Fishing the Puyallup on Monday or Tuesday morning - tips on crowds, location, gear and techniques?

[C. Elmer]

So, I'm sure people are tiring of these questions by now, but I appreciate any responses. I'll be trying to fish the Puyallup early on Monday or Tuesday morning. My first questions is, how are the crowds on a weekday morning? I don't mind being around other anglers, but am not a fan of the combat fishery thing. Along with that, what would be a good location for "relative" solitude? I had planned on fishing the Fife side of the river unless anyone has a better suggestion. Also, my preference in fishing is cast and retrieve - either buzz bombs, spinners, or spoons, so would these be effective enough on the river? I am willing to plunk, drift fish, or float fish if need be but these would not be my first choice. And last, I've been using an 8' steelhead rod with 8 lb. mono on pinks in salt which has been working great, but should I bump this up on the river? The next size reel I have spooled is with 17 lb mono... too big, or okay? Or should I respool with something in between? Thanks everyone,

-Christian-