"State Fish and Wildlife has decided to close the sport fishery for two days a week in the Lower Puyallup River over safety concerns about gear conflicts and other disputes between sport and tribal anglers, a news release indicated.

With a strong return of pink salmon this year, hundreds of recreational anglers are fishing the river, which is also open to tribal fishing two days a week, said Pat Pattillo, the state Fish and Wildlife salmon policy coordinator.

"Unfortunately, we've received reports about gear conflicts and other incidents between the two groups, raising public safety concerns," Pattillo said. "To reduce the safety risk and ensure that the tribe and the state can conduct an orderly fishery, the department is closing this section of the river.""

Get the Story:
Reel Time Northwest: Lower Puyallup River to close to sport fishing twice a week during this month (The Seattle Times 9/10)
Press Release: Lower section of the Puyallup River will close two days a week to sport fishing (Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife 9/10)

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