Photos by clare jensen
CLAUDE “PUMPKIN” WILLIAMS DISPLAYS HIS CATCH, ONE OF THREE TOTAL FISH CAUGHT ON JUNE 18.
For the second year, Puyallup Tribal elders were given the first crack at the fishing season.
Because of lower returns over the years, many local tribes, including Puyallup, have severely cut down on days tribal members are allowed to fish in order to help re-generate the larger salmon returns tribal members remember from decades ago.
“I remember when we fished all year round,” said Herman Dillon, Jr., tribal elder and fisheries program coordinator. “We were out on the boat every day.”
Over the last couple years, the regular fishing season has been cut drastically. Starting last year, tribal elders – Puyallups 55 and older – were given the opportunity to fish first.
On June 17 and 18 this year, about 15 boats of elders floated their nets along the Puyallup River between Clark’s Creek and the 11th Street Bridge. Over the two days only 17 salmon were caught. On day one of elders’ fishing 11 boats caught a total of 14 fish, with Mark Bridges’ boat bringing in a catch of six. On day two, four boats came up with three fish.
