelhead
Species surveyed: Steelhead and coho. Steelhead have been observed spawning as high
Access as RM 2.2 near the abandoned 22 Rd. Naturally returning
Mile 1.8: The Kapowsin tree farm’s 2
rd. crosses Niesson Creek near Moose
coho were observed for the first time in 2002. The natural
Junction. returns are a result of live adult plantings and juvenile
Mile 2.2: A short distance past the 2 rd. acclimation projects conducted by Puyallup Tribal Fisheries
bridge, the 21 rd turns to the right and Department. Puyallup Tribal
again crosses Niesson in 0.2 miles. Fisheries staff have been transporting Niesson Creek at
live surplus adult coho from the approximately
RM 2.3.
Voights Creek Hatchery since 1998; however, no fish were planted in 2004.
Instead, naturally retuning adult coho were allowed to spawn without
intervention from hatchery planted coho. Future live plants may be reduced
or eliminated based on the number of naturally returning spawners. Like
Kellog and Ledout Creek, Niesson Creek is just downstream of the Electron
Diversion Dam. Flows over the past century have often been high enough
during late winter and spring to prevent the mainstem channel of the Puyallup
River from being drawn dry. The winter/spring flows have allowed wild
steelhead to maintain a foothold in Niesson Creek. Unfortunately, escapement
in Niesson has decreased significantly over the past couple of years.
PUYALLUP TRIBAL FISHERIES 105

2005 - 2006 ANNUAL SALMON, STEELHEAD AND BULL TROUT REPORT.
SURPLUS ADULT COHO PLANTS IN NIESSON CREEK

(1998 - 2005)
Live adult surplus plants from WDFW Voights Creek hatchery.
500
MALE COHO
455
450 FEMALE COHO
400
350
NUMBER OF FISH PLANTED
299
300
261
257
243
236
250
188
188
200
171
164
150
100
76
74
64
50
36
0
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
YEAR PLANTED

2006 NIESSON CREEK STEELHEAD COUNTS

10 L IV E
DEAD
9 REDDS
6
NUMBER OBSERVED
0
3/15/06 3/28/06 4/7/06 4/18/06 4/28/06 5/11 /06
DATE SURVEYED
NIESSON CREEK STEELHEAD SEASON COMPARISONS

(1995 - 2006)
60 STEELHEAD REDDS
49 49
50
45
40
37
NUMBER OBSERVED
30 29
27
22
20
17
16
15
14
10 9
0
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006
YEAR SURVEYED

NO NAME CREEK
WRIA: 10.0364 - WHITE RIVER 2005-2006
Typical habitat
found in the upper
extent of No Name
Creek.
DESCRIPTION
Officially unnamed, this creek is referred to
as No Name Creek (10.0364) by PTF staff, the
NPS designation is W14-00a. No Name Creek is a small
Dates surveyed: 9/6/05 to 9/23/05
left bank tributary to the upper White River and is
Species surveyed: Bull Trout (Char) primarily surveyed for bull trout in September. However,
the creeks 3300’ elevation is likely too high for chinook,
coho and pink salmon. No Name Creek, like Klickitat
Creek, is pristine in many ways. Originating from slopes of the Sourdough Mountains near
Sunrise Park, it flows entirely within Mt. Rainier National Park. No Name Creek enters the White
River north of Sunrise road at approximately RM 68.1. No Name Creek provides exceptional
habitat conditions for bull trout (char) rearing and spawning.
The first 0.34 miles of the creek is low gradient and flows within the active White River
channel (bottom). The habitat within this section is not conducive to spawning due to a
primarily sandy substrate, however, pools and side channels provide excellent habitat for
juvenile bull trout which are often observed in the pools and lateral habitat during adult
spawning surveys. The next .12 miles flows through the edge of the forested area along the
White River channel. At this point the channel gradient increases slightly, as well as, adult
spawning opportunities. Although the substrate throughout this section is predominately sand,
several pockets of suitable spawning gravel exist. Stream complexity increases due to some
small debris jams and limited LWD. The surrounding riparian consists
of primarily alder with some small to moderate sized Douglas Fir,
although, solar exposure is still high through this portion of the creek.
The final quarter mile of anadromous usage contains the best habitat.
The channel contains several pieces of LWD and spawning gravels, as
well as a heavy riparian zone consisting of fir and cedar. At
approximately RM .71 the creek turns sharply and climbs up the valley
wall preventing any further upstream
migration. Bull trout have been
observed spawning in the creek early
in the fall, and juvenile bull trout
have been observed in the pools and
lateral habitat during these surveys
(right).

2005 NONAME CREEK BULL TROUT COUNTS

10 LIVE
DEAD
REDDS
9
7
NUMBER OBSERVED
0
9/9/05 9/16/05 9/21/05 9/29/05
DATE SURVEYED

OHOP CREEK
Several excellent
spawning opportunities
exist in the lower
reach of Ohop.
DESCRIPTION
Ohop Creek is the main feeder steam to Lake
Kapowsin. Ohop and Kapowsin Creek have the
same WRIA designation (10.0600).
River miles surveyed: 6.5 to 7.5 Approximately the first 0.2 miles of Ohop Creek flows
through a heavily vegetated (mostly reed canary grass),
Species surveyed: Coho
narrow and incised zone as it enters Lake Kapowsin. The
Access lower surveyed section of the creek from RM 6.5 (Lake
Mile 7.0: At the intersection of Orville Rd.
Kapowsin) to RM 7.0 is a low gradient pool-riffle system.
and Kapowsin Hwy. follow Orville road for
approximately two miles to a small turnout This portion contains excellent spawning gravel, as well
on the left. Follow the trail to the as several deep pools and moderate amounts of in-stream
creek. The upper 0.5 miles must be double
woody debris. The channel meanders and several small
walked but it is possible to drop in just above
RM 6.5 by crossing the railroad tracks and side channels fork out along the lower half mile. Cattle
following a rough trail to the creek. occasionally have access to the creek, but they have hade
negligible impact. The overstory riparian consisting of
cedar, fir, alder and maple is fairly dense along much of
the lower 1.5 miles. The upper reaches of Ohop Creek
extend well into the Kapowsin tree farm (Hancock Forest
Resource Group) where logging roads and timber
harvesting have impacted several portions of the stream.
Coho are the only species surveyed for on a
Upper consistent basis. Steelhead surveys have been
reach of
reduced to periodic spot checks during the
the survey,
increased spring since none have been observed for
gradient several years. Chinook salmon have not
and fewer been observed in Ohop Creek. Observations
spawning
opportuni- made in Kapowsin Creek are often used to
ties are determine the survey approach for Ohop.
available.

2005 OHOP CREEK COHO COUNTS

50 LIVE
DEAD
45
40
35
NUMBER OBSERVED
30
25
20
15
10
0
11/14/05 11/22/05 12/5/05 12/16/05
DAT E SURVEY ED
OHOP CREEK COHO SEASON COMPARISONS

(1995 - 2005)
600
LIVE
537
DEAD
REDDS
488
500
400
NUMBER OBSERVED
314
295
300
219
200
141
130
114
100
96
92
91
100
88
76
71
61
54
39
34
33
31
31
29
25
19
15
13
9
6
4
0
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
YEAR SURVEYED

PINOCHLE CREEK
WRIA: 10.0198 - WHITE RIVER 2005 - 2006
Coho holding in a large resting

pool in Pinochle Creek (RM 0.2).
DESCRIPTION
Pinochle Creek is a moderate sized tributary
to the West Fork White River, located on the left
bank at RM 6.8. Coho are the most abundant and
common species observed in Pinochle Creek. Chinook,
pink (odd years) and sockeye salmon are also observed,
Species surveyed: Chinook, Coho, Pink yet in relatively low abundance. A bedrock falls about 0.3
Access miles upstream of the bridge over Pinochle Creek that
Mile 0.4: Approximately 0.25 miles past blocks further upstream migration (lower right). Below
the West fork of the White River bridge on
this obstruction, to its confluence with the West fork of
the Forest Service 74 Rd. there is a spur
road to the right. This road crosses the White River, there exists excellent spawning and
Pinochle Creek. rearing habitat. The channel is low gradient, unconfined,
and pool-riffle in character with abundant woody debris
from the surrounding old-growth forest. Wrong Creek and
Cripple Creek are two small tributaries to Pinochle, entering near RM 0.2.
Pinochle is generally only surveyed for chinook salmon, but this years report includes some
coho observations. Large numbers of coho are observed each season holding in two large pools
just below the confluence with Cripple and Wrong Creeks. Many of these coho will ascend Cripple
and Wrong a couple of weeks after entering Pinochle.
All adult salmon and steelhead that spawn in Pinochle Creek were
captured at the USACE fish trap in Buckley, and transported above Mud
Mountain dam. Since precise escapement numbers for the upper White
River drainage are known, surveys are
conducted to determine fish distribution
and spawning success. There is an
acclimation pond on nearby Cripple
Creek and returning chinook are likely
the result of this enhancement program.
Much of the spawning activity takes Anadromous blockage
place in the lower 0.2 miles of this stream located on Pinochle
which runs within the West Fork White’s Creek at approximately
floodplain. RM 0.8

PINOCHLE CREEK CHINOOK COUNTS

(2000 - 2005)
5 LIVE
Upper White River surveys show DEAD
distribution, actual escapement totals
4 are known from the USACE Buckley trap REDDS
counts.
4
3
NUMBER OBSERVED
0
8/17/05 8/30/05 9/9/05 9/19/05 9/28/05 10/7/05
DAT E SURVEYED
PINOCHLE CREEK CHINOOK SEASON COMPARISONS

(1999 - 2005)
60 LIVE
56
DEAD
REDDS
50 48
40
NUMBER OBSERVED
30
30
20
15
10
7
4 4
3
2 2 2 2 2
1 1 1 1
0
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
SEASON SURVEY ED

PINOCHLE CREEK COHO COUNTS

(2000 - 2005)
100 L IV E
Upper White River surveys show
distribution, actual escapement totals DEAD
90 are known from the USACE Buckley trap
counts.
80
70
60
NUMBER OBSERVED
50
40
30
20
10
0
9/19/05 9/28/05 10/7/05 10/17 /05 10/26/05 11/8/05 11/16/05
D ATE SU RV EYED
PINOCHLE CREEK COHO SEASON COMPARISONS

(2000 - 2005)
400 LIVE
DEAD
REDDS
350 334
300
250
NUMBER OBSERVED
200
171
150
121
96
100
50 33
7 10
2 1 1 2 2
0
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
SEASON SURVEYED

PUYALLUP RIVER
DESCRIPTION
The lowest section of the Puyallup
River, from the confluence with the
White River at RM 10.4 to
Commencement Bay is confined by
levees and the habitat lacks
complexity. The small amount of
suitable gravel present is often
compacted and offers little spawning
opportunity. Steelhead have been
observed spawning just upstream from
the White River confluence; the lowest
documented spawning of any species in
the river.
From the White River to the
confluence with the Carbon River at
RM 17.4 and upstream to about RM 23
just above the town of Orting, the river
River miles surveyed: 10.5 to 45.7 is still tightly confined by levees on
Dates surveyed: LIMITED SURVYES
Species surveyed: Steelhead, Chinook both sides with the expected lack of
channel complexity. This reach is
similar to the lower Puyallup but does
The North support sporadic spawning by chum,
Fork of the chinook and steelhead during their
Puyallup
River. respective seasons. Along Orville Rd.,
upstream of Orting, a levee setback project
was completed in the summer of 1999. Approximately 2
miles of new levee was built back from the original levee
adding over a hundred acres to the floodplain in this
reach. Several high water events later, many side
channels have formed and spawning gravel has been
retained but no adult use has been documented.
From RM 25.5 to 30.8 the channel is only partially

Levee
contained by levees and there are several setback
accessable side channels. There is little project at
spawning activity within this reach due to RM 26.5.
the higher gradient and resulting increase New Levee
in average substrate size. can be
seen near
Upstream from Puget Sound Energy’s county
Electron powerhouse at RM 30.8 the river road and
flows through a deep, narrow canyon remnants
(center photo). There are many small of old
levee are
vertical drops and bedrock cascades within visible in
this 6 mile canyon, all of which are the stream
passable to salmon and steelhead. There channel.
is frequent spawning opportunities in the
tailouts of the many deep pools within this
reach.
From RM 41.3 downstream to the top of
the canyon the river is
moderately confined
and provides several response to the
high quality spawning Puyallup Tribes
opportunities. The live surplus hauls
highest densities of each fall.
steelhead spawning in
the Puyallup River
occur within this
reach. With the
completion of the
Electron Fish Ladder
(RM 41.7) in the fall of
2000, anadromous fish
passage was restored
for the first time since
1904. There are
approximately 26+
miles of usable habitat
Puyallup River canyon approximately RM 31. There
above the diversion
are many small vertical drops and bedrock cascades
and surveys are within this 6 mile canyon, all of which are passable
conducted to salmon and steelhead. There is frequent spawning
occasionally in opportunities in the tailouts of the many deep pools
within this reach.
Planting
adult
surplus
Puyallup River approximately RM 40.
coho in
the
North
Fork of
the
Puyallup
River
(2003).

2006 UPPER PUYALLUP RIVER STEELHEAD COUNTS

RIVER MILES 36 - 41.7
15 LIVE
14 DEAD
High flows and poor REDDS
13 visibility prevented any
surveys after May 11.
12
11
10 10
NUMBER OBSERVED
9 9
6 6
5 5
3 3
0 0
3/15/06 3/28/06 4/7/06 4/18/06 4/28/06 5/11/06
DAT E SURVEYED

Puyallup River Juvenile Salmonid Production

Assessment Project 2005
Andrew Berger & Kristin Williamson
DESCRIPTION
In 2000, the Puyallup Tribal Fisheries
Department started the Puyallup River
Smolt Production Assessment Project to
estimate juvenile production of native
salmonids, with an emphasis on natural
fall chinook salmon production and
survival of hatchery and acclimation
pond chinook. Since 2000, an E. G.
Solutions’ 5-ft diameter rotary screw trap
located on the lower Puyallup at RM 10.6,
just upstream of the confluence with the
White River, has been used to estimate
juvenile production.
As more data becomes available,
juvenile production estimates may
provide baseline information allowing
The rotary screw-trap used in this study consists of a managers to meet escapement objectives
rotary cone suspended within a steel structure on top of
twin, 30-foot pontoons. The opening of the rotary cone is
in the watershed, create a production
5 feet in diameter, allowing for a sampling depth of 2.5
feet. The cone and livebox assembly are attached to a
steel frame and may be raised or lowered by hand winches
located at the front and rear of the assembly.
potential-based management strategy and
accurately forecast future returns of hatchery and
naturally produced adults. In addition, a basin
spawner/recruit analysis will indicate stock
productivity, helping to determine the overall health
of the watershed and evaluate the contribution of
enhancement projects.
Trapping Gear and Operations

The rotary screw-trap used in this study consists of
a rotary cone suspended within a steel structure on
top of twin, 30-foot pontoons. The opening of the
rotary cone is 5 feet in diameter, allowing for a
sampling depth of 2.5 feet. The cone and livebox
assembly are attached to a steel frame and may be
raised or lowered by hand winches located at the
front and rear of the assembly.
Two five-ton bow-mounted anchor winches with
3/8’’ steel cables were used to secure and adjust the
direction of the trap and keep it in the thalweg. The
Since 2000, an E. G. Solutions’ 5-ft diameter
cables were secured to trees on opposite banks. An rotary screw trap located on the lower Puyallup
additional rear cable was secured to a tree on the River at RM 10.6, just upstream of the
right bank along with an aluminum “stiff-arm” to confluence with the White River, has been used
to estimate juvenile production.

further stabilize the trap. Four 55-gallon containers
filled with water were secured on the deck at the rear of
the trap to compensate for the generation of force at the
front of the trap during operation.
The 5-ft diameter rotary screw trap was installed in
the lower Puyallup River (R.M. 10.6) just above the
confluence with the White River. Trap operation began
on February 26th at 1130 and continued 24 hours a day,
seven days a week until August 16th at 0730. The trap
was checked for fish twice a day at dawn and dusk. In
some instances, the trap was checked plus or minus two
hours of dusk or dawn due to the availability of
personnel. During hatchery releases and high flow
events, personnel remained onsite through the night to
clear the trap of debris and to keep fish from
overcrowding.
Revolutions per minute (rpm), water temperature,
secchi depth(cm), turbidity (NTU), weather conditions,
and stream flow (cfs) were described for each completed
trap check. A cross sectional area of the river at the
smolt trap was taken to monitor channel morphology at
The trap was checked for fish twice a day the site.
at dawn and dusk. In some instances, the
trap was checked plus or minus two hours
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
of dusk or dawn due to the availability of
personnel. The goal of this project is to report production
estimates, characterize juvenile migration timing,
describe length distribution for all wild salmonid, out-migrants and fulfill the objectives of the
Puyallup River fall chinook recovery plan.
To reach these goals, this study will produce population estimates of out-migrating smolts,
estimate species specific migration timing, compare natural versus hatchery production and
run timing, analyze mean fork length of wild smolts and detail species composition of the
sample population. The objectives of this project are to:
1. Estimate juvenile production for all salmonids in the Puyallup River and
determine freshwater survival for unmarked juvenile chinook.
2. Estimate in-river mortality of hatchery and acclimation pond chinook.
3. Investigate physical factors such as, light (day vs.night), flow and turbidity
and their importance to trap
efficiency.
In this report for the 2005 smolt out-migration

season all stated objectives will be met for chinook
salmon. Non-target species such as coho, pink,
chum and steelhead will be addressed to a lesser
extent.
Sampling Procedures
Smolts were anesthetized with MS-222 (tricaine
methanesulfonate) for handling purposes and
subsequently placed in a recovery bin of river water
before release back to the river. Juveniles were

identified as natural or hatchery origin as unmarked or marked respectively. Fork length

(mm) was measured and recorded for unmarked fish. When possible, 50 chum, 50 pinks, 50
age1+ coho, 25 age 0+ coho, 25 age 0+ chinook, and 25 steelhead were measured per day.
Scale samples were additionally taken on all wild steelhead smolts.
Species were separated by size/age class. Coho were identified as fry, age 0+ (<70mm) or
smolts, age 1+ (>70mm). Chinook smolts were separated by age 0+ (<150mm) or age 1+
(>150mm). All chum and pinks were identified as age 0+. Trout fry age 0+ (<60mm) were not
differentiated to species.
Hatchery origin fish were identified in three ways: 1) by visual inspection for adipose fin
clips, 2) with a Northwest Marine Technology “wand” detector used for coded wire tag
detection, and 3) with a Destron Fearing Portable Transceiver system for Passive Integrated
Transponder (PIT) tagged fish. To receive a full copy of the 2005 report, contact the Puyallup
Tribal Fisheries Department.
Summary of Results
For the 2005 migration season production estimates were completed for chinook, coho,
steelhead and chum migrants.
Natural chinook production was estimated at 62,933 migrants from a catch of 911
unmarked chinook. outmigration occurred between March 5st and July 22th, with a
median migration date on May 30th.
Chum production was estimated at 224,870 migrants passing the trap in 2005 from a
catch of 2,586 chum fry. Chum outmigration progressed steadily for a three month
period between March 6nd and June 2nd.
A total of 1,160 wild coho smolts were captured in the screw trap between March 3th and
July 9rd. Migration, as reflected by catch was unimodal with a median migration date on
May 10th. Production estimates for wild coho for the 2005 smolt trap season was 55,972.
Only 77 unmarked steelhead were caught in the smolt trap between March 28th and
June 27nd. No production estimates were completed for steelhead migrants.

RANGER CREEK
WRIA: 10.0530 - CARBON RIVER 2005 - 2006
Ranger Creek looking
upstream from the
confluence with the
Carbon River .
DESCRIPTION
Ranger Creek is a small left bank tributary of
the Upper Carbon River. Ranger is an excellent
salmonid stream in many ways, it has approximately
Dates surveyed: NOT SURVEYED IN 2005
0.5 miles of anadromous habitat and is located
Species surveyed: Chinook, Coho, Char entirely within Mt. Rainier National Park. The
riparian zone consists of old growth cedar, fir and
Access hemlock which contributes essential woody debris
Mile 0.1: The Carbon River road in Mount Rainier and diversity to the channel. The lower 0.4 miles
National Park crosses Ranger below the Ipsut
are low gradient with several deep pools, small but
Creek campground.
plentiful gravel exists throughout the reach. Above
0.4 miles the gradient
i n c r e a s e s
significantly. The
The lower 0.4 miles Carbon River road
are very low gradient
with several deep
crosses the creek at
pools and small but approximately RM
plentiful gravel 0.35. The creek
throughout the reach. passes through a
large culvert under
the road bridge
(right). The fall of 2000 was the first year any salmon
spawning surveys were conducted and none were
observed. Several redds were observed early in the
spawning season but their small size and timing
matched the char spawning documented in other
headwater tributaries in the watershed. Due to the
creeks remote location, surveys are not conducted
on a regular basis.

RODY CREEK
Rody Creek looking down
stream from Pioneer Way.
DESCRIPTION
Rody Creek passes under Pioneer
Way E. through a small, yet fish
passable culvert at RM 0.5.
Approximately 20 feet above the culvert
the gradient increases considerably
and the habitat is not conducive to
spawning. A half mile downstream of
Pioneer, Rody Creek dumps into Clarks
Creek. There are several limiting factors to
River miles surveyed: 0.4 to 0.5 salmon production in the lower half mile of
Rody Creek. Downstream of Pioneer, Rody
Species surveyed: Chum
Access flows through a channel that is best described
Mile 0.4: Pioneer Avenue crosses Rody Creek a short as an incised and directed drainage ditch
distance above it’s confluence with Clarks Creek. (bottom right), more than a natural channel.
The habitat quality throughout most of Rody
Creek is poor; much of the accessible channel
has no gravel, and the riparian consist almost entirely
of blackberry, turf grass, and reed canary grass. The
reed canary grass is so overwhelming that it usually
choke extended lengths of the channel, often trapping
or preventing fish from migrating through. The channel
becomes surveyable generally after the first freshet of
the season.
However, chum
Chum salmon spawning in Rody Creek salmon are often
observed spawning
in the stream when
the channel clears. Several chum spawn each season in a
section of available habitat just below Pioneer. A extremely
high water event in the January of 2006, redistributed a large
quantity of gravel throughout the channel for approximately
300 feet just below Pioneer. A few coho are occasionally
observed in the creek as well.

2005 RODY CREEK CHUM COUNTS

18
L IV E
DEAD
16
14
12
NUMBER OBSERVED
10
0
11/22/05 12/1/05 12/12/0 5 1 2/22/05 1/3/06 1/20/06 2/3/06
D ATE SURVEYED
RODY CREEK CHUM SEASON COMPARISONS

( 1999 - 2005)
180 AUC: ESCAPEMENT ESTIMATE
LIVE
160 155 DEAD
140
120
NUMBER OBSERVED
100 94
81
80 73
60
39
40 36
31
28
20 19
20
8
4
0
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
SEASON SURVEYED

RUSHINGWATER CREEK
Lower reach of
Rushingwater
Creek (RM 0.3)
DESCRIPTION
Rushingwater Creek originates from the
Golden Lakes in Mt. Rainier National Park.
Rushingwater flows over 5 miles to its
confluence with the Mowich River at RM 0.6.
Most of Rushingwater flows within the
Upper reach of Rainier Timber - Kapowsin tree farm (Hancock Forest Resource Group),
Rushingwater Creek where roads and timber harvesting have impacted several portions of
(RM 3.1). the stream. The upper survey reach of the creek is
mostly comprised of pools and glides, with fine and
medium sized substrate. Abundant in-stream woody
debris and a moderate to dense canopy cover extends
through most of this reach. A considerable amount
of beaver activity and structures are present in the
upper reach, above RM 3.0, and lower down around
RM 1.5. The lower reach (1.0 mile) of the creek consist
of a more complex riffle - pool complex. The substrate
is considerably larger, consisting of large gravel, cobble and boulders.
Several windblown trees span the channel at RM 0.5. One of two acclimation ponds used for
reintroducing coho into a 30-mile reach of the Upper Puyallup River is located just off the main
channel of Rushingwater at RM 0.6. The pond holds 14,000 cu. ft. of water with a flow rate of 1-3
cfs., currently 40,000 to 100,000+ coho yearlings are imprinted and released from Rushingwater
annually. Coho yearlings originate from Voights Creek Hatchery where they are adipose clipped
and coded wire tagged (right photo). Fish are released at 20 fish per pound, for a total biomass of
10,000 pounds. In addition to the acclimation of juvenile coho, adult surplus coho and chinook
from Voights Creek Hatchery have been planted in Rushingwater since 1997. Limited surveys
were conducted in the past to determine how
successful the adult plants were. However, no
fish were planted in 2004. Instead, the first
naturally retuning adult coho were allowed to
spawn without intervention from hatchery
planted coho. Future live plants may be
reduced or eliminated based on the number of
naturally returning spawners.
RUSHINGWATER CREEK ADULT COHO PLANTS

(1997 - 2005)
600
M ALE COHO
FEM ALE COHO
486
500
400
371
312
300
259
237
200
177
170
169
127
124
119
106
100
50
50
0
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
Y EAR P LAN T ED
RUSHINGWATER CREEK ACCLIMATION POND

CHINOOK AND COHO PLANTS
(1999 - 2006)
149,970
160,000
COHO
140,000 CHINOOK
120,000
104,500
101,400
100,350
100,400
100,000
84,000
80,000
56,053
60,000
38,093
39,935
40,000
20,000
0
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006
YEAR P LANT ED
The 2006 coho were released from
Rushingwater Creek pond on May 30.

SALMON CREEK
WRIA: 10.0035 - WHITE RIVER 2005 - 2006
Lower Salmon Creek,

looking upstream about
100 feet up from the
mouth.
DESCRIPTION
Salmon Creek, also known as Strawberry
Creek, runs just north of downtown Sumner.
The creek channel is narrow and incised,
River miles surveyed: 0.4 to 0.5 especially along the lower 0.3 miles. Most of the creek flows
Dates surveyed: 10/14/05to1/23/06 through moderately developed private and commercial
Species surveyed: Chinook, Coho
Chum
properties before entering the White River at RM 2.1. In
Access 2004, the City of Sumner completed a large wetland
Mile 0.3: 4309 East Valley Highway restoration project on Salmon Creek. The 11 acre site was
crosses Salmon Creek. Salmon Creek
the result of a mitigation settlement with Davis Properties
is also referred to as Strawberry Creek.
Check-in with Sumner RV before and Fred Myers. The riparian along portions of the creek
surveys are conducted. consist of sparse stands of alder, fir and maple. However,
large portions of the stream banks consist of nothing but
blackberry, turf grass, and reed canary grass which provides
little in the way of shade or LWD inputs. The substrate is largely fine sediment and undersized
gravel, with limited areas of adequate spawning size gravel available. Most of the spawning habitat
exists in the lower 0.5 miles of the creek. Due to the limited spawning habitat, several of the
salmon observed are likely to be ascending to the spring fed tributary, Salmon tributary, which
enters Salmon Creek at RM 0.5. Chum are the most abundant species present, a few coho are also
observed yet their numbers continue to be low. Salmon Creek has not been regularly surveyed for
chinook because they have rarely been observed in the past,
yet a few carcasses have been seen over the last 10 years in
the lower 300 feet of the creek during coho surveys. Chinook
usage was significantly higher in 2005, with over 20 adults
and 7 redds documented. Chinook in 2005 were observed
spawning throughout the lower 0.5 miles of the creek. Other
limiting factors impacting salmon production in Salmon Creek
Salmon Creek looking up- may include low summer and fall flows restricting access, high
stream just above the conflu- sediment inputs, industrial discharge and lack of channel
ence with Salmon Tributary. habitat.

2005 SALMON CREEK COHO COUNTS

10 LIVE
DEAD
9
7
NUMBER OBSERVED
0
10/14/05 10/24/05 11/3/05 11/14/05 11/22/05 12/1/05 12/12/05
DATE SURVEYED
SALMON CREEK COHO SEASON COMPARISONS

(1998 - 2005)
30 LIVE
DEAD 27
REDDS
25
20
NUMBER OBSERVED
15
11
10 9
6
5
5 4 4 4
3 3 3
2 2 2 2
1
0
0
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
SEASON SURVEYED

2005 SALMON CREEK CHUM COUNTS

50 L IV E
DEAD
45
40
35
30
NUMBER OBSERVED
25
20
15
10
0
1 1/ 14 / 0 5 11 / 2 2/ 05 1 2/ 1/ 05 12 / 1 2/ 05 1 2/ 22 / 0 5 1/3/05 1 / 1 3/ 06 1 / 23 / 0 6
D A T E SU RV EY ED
SALMON CREEK CHUM SEASON COMPARISONS

(1991 - 2005)
LIVE
138
140 DEAD
129
120
109
100
NUMBER OBSERVED
93
82
78
80
70
61
57
60
51
49
47
44
44
42
40
31
29
28
27
25
23
20
19
18
17
20
14
13
12
2
1
0
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
SEASON SURVEYED

SALMON TRIBUTARY
WRIA: 10.0036 - WHITE RIVER 2005 - 2006
Chum salmon working

its way up Salmon
Tributary.
DESCRIPTION
Salmon Tributary is a short run, spring-fed
stream entering Salmon Creek At RM 0.5. The
creek has approximately 0.13 miles of highly productive
Dates surveyed: 10/14/05 to 1/23/06 low to moderate gradient habitat, with excellent spawning
Species surveyed: Chinook,Coho, Chum gavel available throughout the channel. Riparian along
the lower surveyed stretch of the creek consists largely
Access
Mile 0.3: 4309 East Valley Highway crosses of alder and a few conifers. There are few pieces of in-
Salmon Creek. Salmon Tributary enters stream woody debris, and recruitment is limited. Beyond
Salmon Creek 0.1 miles upstream of the RM 0.13, the gradient increases substantially and the
bridge. Check-in with Sumner RV (253)863-
channel narrows. The increase in gradient and flow is
5644 before surveys are conducted.
mostly an impediment to chum which are the most prolific
species to spawn in the creek. Coho are often observed
spawning in the lower 250 feet of the creek; however, no chinook
or steelhead usage has been documented. Small, low gradient
pools at the mouth provide excellent habitat for young coho. Large
numbers of newly emerged coho fry are often observed in January
during chum surveys. Salmon Tributary often supports a large
run of chum salmon for a stream of its size. The chum returns
were exceptional in 2003 and 2004; however, like most of the
Puyallup/White River system, the 2005 returns were significantly
lower. Extremely heavy predation often accounts for many of the
dead chum seen along Salmon Tributary.
The lower 150 feet

of Salmon Tribu-
tary. The majority
of spawning occures
in this lower stretch
of the creek.

2005 SALMON TRIBUTARY CHUM COUNTS

50 LIVE
DEAD
45
40
35
NUMBER OBSERVED
30
25
20
15
10
0
11/14/05 11/22/05 12/1/05 12/12/05 12/22/05 1/3/05 1/13/06 1/23/06
DAT E SURVEYED
SALMON TRIBUTARY CHUM SEASON COMPARISONS

(1993 - 2005)
LIVE
DEAD
481
500
456
420
396
385
400
363
346
NUMBER OBSERVED
300
257
255
242
216
182
200
142
130
125
96
89
89
100
83
79
75
70
68
55
50
15
4
0
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
SEASON SURVEYED

SILVER CREEK
WRIA: 10.0313 - WHITE RIVER 2005 - 2006
DESCRIPTION
Silver Creek is a right bank tributary located
at the headwaters of the White River (RM 60.5),
just outside of the Northern boundary of Mt.
Rainier National Park. Silver Creek originates
along the Crystal Mountain ridge within the
Wantachee National Forest, and flows for over 7
miles through steep mountainous terrain,
River miles surveyed: 0.0 to 0.3 dropping nearly 3,000 feet from its source until it reaches
Dates surveyed: 10/8/05 to 11/19/05 the confluence with the White River just West of HYW
Species surveyed: Coho 410. There are numerous small unnamed tributaries
Access contributing flow to Silver Creek, with the exception of
Silver Creek runs under HYW 410
approximately 0.2 miles north of the 4.4 mile Goat Creek (10.0314) which enters the right bank
enterance to the Silver Springs campground. of Silver Creek 0.2 miles up from its mouth. Currently,
in addition to Goat Creek, Silver Springs (10.0332A) flows
into Silver Creek approximately 20 yards from its
confluence with the White.
The habitat in the lower 0.5 miles of Silver Creek consists of mostly moderate to high gradient
cascades with shallow and moderately deep scour pools. The scour pools and some low energy
pocket areas provide what little spawning habitat is available. The surrounding riparian zone
consists of some oldgrowth conifers, and a mixture of younger coniferous and deciduous trees.
The only salmon usage documented by PTF is coho, which are observed in the lower 0.3 miles of
the creek. Bull Trout, which are often observed spawning in Silver Springs have not been surveyed
for in Silver Creek, however, it is
suspected that bull trout are present in
the creek.
Silver Creek is also the resting place
of Henry C. Allen (right), a civil war
veteran and purple hear recipient with
the 16th Wisconsin Infantry who
relocated to the region after the war. He
was found frozen in the winter of 1898
near his trap lines and was buried on site.

SILVER SPRINGS CREEK

WRIA: 10.0332A - WHITE RIVER 2005 - 2006
DESCRIPTION
Silver Springs is a spring fed headwater
tributary to the White River (RM 60.5). Currently,
Silver Springs joins with Silver Creek just yards above Silvers
Dates surveyed: 9/9/05 to 11/16/05 confluence with the White. Silver Springs flows through a
Species surveyed: Chinook (N/O) low gradient pool riffle channel with moderate amounts of
Coho, Char, Pink in-stream woody debris. The riparian vegetation consists of
large conifers with several hardwoods near its confluence
Access
The stream runs parallel to the White with Silver Creek. There is excellent gravel throughout the
River between it and the Silver Springs reach although it is often obscured by fine sand. The creek
campground on Hwy. 410 below the originates and runs directly though the Silver Springs
Crystal Mountain Road. You can walk
upstream on Silver Creek to the highway
campground, located approximately 0.5 mile north of the Mt.
after looking at Silver Springs. Rainier National Park border. Several species including spring
chinook, coho, sockeye, pink salmon, and bull trout have
been documented spawning in the creek over the past 5
seasons. Adult salmon that spawn in Silver Springs Creek
were previously captured at the USACE fish trap in Buckley,
and transported above Mud Mountain dam. Since precise escapement
numbers are known, surveys are conducted to determine fish
distribution and spawning success. Silver Springs is the highest point
in which adult salmon are observed.
Of special note is the documentation of
bull trout spawning in September (bottom
right) shortly before the coho appear.
Chinook were observed for the first time
spawning in 2001; however, no chinook
have been observed over the past four
seasons. Pink salmon were observed
spawning in the creek in 2003 and 2005;
as well as sockeye in 2003, 2004, and 2005.

2005 SILVER SPRINGS CREEK COHO COUNTS

180 LIVE
Upper White River surveys show distribution,
DEAD
actual escapement totals are known from the
160
USACE Buckley trap counts.
140
120
NUMBER OBSERVED
100
80
60
40
20
0
9/9/05 9/16/05 9/29/05 10/17/05 10/26/05 11/7/05 11/16/05
DAT E SURVEYED
SILVER SPRINGS CREEK COHO SEASONAL COMPARISONS

(2000 - 2005)
400
LIVE
DEAD 345
350
309
296
300
250
NUMBER OBSERVED
200
161
150
125
95
100
74 70
52
50
23 22
18
0
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
SEASON SURVEYED

SILVER SPRINGS CREEK BULL TROUT COUNTS

(2001 - 2005)
10 LIVE
DEAD
9 REDDS
7
NUMBER OBSERVED
0
9/9/05 9/16/05 9/21/05 9/29/05 10/17/05
DAT E SURVEY ED
SILVER SPRINGS CREEK BULL TROUT

SEASONAL COMPARISONS
(2001 - 2005)
10
LIVE
9 RED D S
7
NUMBER OBSERVED
5
5
4
4
2 2
2
1 1
1
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
SEA SON SU RVEY ED

SOUTH PRAIRIE CREEK

WRIA: 10.0429 - CARBON RIVER 2005 - 2006
Chum salmon spawning in the lower end (RM

0.5) of South Prairie Creek (2004).
DESCRIPTION
South Prairie Creek is a major
tributary of the Carbon River, entering
the Carbon near RM 6. South Prairie
Creek is considered one of the most
productive streams in the Puyallup/
White River watershed and is one of the
index streams in the Puyallup
watershed surveyed for chinook, pink
and steelhead by the Washington Department of Fish and
Wildlife. Puyallup Tribe Fisheries staff surveys the creek
Species surveyed: Chinook, Coho, Pink, in winter for chum. From RM 0.0 to RM 12.6 the stream
Chum, Steelhead is pool-riffle in character with many deep pools and a few
higher gradient cascades. Spawning gravel is excellent
Access and plentiful throughout this stretch. Above river mile
Mile 8.0: Follow Hwy. 162 to Lower
12.6, the stream is higher gradient and moderately to
Burnett Road. Turn right and follow to
bridge over South Prairie. extremely confined within a deep canyon. Upstream
Mile 5.8: Hwy 162 bridge near fire migration is blocked at approximately R.M. 15 by a large
station at outskirts of South Prairie. bedrock cascade. Spawning gravel becomes scarce in this
Hwy 162 crosses South Prairie Creek. upper reach and many heavily scoured bedrock sections
exist.
Chinook spawning occurs primarily in the lower 8
South Prairie Creek at RM 7. miles, while coho show increased usage in the middle and
upper sections of the anadromous reach. Chum utilize the
lower 3 miles heavily but have been observed well above RM 10.
Steelhead utilize the entire stream below the falls with reduced
usage in the canyon reach below the falls.
The riparian zone changes dramatically over the 15 miles of
anadromous stream. The upper canyon reach flows through a
commercial forest and streamside vegetation consists of second
growth fir and alder. Buffer widths along recent harvest areas
are generally wider than the state regulated minimum due to steep, potentially unstable slopes
along the canyon. From there to RM 6.0 the riparian zone is relatively intact, consisting of
mature hardwoods with some fir. Occasional residential development exists along this reach.
Wilkeson Creek (10.0432), a major tributary to South Prairie, enters at approximately RM 6.7.
Below this pont, to the confluence, there exists many diked reaches and streamside residential
development is common. Much of the lower 6 miles flows through active agricultural land.
Alder and cottonwood are the most common streamside tree species.
2005 SOUTH PRAIRIE CREEK CHINOOK COUNTS

90 LIVE
2004 South Prairie Creek chinook DEAD
graphs were generated using survey
80 REDDS
data collected by WDFW.
70
60
NUMBER OBSERVED
50
40
30
20
10
0
8/24/05 9/2/05 9/9/05 9/16/05 9/26/05 10/4/05 10/13/05 10/25/05
DATE SURVEYED
SOUTH PRAIRIE CREEK CHINOOK SEASON COMPARISONS

(1998 - 2005)
1000 AUC: ESCAPEM ENT ESTIM ATE
928
LIVE
900 DEAD
838
REDD S
800
692
700
NUMBER OBSERVED
600
537
536
527
505
503
500
388
377
369
400
360
326
312
289
300
251
244
217
211
200
127
117
92
81
100
51
27
0
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
SEASON SURVEY ED

2005 SOUTH PRAIRIE CREEK PINK COUNTS

1 4 0 ,0 0 0 L IV E
2004 South Prairie Creek pink DEAD
1 2 0 ,0 0 0 data collected by WDFW.
1 0 0 ,0 0 0
NUMBER OBSERVED
8 0 ,0 0 0
6 0 ,0 0 0
4 0 ,0 0 0
2 0 ,0 0 0
0
8 / 2 4 /0 5 9 /2 / 0 5 9 /9 / 0 5 9 /1 6 /0 5 9 / 2 6 /0 5 10/4/05 1 0 /1 3 / 0 5 1 0 / 2 5 /0 5
D A TE S U R V E Y E D
SOUTH PRAIRIE CREEK PINK SEASON COMPARISONS

(1998 - 2005)
600,000 AUC: ESCAPEMENT ESTIMATE
554,083
LIVE
DEAD
500,000
433,524
400,000
NUMBER OBSERVED
300,000
235,270
200,000
100,000
18,794 23,004
5,787 1,475 3,814 11,356
0
1999 2001 2003 2005
SEASON SURVEYED

2005 SOUTH PRAIRIE CREEK CHUM COUNTS

450 L IV E
DEAD
400
350
300
NUMBER OBSERVED
250
200
150
100
50
0
1 1 / 2 1 /0 5 1 2 /9 / 0 5 1 2 / 1 4 /0 5 1 /4 / 0 5
D A T E S U R V EY ED
SOUTH PRAIRIE CREEK CHUM SEASON COMPARISONS

(1992 - 2005)
9,000 AUC: ESCAPEMENT ESTIMATE
LIVE
DEAD
7,711
8,000
7,309
7,000
6,000
NUMBER OBSERVED
5,000
4,231
3,943
4,000
2,986
3,000
2,149
2,028
2,000
1,428
1,336
1,110
1,032
816
785
703
1,000
640
499
434
383
390
364
363
341
331
265
174
88
80
63
44
0
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
SEASON SURVEY ED

2006 SOUTH PRAIRIE CREEK STEELHEAD COUNTS

20 L IV E
2006 South Prairie Creek steelhead
DEAD
18 REDDS
data collected by WDFW.
16
14
NUMBER OBSERVED
12
10
0
3/10/06
3/20/06
3/21/06
3/28/06
3/29/06
4/5/06
4/12/06
4/19/06
4/20/06
4/26/06
4/27/06
5/2/06
5/3/06
5/10/06
5/11/06
5/18/06
5/24/06
6/20/06
6/22/06
D ATE SURVEYED
SOUTH PRAIRIE CREEK STEELHEAD REDDS

SEASON COMPARISONS
(1999 - 2006)
250
STEELHEAD REDDS
196
200
187
159
NUMBER OBSERVED
146
150
129
119
100 93
50
32
0
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006
Y EAR SURVEY ED


Puyullup Tribe Salmon, Trout Char Report 2005-06 05 Niesson Creek To South Prairie Creek

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Puyullup Tribe Salmon, Trout Char Report 2005-06 05 Niesson Creek To South Prairie Creek

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WRIA 10: PUYALLUP/WHITE RIVER WATERSHED

PUYALLUP TRIBAL FISHERIES 105

SURPLUS ADULT COHO PLANTS IN NIESSON CREEK

PUYALLUP TRIBAL FISHERIES 106

2006 NIESSON CREEK STEELHEAD COUNTS

NIESSON CREEK STEELHEAD SEASON COMPARISONS

PUYALLUP TRIBAL FISHERIES 107

PUYALLUP TRIBAL FISHERIES 108

2005 NONAME CREEK BULL TROUT COUNTS

PUYALLUP TRIBAL FISHERIES 109

PUYALLUP TRIBAL FISHERIES 110

2005 OHOP CREEK COHO COUNTS

OHOP CREEK COHO SEASON COMPARISONS

PUYALLUP TRIBAL FISHERIES 111

Coho holding in a large resting

PUYALLUP TRIBAL FISHERIES 112

PINOCHLE CREEK CHINOOK COUNTS

PINOCHLE CREEK CHINOOK SEASON COMPARISONS

PUYALLUP TRIBAL FISHERIES 113

PINOCHLE CREEK COHO COUNTS

PINOCHLE CREEK COHO SEASON COMPARISONS

PUYALLUP TRIBAL FISHERIES 114

PUYALLUP TRIBAL FISHERIES 115

PUYALLUP TRIBAL FISHERIES 116

2006 UPPER PUYALLUP RIVER STEELHEAD COUNTS

PUYALLUP TRIBAL FISHERIES 117

Puyallup River Juvenile Salmonid Production

Trapping Gear and Operations

PUYALLUP TRIBAL FISHERIES 118

2. Estimate in-river mortality of hatchery and acclimation pond chinook.

In this report for the 2005 smolt out-migration

PUYALLUP TRIBAL FISHERIES 119

identified as natural or hatchery origin as unmarked or marked respectively. Fork length

PUYALLUP TRIBAL FISHERIES 120

PUYALLUP TRIBAL FISHERIES 121

PUYALLUP TRIBAL FISHERIES 122

2005 RODY CREEK CHUM COUNTS

RODY CREEK CHUM SEASON COMPARISONS

PUYALLUP TRIBAL FISHERIES 123

RUSHINGWATER CREEK ADULT COHO PLANTS

FEM ALE COHO

RUSHINGWATER CREEK ACCLIMATION POND

PUYALLUP TRIBAL FISHERIES 125

Lower Salmon Creek,

PUYALLUP TRIBAL FISHERIES 126

2005 SALMON CREEK COHO COUNTS

SALMON CREEK COHO SEASON COMPARISONS

PUYALLUP TRIBAL FISHERIES 127

2005 SALMON CREEK CHUM COUNTS

SALMON CREEK CHUM SEASON COMPARISONS

PUYALLUP TRIBAL FISHERIES 128

Chum salmon working

The lower 150 feet

PUYALLUP TRIBAL FISHERIES 129

2005 SALMON TRIBUTARY CHUM COUNTS

SALMON TRIBUTARY CHUM SEASON COMPARISONS

PUYALLUP TRIBAL FISHERIES 130

PUYALLUP TRIBAL FISHERIES 131

SILVER SPRINGS CREEK

PUYALLUP TRIBAL FISHERIES 132

2005 SILVER SPRINGS CREEK COHO COUNTS

SILVER SPRINGS CREEK COHO SEASONAL COMPARISONS