Action: Closes all fishing.
Effective date: Sept. 22–Oct. 31, 2026.
Species affected: All species.
Location: Deschutes River in Thurston County from the mouth (a line projected across the river 400 feet downstream of the lower Tumwater Falls fish ladder) to the Old Highway 99 (Capital Boulevard Southeast) Bridge.
Reason for action: This section of the Deschutes River runs through Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls. The park does not allow fishing from the shore. Due to recent trespassing and fishing activity, this action is necessary both for the protection of the public due to the dangerous conditions presented in this area, and for the protection of fall Chinook staging for the Tumwater Falls Hatchery facility.
Additional information: A reminder to anglers that Capital Lake (all waters between 5th Ave. Bridge in downtown Olympia and a line projected across the river 400 feet below the lower Tumwater Falls fish ladder) is closed to fishing, year-round.
Fishery managers encourage anglers to sign up for Fishing Rule Change email notifications and to check for emergency rules on the WDFW website before fishing. Refer to the Washington Sport Fishing Rules for current regulations. Download the Fish Washington® mobile app to stay up to date on the go.
Information contact: Fish Program, 360-902-2700.