OLYMPIA - Fall salmon fisheries will get under way on the upper portion of the Puyallup River beginning Oct. 1, while the lower stretch will open Oct. 3, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced today.

The fishery will run through Dec. 31 in both sections of the river.

Recreational salmon fishing will be open daily on the upper Puyallup River from the City of Puyallup outfall structure across the river from the junction of Freeman Road and North Levee Road upstream to the mouth of the White River.

The lower portion of the river also will be open daily, except closed to fishing Oct. 1, 2, 6-9 and 13-16. That stretch of the river runs from the 11th Street Bridge upstream to the City of Puyallup outfall structure across the river from the junction of Freeman Road and North Levee Road.

Pat Pattillo, salmon policy coordinator for WDFW, said the closures on the lower portion of the river are necessary to avoid potential gear conflicts between anglers and treaty tribal fishers.

In July, fishery managers with WDFW and Puyallup Tribe of Indians agreed to salmon fishing seasons in August and September that separated sport and treaty commercial fishers.

"Much like the summer season, this fall fishery is structured to help ensure everybody has a safe and fair opportunity to catch salmon on the river," Pattillo said.

Through Oct. 31, anglers fishing the Puyallup River will have a daily limit of two salmon, plus two additional pink salmon, but must release wild chinook. From Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, anglers will have a daily limit of two salmon, but must release wild chinook.

Coho and hatchery chinook must measure at least 12 inches in length to be retained.

Through Nov. 30, anglers are required to use single-point barbless hooks when fishing the Puyallup River. A night closure and anti-snagging rule is also in effect through November.

For more information, check the emergency rule change at https://fortress.wa.gov/dfw/erules/efishrules/erule.jsp?id=1366 .