Puyallup River Fishing Guide: Salmon Runs and Flow Conditions

The Puyallup River is a dynamic and productive waterway that flows through Pierce County, emptying into Commencement Bay in Tacoma. Fed by glaciers of Mount Rainier, its flow and turbidity can change quickly, making up-to-the-minute flow monitoring essential for safe and successful fishing. Anglers should utilize the latest Washington river flow data before heading out.

River History and Turbidity

The Puyallup River’s unique character comes from its glacial source. Its waters often carry a significant amount of fine sediment (“glacial flour”), giving it a milky, opaque color that can limit visibility for much of the year. This natural turbidity influences fishing tactics, often favoring methods that rely on scent and vibration over sight.

While the river’s flows are natural, portions of its lower channel were historically altered for flood control and navigation. The river is heavily influenced by tides near its mouth, which plays a major role in how fish enter the system and where they stage.

Location and Access

The Puyallup River is highly accessible, with numerous access points in the lower river downstream of the city of Puyallup. Prime fishing locations include public access parks and bridge crossings, with much of the fishing pressure focused on the lower-to-middle sections where fish travel to the Puyallup Hatchery. The river’s easy access contributes to its popularity, especially during peak salmon seasons.

Primary Species and Seasonal Runs (Salmon & Steelhead)

The Puyallup River basin supports several large hatchery salmon programs, making it a reliable destination, especially for anglers targeting Pink and Coho Salmon. It is an extremely important fishery for both recreational anglers and the Puyallup Tribe of Indians.

Fish Run Timing:

• Fall Chinook Salmon: The run begins in earnest in August, with fish entering the tidal sections. Fishing occurs in August and September, primarily targeting the Duwamish and adjacent waters before the fish move far upstream.
• Pink Salmon (Humpies): The Puyallup sees one of the largest returns of Pink Salmon in the Puget Sound area, returning exclusively on odd-numbered years (e.g., 2025, 2027). The run is spectacular and intense, typically running from late July through August and well into September.
• Coho Salmon: A strong run of Coho, often hatchery-marked, begins entering the river in late August. The best fishing is throughout September and October, often focusing on areas where the water is slightly clearer, or immediately after a fresh push of rain.
• Chum Salmon: Chum runs are reliable later in the season, typically arriving in October and peaking in November. Anglers target these powerful fish in the middle sections of the river.
• Winter Steelhead: The Puyallup has a consistent Steelhead return. The season for these challenging fish runs from late December through March. Traditional float-fishing or side-drifting techniques are most common.

Regulations and Conservation

Fishing on the Puyallup River is complex due to hatchery programs, wild fish conservation goals, and co-manager agreements with the tribe. Rules frequently change in-season to meet escapement goals, particularly during the huge Pink Salmon returns.

Always review regulations for open areas, gear restrictions, and limits before fishing the Puyallup. For the most current rules, seasons, and any emergency closures, always check the official resources from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

WDFW Fishing Rules: Consult the latest WDFW Fishing Regulations.