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PUYALLUP TRIBAL FISHERIES
2005 - 2006 ANNUAL SALMON, STEELHEAD AND BULL TROUT REPORT.
WRIA 10: PUYALLUP/WHITE RIVER WATERSHED
tailouts and quality gravel, spawning densities are often high withinthis section. Continuing downstream of the forested area is a lowergradient reach flowing for approximately 0.5 miles within the countygolf course in the city of Enumclaw. The riparian zone here is verysparse, the banks are merely rip raped and bordered by maintainedturf grass, blackberry and small deciduous trees. There is, however,a short section located within the golf course below RM 4.0 with anintact hardwood riparian zone. Spawning is noticeably reducedthroughout the entire reach of the creek flowing within the open rangeof the golf course. Downstream fromthe golf course Boise Creek beginsto flow through residential andagricultural lands. This moredeveloped reach extends fromapproximately RM 3.7 down to RM0.3, much of the stream along thisstretch is incised to depths of 20 feetor more (top left). Extensive tractsof land bordering Boise Creek belowRM 3.5 are primarily used formaintaining cattle and other livestock (top right, center left).Although spawning activity for all species occurs throughout theentire 4.5 miles, approximately 65 - 70% of chinook, coho, and pinkspawning occurs above RM 2.4. From 1999 to 2006, an average of 63.8%
(range 53.5%-83.3%)
of steelhead spawned above RM 2.4.During the 2005 season, the first significant numbers of chum salmon were observed in BoiseCreek as high as RM 1.5. Boise has continued to supported a large number of chinook spawnersover the past several seasons (2000-2005). Carcass sampling data shows that a significant numberof chinook, as high as 58%, returning to Boise Creek are hatcheryorigin fall chinook. This corresponds with DNA sampling studiesof chinook in the White River showing an approximately 60% falland 40% spring chinook component. The pink salmon returns toBoise in 2005 were unprecedented. Estimate calculations put theactual escapement at nearly 16,000 fish.Spawning opportunities for all species is dramatically reducedin the lower 0.3 miles of the creek. Thegradient throughout this short stretchis steeper, the banks are confined byhigh steep walls, and the substrateconsists of mostly boulders and largecobble.Chinook, coho and steelhead are especially vulnerable to poachingand harassment in this urban stream (lower left). Surroundingagricultural land use continues to impact channel conditions in BoiseCreek. Tremendous improvements to riparian conditions arepossible but require willing land owners, technical expertiseand funding. Despite its many habitat related shortcomings,Boise Creek continuesto support a healthyand stable population of wild steelhead, aremarkable fact in lightof the basin-widedeclines.
This poacher left in a hurry, leaving behind over 10 pounds of skeinedcoho eggs and 12 carcesses.Much of the stream from RM 3.7down to RM 0.3 is incised todepths of 20 feet or more.The riparian zone (above) alongBoise Creek throughout most of the county golf course is verysparse.Pink salmon spawning inBoise Creek .Steelhead poaching
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