puyullup tribe salmon, trout char report 2005-06 05 niesson creek to south prairie creek

8/14/2019 Puyullup Tribe Salmon, Trout Char Report 2005-06 05 Niesson Creek to South Prairie Creek

1/35105PUYALLUP TRIBAL FISHERIES2005 - 2006 ANNUAL SALMON, STEELHEAD AND BULL TROUT REPORT.

WRIA 10: PUYALLUP/WHITE RIVER WATERSHED

DESCRIPTION

Niesson Creek is a tributary to the UpperPuyallup 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

along several extended reaches of the lower creek.

This stream is only surveyed consistently for steelhead

and coho. Steelhead have been observed spawning as high

as RM 2.2 near the abandoned 22 Rd. Naturally returning

coho were observed for the first time in 2002. The natural

returns are a result of live adult plantings and juvenile

acclimation projects conducted by Puyallup Tribal Fisheries

Department. Puyallup Tribal

Fisheries staff have been transporting

live surplus adult coho from the

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.

NIESSON CREEKWRIA: 10.0622 - PUYALLUP RIVER 2005 - 2006

River miles surveyed: 0.0 to 2.5

Dates surveyed: 3/15/06 to 5/11/06

Species surveyed: Steelhead

Access

Mile 1.8: The Kapowsin tree farms 2

rd. crosses Niesson Creek near Moose

Junction.

Mile 2.2: A short distance past the 2 rd.

bridge, the 21 rd turns to the right and

again crosses Niesson in 0.2 miles.

Typical habitat

in Niesson

Creek. This

photo was

taken looking

upstream at

approximatelyRM 1.8.

Niesson Creek at

approximately

RM 2.3.




SURPLUS ADULT COHO PLANTS IN NIESSON CREEK

(1998 - 2005)

76

261

188

257

455

164

64

74

236

188

243

299

171

36

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

450

500

1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005YEAR PLANTED

NUMBER

OFFISH

PLANTED

MALE COHO

FEMALE COHO

Live adult surplus plants from WDFW Voights Creek hatchery.




2006 NIESSON CREEK STEELHEAD COUNTS

NIESSON CREEK STEELHEAD SEASON COMPARISONS

(1995 - 2006)

49

29

45

17

27

37

49

22

9

14

1615

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

YEAR SURVEYED

N

UMBEROBSERVED

STEELHEAD REDDS

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

3/15/06 3/28/06 4/7/06 4/18/06 4/28/06 5/11/06

DATE SURVEYED

NUMBEROBSERVED

LIVE

D EAD

R EDD S




DESCRIPTIONOfficially unnamed, this creek is referred to

as No Name Creek (10.0364) by PTF staff, theNPS designation is W14-00a. No Name Creek is a smallleft bank tributary to the upper White River and isprimarily 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 nearSunrise Park, it flows entirely within Mt. Rainier National Park. No Name Creek enters the WhiteRiver 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 aprimarily 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 adultspawning surveys. The next .12 miles flows through the edge of the forested area along theWhite River channel. At this point the channel gradient increases slightly, as well as, adultspawning 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 consistsof 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, aswell as a heavy riparian zone consisting of fir and cedar. Atapproximately RM .71 the creek turns sharply and climbs up the valley

wall preventing any further upstreammigration. Bull trout have beenobserved spawning in the creek earlyin the fall, and juvenile bull trouthave been observed in the pools andlateral habitat during these surveys

(right).



Species surveyed: Bull Trout (Char)

NO NAME CREEKWRIA: 10.0364 - WHITE RIVER 2005-2006

Typical habitat

found in the upper

extent of No Name

Creek.




2005 NONAME CREEK BULL TROUT COUNTS

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

9/9/05 9/16/05 9/21/05 9/29/05

DATE SURVEYED

NUMBEROBSERVED

LIVE

DEAD

REDDS




DESCRIPTION

Ohop Creek is the main feeder steam to Lake

Kapowsin. Ohop and Kapowsin Creek have the

same WRIA designation (10.0600).

Approximately the first 0.2 miles of Ohop Creek flows

through a heavily vegetated (mostly reed canary grass),

narrow and incised zone as it enters Lake Kapowsin. The

lower surveyed section of the creek from RM 6.5 (Lake

Kapowsin) to RM 7.0 is a low gradient pool-riffle system.This portion contains excellent spawning gravel, as well

as several deep pools and moderate amounts of in-stream

woody debris. The channel meanders and several small

side channels fork out along the lower half mile. Cattle

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

consistent basis. Steelhead surveys have been

reduced to periodic spot checks during the

spring since none have been observed for

several years. Chinook salmon have not

been observed in Ohop Creek. Observations

made in Kapowsin Creek are often used to

determine the survey approach for Ohop.

OHOP CREEKWRIA: 10.0600 - PUYALLUP RIVER 2005 - 2006



Species surveyed: Coho

Access

Mile 7.0: At the intersection of Orville Rd.and Kapowsin Hwy. follow Orville road for

approximately two miles to a small turnout

on the left. Follow the trail to the

creek. The upper 0.5 miles must be double

walked but it is possible to drop in just above

RM 6.5 by crossing the railroad tracks and

following a rough trail to the creek.

Several excellent

spawning opportunities

exist in the lowerreach of Ohop.

Upper

reach of

the survey,

increased

gradient

and fewer

spawning

opportuni-

ties are

available.




2005 OHOP CREEK COHO COUNTS

OHOP CREEK COHO SEASON COMPARISONS

(1995 - 2005)

71

488

537

314

34

100

31

141

39

92

61

25

76

295

54

413

6

19

49

15

91

2

19

11 4 1

30

33

88

29

96

31

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

YEAR SURVEYED

NUMBEROBSERVED

LIVE

DEAD

REDDS

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

11/14/05 11/22/05 12/5/05 12/16/05

DATE SURVEYED

NUMBEROBSERVED

LIVE

DEAD




DESCRIPTION

Pinochle Creek is a moderate sized tributaryto 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,

yet in relatively low abundance. A bedrock falls about 0.3

miles upstream of the bridge over Pinochle Creek that

blocks further upstream migration (lower right). Below

this obstruction, to its confluence with the West fork of

the White River, there exists excellent spawning andrearing 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 WhiteRiver 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

place in the lower 0.2 miles of this stream

which runs within the West Fork Whites

floodplain.

PINOCHLE CREEKWRIA: 10.0198 - WHITE RIVER 2005 - 2006



Species surveyed: Chinook, Coho, Pink

Access

Mile 0.4: Approximately 0.25 miles past

the West fork of the White River bridge on

the Forest Service 74 Rd. there is a spurroad to the right. This road crosses

Pinochle Creek.

Anadromous blockage

located on Pinochle

Creek at approximately

RM 0.8

Coho holding in a large resting

pool in Pinochle Creek (RM 0.2).




15

56

2 21

4

1

7

48

21

34

30

12 2

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

SEASON SURVEYED

NUMBER

OBSERVED

LIVE

DEAD

REDDS

PINOCHLE CREEK CHINOOK COUNTS

(2000 - 2005)

PINOCHLE CREEK CHINOOK SEASON COMPARISONS

(1999 - 2005)

0

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

5

8/17/05 8/30/05 9/9/05 9/19/05 9/28/05 10/7/05

DATE SURVEYED

NUMBER

OBSERVED

LIVE

DEAD

REDDS

Upper White River surveys show

distribution, actual escapement totals

are known from the USACE Buckley trap

counts.




PINOCHLE CREEK COHO SEASON COMPARISONS

(2000 - 2005)

2

96

121

334

171

110

33

21 27

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

SEASON SURVEYED

NU

MBEROBSERVED

LIVE

DEAD

REDDS

PINOCHLE CREEK COHO COUNTS

(2000 - 2005)

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

9/19/05 9/28/05 10/7/05 10/17/05 10/26/05 11/8/05 11/16/05

DATE SURVEYED

NUMBEROBSERVED

LIVE

DEAD

Upper White River surveys show

distribution, actual escapement totals

are known from the USACE Buckley trap

counts.




DESCRIPTIONThe 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 inthe 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

is still tightly confined by levees on

both sides with the expected lack of

channel complexity. This reach is

similar to the lower Puyallup but does

support sporadic spawning by chum,

chinook and steelhead during theirrespective 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

PUYALLUP RIVERWRIA: 10.0021 - PUYALLUP RIVER 2005 - 2006


Dates surveyed: LIMITED SURVYES

Species surveyed: Steelhead, Chinook

The North

Fork of the

Puyallup

River.




contained by levees and there are several

accessable side channels. There is little

spawning activity within this reach due to

the higher gradient and resulting increase

in average substrate size.

Upstream from Puget Sound Energys

Electron powerhouse at RM 30.8 the river

flows through a deep, narrow canyon

(center photo). There are many small

vertical drops and bedrock cascades within

this 6 mile canyon, all of which are

passable to salmon and steelhead. There

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

high quality spawningopportunities. The

highest densities of

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

above the diversion

and surveys are

conducted

occasionally in

response to the

Puyallup Tribeslive surplus hauls

each fall.

Puyallup River canyon approximately RM 31. There

are many small vertical drops and bedrock cascades

within this 6 mile canyon, all of which are passable

to salmon and steelhead. There is frequent spawning

opportunities in the tailouts of the many deep pools

within this reach.

Leveesetbackproject atRM 26.5.New Leveecan beseen nearcountyroad andremnantsof oldlevee arevisible inthe streamchannel.

Planting

adultsurplus

coho in

the

North

Fork of

the

Puyallup

River

(2003).

Puyallup River approximately RM 40.




2006 UPPER PUYALLUP RIVER STEELHEAD COUNTS

RIVER MILES 36 - 41.7

0

3

6

5

10

9

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

3/15/06 3/28/06 4/7/06 4/18/06 4/28/06 5/11/06

DATE SURVEYED

NUMBEROBSERVED

LIVE

DEAD

REDDSHigh flows and poor

visibility prevented any

surveys after May 11.




Puyallup River Juvenile Salmonid Production

Assessment Project 2005Andrew Berger & Kristin Williamson

DESCRIPTION

In 2000, the Puyallup Tribal FisheriesDepartment 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

managers to meet escapement objectives

in the watershed, create a production

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 liveboxassembly 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

cables were secured to trees on opposite banks. An

additional rear cable was secured to a tree on the

right bank along with an aluminum stiff-arm to

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.

Since 2000, an E. G. Solutions 5-ft diameter

rotary screw trap located on the lower Puyallup

River at RM 10.6, just upstream of the

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 trapwas 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 thesmolt trap was taken to monitor channel morphology at

the site.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

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

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.




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). Chinook smolts were separated by age 0+ (150mm). All chum and pinks were identified as age 0+. Trout fry age 0+ (




DESCRIPTION

Ranger Creek is a small left bank tributary ofthe Upper Carbon River. Ranger is an excellent

salmonid stream in many ways, it has approximately

0.5 miles of anadromous habitat and is located

entirely within Mt. Rainier National Park. The

riparian zone consists of old growth cedar, fir and

hemlock which contributes essential woody debrisand diversity to the channel. The lower 0.4 miles

are low gradient with several deep pools, small but

plentiful gravel exists throughout the reach. Above

0.4 miles the gradient

i n c r e a s e s

significantly. The

Carbon River road

crosses the creek at

approximately RM

0.35. The creek

passes through alarge 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.

RANGER CREEKWRIA: 10.0530 - CARBON RIVER 2005 - 2006


Dates surveyed: NOT SURVEYED IN 2005

Species surveyed: Chinook, Coho, Char

AccessMile 0.1: The Carbon River road in Mount Rainier

National Park crosses Ranger below the Ipsut

Creek campground.

Ranger Creek looking

upstream from the

confluence with the

Carbon River .

The lower 0.4 miles

are very low gradient

with several deep

pools and small but

plentiful gravel

throughout the reach.




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

salmon production in the lower half mile of

Rody Creek. Downstream of Pioneer, Rody

flows through a channel that is best describedas an incised and directed drainage ditch

(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, chumsalmon 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.

RODY CREEKWRIA: 10.0028 - PUYALLUP RIVER 2005 - 2006



Species surveyed:Chum

AccessMile 0.4: Pioneer Avenue crosses Rody Creek a short

distance above its confluence with Clarks Creek.

Chum salmon spawning in Rody Creek

Rody Creek looking down

stream from Pioneer Way.




2005 RODY CREEK CHUM COUNTS

RODY CREEK CHUM SEASON COMPARISONS( 1999 - 2005)

28

155

81

8

31

20

4

73

94

3936

19

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

SEASON SURVEYED

NUMBER

OBSERVED

AUC: ESCAPEMENT ESTIMATE

LIVE

DEAD

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

11/22/05 12/1/05 12/12/05 12/22/05 1/3/06 1/20/06 2/3/06

DATE SURVEYED

NUMBEROBSERVED

LIVE

DEAD




DESCRIPTIONRushingwater Creek originates from theGolden Lakes in Mt. Rainier National Park.Rushingwater flows over 5 miles to itsconfluence with the Mowich River at RM 0.6.Most of Rushingwater flows within the

Rainier Timber - Kapowsin tree farm (Hancock Forest Resource Group),where roads and timber harvesting have impacted several portions ofthe stream. The upper survey reach of the creek ismostly comprised of pools and glides, with fine andmedium sized substrate. Abundant in-stream woody

debris and a moderate to dense canopy cover extendsthrough most of this reach. A considerable amountof beaver activity and structures are present in theupper reach, above RM 3.0, and lower down aroundRM 1.5. The lower reach (1.0 mile) of the creek consistof 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 forreintroducing coho into a 30-mile reach of the Upper Puyallup River is located just off the mainchannel of Rushingwater at RM 0.6. The pond holds 14,000 cu. ft. of water with a flow rate of 1-3cfs., currently 40,000 to 100,000+ coho yearlings are imprinted and released from Rushingwaterannually. 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 of10,000 pounds. In addition to the acclimation of juvenile coho, adult surplus coho and chinookfrom Voights Creek Hatchery have been planted in Rushingwater since 1997. Limited surveys

were conducted in the past to determine howsuccessful the adult plants were. However, nofish were planted in 2004. Instead, the firstnaturally retuning adult coho were allowed tospawn without intervention from hatcheryplanted coho. Future live plants may bereduced or eliminated based on the number of

naturally returning spawners.

RUSHINGWATER CREEKWRIA: 10.0625 - PUYALLUP RIVER 2005 - 2006

Upper reach of

Rushingwater Creek

(RM 3.1).

Lower reach of

Rushingwater

Creek (RM 0.3)




RUSHINGWATER CREEK ADULT COHO PLANTS

(1997 - 2005)

RUSHINGWATER CREEK ACCLIMATION POND

CHINOOK AND COHO PLANTS

(1999 - 2006)

50

119

169

237

371

127

486

50

106

170

312

177

124

259

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

YEAR PLANTED

NUMBEROFFISH

PLANTED

MALE COHO

FEMALE COHO

149

,97

0

101

,400

100

,350

100

,400

104

,500

84

,000

39

,935

56

,0

53

38

,093

0

20,000

40,000

60,000

80,000

100,000

120,000

140,000

160,000

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

YEAR PLANTED

NUMBER

OFFISH

PLANTED

COHO

CHINOOK

The 2006 coho were released from

Rushingwater Creek pond on May 30.




DESCRIPTIONSalmon Creek, also known as Strawberry

Creek, runs just north of downtown Sumner.

The creek channel is narrow and incised,

especially along the lower 0.3 miles. Most of the creek flows

through moderately developed private and commercial

properties before entering the White River at RM 2.1. In

2004, the City of Sumner completed a large wetland

restoration project on Salmon Creek. The 11 acre site was

the result of a mitigation settlement with Davis Propertiesand Fred Myers. The riparian along portions of the creek

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

may include low summer and fall flows restricting access, high

sediment inputs, industrial discharge and lack of channel

habitat.

SALMON CREEKWRIA: 10.0035 - WHITE RIVER 2005 - 2006


Dates surveyed: 10/14/05to1/23/06

Species surveyed: Chinook, Coho

Chum

Access

Mile 0.3: 4309 East Valley Highway

crosses Salmon Creek. Salmon Creekis also referred to as Strawberry Creek.

Check-in with Sumner RV before

surveys are conducted.

Lower Salmon Creek,

looking upstream about

100 feet up from the

mouth.

Salmon Creek looking up-

stream just above the conflu-

ence with Salmon Tributary.




2005 SALMON CREEK COHO COUNTS

6

4

2

9

0

2

11

27

1

3

2 2

4

3 3

4

5

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

SEASON SURVEYED

NU

MBEROBSERVED

LIVEDEAD

REDDS

SALMON CREEK COHO SEASON COMPARISONS

(1998 - 2005)

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

10/14/05 10/24/05 11/3/05 11/14/05 11/22/05 12/1/05 12/12/05

DATE SURVEYED

NUMBEROBSERVED

LIVE

DEAD




2005 SALMON CREEK CHUM COUNTS

SALMON CREEK CHUM SEASON COMPARISONS

(1991 - 2005)

42

51

20

25

93

138

49

27

70

28

1

82

47

109

129

29

18

31

44

78

61

17

12 1

4

2 2

44

23

13

57

19

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

SEASON SURVEYED

NUMBEROBSERVED


LIVE

DEAD

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

11/14/05 11/22/05 12/1/05 12/12/05 12/22/05 1/3/05 1/13/06 1/23/06

D A T E S U R V E Y E D

NUMBEROBSERVED

LIVE

D E A D




DESCRIPTIONSalmon 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

low to moderate gradient habitat, with excellent spawning

gavel available throughout the channel. Riparian along

the lower surveyed stretch of the creek consists largely

of alder and a few conifers. There are few pieces of in-

stream woody debris, and recruitment is limited. BeyondRM 0.13, the gradient increases substantially and the

channel narrows. The increase in gradient and flow is

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 thePuyallup/White River system, the 2005 returns were significantly

lower. Extremely heavy predation often accounts for many of the

dead chum seen along Salmon Tributary.

SALMON TRIBUTARYWRIA: 10.0036 - WHITE RIVER 2005 - 2006



Species surveyed: Chinook,Coho, Chum

Access

Mile 0.3: 4309 East Valley Highway crosses

Salmon Creek. Salmon Tributary entersSalmon Creek 0.1 miles upstream of the

bridge. Check-in with Sumner RV (253)863-

5644 before surveys are conducted.

Chum salmon workingits way up 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

SALMON TRIBUTARY CHUM SEASON COMPARISONS

(1993 - 2005)

79

142

363

255

89

130

481

50

4

456

242

75

346

708

3

125

182

89 9

6

385

68

15

420

396

216

257

55

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

SEASON SURVEYED

NU

MBEROBSERVED


LIVE

DEAD

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

11/14/05 11/22/05 12/1/05 12/12/05 12/22/05 1/3/05 1/13/06 1/23/06

DATE SURVEYED

NUMBEROBSERVED

LIVE

DEAD




DESCRIPTIONSilver Creek is a right bank tributary locatedat 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,

dropping nearly 3,000 feet from its source until it reaches

the confluence with the White River just West of HYW

410. There are numerous small unnamed tributaries

contributing flow to Silver Creek, with the exception of

4.4 mile Goat Creek (10.0314) which enters the right bank

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 issuspected 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 CREEKWRIA: 10.0313 - WHITE RIVER 2005 - 2006



Species surveyed: Coho

Access

Silver Creek runs under HYW 410approximately 0.2 miles north of the

enterance to the Silver Springs campground.




SILVER SPRINGS CREEKWRIA: 10.0332A - WHITE RIVER 2005 - 2006



Species surveyed: Chinook (N/O)

Coho, Char, Pink

Access

The stream runs parallel to the White

River between it and the Silver Springs

campground on Hwy. 410 below the

Crystal Mountain Road. You can walk

upstream on Silver Creek to the highway

after looking at Silver Springs.

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

confluence with the White. Silver Springs flows through a

low gradient pool riffle channel with moderate amounts of

in-stream woody debris. The riparian vegetation consists of

large conifers with several hardwoods near its confluence

with Silver Creek. There is excellent gravel throughout the

reach although it is often obscured by fine sand. The creek

originates and runs directly though the Silver Springs

campground, located approximately 0.5 mile north of the Mt.

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

SILVER SPRINGS CREEK COHO SEASONAL COMPARISONS

(2000 - 2005)

125

95

309

161

296

345

2318

52

22

74 70

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

SEASON SURVEYED

N

UMBEROBSERVED

LIVE

DEAD

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

9/9/05 9/16/05 9/29/05 10/17/05 10/26/05 11/7/05 11/16/05

DATE SURVEYED

NUMBEROBSERVED

LIVE

DEADUpper White River surveys show distribution,

actual escapement totals are known from the

USACE Buckley trap counts.




SILVER SPRINGS CREEK BULL TROUT

SEASONAL COMPARISONS

(2001 - 2005)

5

2

4

2

1 1

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

SEASON SURVEYED

NUM

BEROBSERVED

LIVE

REDDS

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

9/9/05 9/16/05 9/21/05 9/29/05 10/17/05

DATE SURVEYED

NUMBEROBSERVED

LIVE

DEAD

REDDS

SILVER SPRINGS CREEK BULL TROUT COUNTS

(2001 - 2005)




DESCRIPTIONSouth Prairie Creek is a major

tributary of the Carbon River, enteringthe Carbon near RM 6. South PrairieCreek is considered one of the mostproductive streams in the Puyallup/White River watershed and is one of theindex streams in the Puyallup

watershed surveyed for chinook, pinkand steelhead by the Washington Department of Fish andWildlife. Puyallup Tribe Fisheries staff surveys the creekin winter for chum. From RM 0.0 to RM 12.6 the streamis pool-riffle in character with many deep pools and a fewhigher gradient cascades. Spawning gravel is excellentand plentiful throughout this stretch. Above river mile

12.6, the stream is higher gradient and moderately toextremely confined within a deep canyon. Upstream

migration is blocked at approximately R.M. 15 by a largebedrock cascade. Spawning gravel becomes scarce in thisupper reach and many heavily scoured bedrock sectionsexist.

Chinook spawning occurs primarily in the lower 8miles, while coho show increased usage in the middle and

upper sections of the anadromous reach. Chum utilize thelower 3 miles heavily but have been observed well above RM 10.Steelhead utilize the entire stream below the falls with reducedusage in the canyon reach below the falls.

The riparian zone changes dramatically over the 15 miles ofanadromous stream. The upper canyon reach flows through acommercial forest and streamside vegetation consists of secondgrowth 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 ofmature 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 residentialdevelopment is common. Much of the lower 6 miles flows through active agricultural land.Alder and cottonwood are the most common streamside tree species.



Species surveyed: Chinook, Coho, Pink,

Chum, Steelhead

Access

Mile 8.0: Follow Hwy. 162 to Lower

Burnett Road. Turn right and follow tobridge over South Prairie.

Mile 5.8: Hwy 162 bridge near fire

station at outskirts of South Prairie.

Hwy 162 crosses South Prairie Creek.

SOUTH PRAIRIE CREEKWRIA: 10.0429 - CARBON RIVER 2005 - 2006

South Prairie Creek at RM 7.

Chum salmon spawning in the lower end (RM

0.5) of South Prairie Creek (2004).




2005 SOUTH PRAIRIE CREEK CHINOOK COUNTS

SOUTH PRAIRIE CREEK CHINOOK SEASON COMPARISONS

(1998 - 2005)

369

838

928

536

692

505 5

27

289

211

377

537

127

326

244

312

92

51

388

503

81

251

360

117

217

27

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

1000

1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

SEASON SURVEYED

NUMBEROBSERVED


LIVE

DEAD

REDDS

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

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

NUMBEROBSERVED

LIVE

DEAD

REDDS

2004 South Prairie Creek chinook

graphs were generated using survey

data collected by WDFW.




2005 SOUTH PRAIRIE CREEK PINK COUNTS

SOUTH PRAIRIE CREEK PINK SEASON COMPARISONS

(1998 - 2005)

0

20,000

40,000

60,000

80,000

100,000

120,000

140,000

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

NUMBEROBSERVED

LIVE

DEAD2004 South Prairie Creek pink



433,524

5,78718,794

235,270

554,083

1,475 3,814

23,00411,356

0

100,000

200,000

300,000

400,000

500,000

600,000

1999 2001 2003 2005

SEASON SURVEYED

NU

MBEROBSERVED


LIVE

DEAD




2005 SOUTH PRAIRIE CREEK CHUM COUNTS

1,3

36

341

36 4 6

40

1,4

28

434 7

85

2,0

28

390

2,1

49

3,9

43

7,3

09

1,1

10

7,7

11

816

63

44

363

383

88

703

331

80

499

1,0

32

2,9

86

265

4,2

31

174

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

6,000

7,000

8,000

9,000

1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

SEASON SURVEYED

NUMBEROBSERVED


LIVE

DEAD

SOUTH PRAIRIE CREEK CHUM SEASON COMPARISONS

(1992 - 2005)

0

50

10 0

15 0

20 0

25 0

30 0

35 0

40 0

45 0

11/21/05 12/9/05 12/14/05 1/4/05

DATE SURVEYED

NUMBEROBSERVED

LIVE

DEAD


35/35


2006 SOUTH PRAIRIE CREEK STEELHEAD COUNTS

SOUTH PRAIRIE CREEK STEELHEAD REDDS

SEASON COMPARISONS

(1999 - 2006)

159

146

196

119

93

187

32

129

50

100

150

200

250

NUMBEROBSERVED

STEELHEAD REDDS

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

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

DATE SURVEYED

NUMBEROBSERVED

LIVE

DEAD

RED DS

2006 South Prairie Creek steelhead



puyullup tribe salmon, trout char report 2005-06 05 niesson creek to south prairie creek

Documents