Nisqually River Fishing Report: Chum, Chinook, and South Sound Flows

The Nisqually River is a major South Puget Sound river originating high on the glaciers of Mount Rainier and flowing through protected and private lands before emptying into Nisqually Reach near Olympia. The river is renowned for its strong runs of Chum and Chinook salmon, which are managed jointly with the Nisqually Tribe. Due to glacial melt and dam operations, monitoring the latest Washington river flow data is vital, as flow levels directly impact fish movement and safety.

River History and Power Generation

The Nisqually River is heavily influenced by two major hydroelectric dams: the **La Grande Dam** and the **Alder Dam**. These dams regulate flow for power generation and domestic water supply, creating reservoirs that profoundly altered the river’s historical salmon habitat. While the dams block fish passage to the upper watershed, extensive hatchery programs are in place to mitigate these impacts, ensuring reliable returns of anadromous fish to the lower river. The lower section of the river, where fishing is primarily focused, is free-flowing and tidal near the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge.

Location and Access

The Nisqually River forms a natural boundary between Pierce and Thurston counties. Public access is available in the lower river, with popular areas existing near the Nisqually Reach and several boat launches and bank access points below the I-5 bridge and near the hatchery. Much of the middle and upper river is restricted due to military lands (Joint Base Lewis-McChord) and private property, keeping the main fishing pressure focused on the lower-most reaches.

Primary Species and Seasonal Runs (Salmon & Steelhead)

The Nisqually River is recognized for hosting one of the most reliable and intense runs of Chum Salmon in the South Sound, and also maintains a strong Fall Chinook fishery.

Fish Run Timing:

• Fall Chinook Salmon: The Chinook run is strong and begins in late August, building throughout September. The peak fishing occurs in **September** and early **October**, with anglers often intercepting fish as they stage in the tidal and lower river sections near the Nisqually Hatchery.
• Coho Salmon: A reliable run of Coho enters the Nisqually in September. Fishing remains productive through **October** and **November**, often using methods optimized for the low visibility and fast flows of the lower river.
• Chum Salmon: The most dependable and aggressive run. Chum begin arriving in large numbers in late October, with the peak fishery occurring throughout **November** and into **December**. These powerful fish provide excellent late-fall fishing action.
• Winter Steelhead: The Nisqually supports a quality Winter Steelhead fishery, though returns can be highly variable. The season generally runs from **December** through **March**, with anglers fishing the deeper pockets and riffles below the lower river power plant outfalls.

Regulations and Conservation

Fishing management on the Nisqually River is managed cooperatively by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Nisqually Tribe. Regulations are complex, often varying by species, time of year, and river section to protect wild stocks and accommodate tribal fisheries. Specific areas may be closed to non-tribal fishing to ensure adequate escapement to the hatchery or natural spawning grounds.

All anglers must check regulations for open areas, gear restrictions, and limits before fishing. For the most current rules, seasons, and any emergency closures, always check the official resources from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

WDFW Fishing Rules: Consult the latest WDFW Fishing Regulations.