Puyallup River

he Puyallup River, flowing from Mount Rainier into Puget Sound, offers urban anglers strong seasonal fishing for salmon and steelhead. Accessible and productive, it’s especially popular during Chinook and coho runs.

Chinook salmon arrive from August through early September. These hard-hitting fish are commonly caught using drift gear with cured eggs or sand shrimp, particularly near the city of Puyallup and the lower river near Fife.

Coho follow in mid-September and run through October. They respond well to twitching jigs and casting spinners into holding water. In odd-numbered years, pink salmon arrive in droves, providing high-volume action on pink lures.

Steelhead fishing picks up in winter, with hatchery fish targeted using jigs, beads, and drift techniques in deeper slots. Locations near Orting and McMillin are known steelhead zones with solid bank access.

River flows can change rapidly due to rain or glacial melt, impacting water clarity and safety. Anglers should monitor river levels and plan accordingly.

Due to its urban location, the Puyallup can get crowded, especially during salmon peaks. Regulations vary widely by stretch and season, so consulting current WDFW guidelines is a must.

For accessible, action-packed salmon and steelhead fishing close to Tacoma, the Puyallup River remains a go-to destination.