These Muckelshoot or Suquamish Indians have the good fortune of being granted customary fishing rights across the outlet of Lake Union. When the Treaty of Point Elliott was signed in 1855, Lake Washington didn't even drain through here. The ship canal, locks, and fish ladder greatly enhanced the value of these rights. It makes for easy and productive fishing, so much so that the state department of fisheries (the guy in the grey shirt) needs to keep a close eye on the size of the catch.
On the other hand, pity those like the Duwamish who would have had a rich salmon catch as Lake Washington drained through Renton. They lost their harvest when the ship canal was built a century ago.
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