Lower Deschutes River (Thurston Co.) closed to fishing

September 5, 2024

Action:  Closes all fishing.

Effective date:  Immediately, through October 31, 2024. 

Species affected:  All species.

Location: Deschutes River (Thurston Co.) from the mouth (a line projected across the river 400 feet below the lower Tumwater Falls fish ladder) to the Old Highway 99 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. 

Anglers can check the emergency rules webpage for updates, or sign up for the Fishing Rule Change alerts email list on the WDFW webpage. See the WDFW “The Salmon Fishing Current” blog for additional Puget Sound Chinook fishery information.

Information contact:  Fish Program, 360 902-2700

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on definitions and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Visit wdfw.wa.gov/fishing-hotlines to find a list of mobile, web, print, or customer service phone options for the latest rule information.

Request this information in an alternative format or language at wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/requests-accommodation, 833-885-1012, TTY (711), or CivilRightsTeam@dfw.wa.gov.