Action: Opens salmon retention and game fish catch-and-release fishing.
Effective dates: Dec. 24, 2025–Jan. 31, 2026.
Species affected: All species.
Location: Nisqually River (Pierce and Thurston counties) from the mouth to Clear Creek (latitude 47.034918, longitude -122.676735).
Rules:
- All species:
- Open Wednesdays–Saturdays, closed Sundays–Tuesdays.
- Night closure and anti-snagging rule in effect. Single-point barbless hooks required.
- Salmon: Daily limit six, including no more than two adults; minimum size 12 inches. Release wild Chinook and wild coho.
- Game fish: Catch and release.
Reason for action: Projections based on recent stream surveys show that chum salmon are returning at abundance sufficient to support fishery openings for both WDFW and the Nisqually Indian Tribe while meeting the escapement goal for the basin.
Additional information: 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 2025–2026 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for current regulations. Download the Fish Washington® mobile app to stay up to date on the go.
Information contact: Gabe Madel, 360-902-2670, gabriel.madel@dfw.wa.gov, or Riley Freeman, 360-810-0724, riley.freeman@dfw.wa.gov.