The Nisqually River is located in West Central
Washington State and travels through Lewis, Pierce and
Thurston Counties.  

The Nisqually River originates on the southern side of Mt
Rainer from the Nisqually Glacier.  The Nisqually River
travels approximately 81 miles from the Nisqually Glacier
until it reaches Puget Sound near Lacey, Washington.

Nisqually is pronounced, niskwali, and is named for the
Niqually Indian Tribe.  The Nisqually Tribe originally
occupied the area surrounding the river.

The tributaries of the Nisqually River include Muck Creek,
Yelm Creek, Tanwax Creek, Ohop Creek, Mashel River,
Little Nisqually River, East Creek, Mineral Creek and Big
Creek.

There are two dams located on the Nisqually River: the
LaGrande Dam and Alder Dam.

The Nisqually River is a popular place to fish for Salmon.

The Lake formed behind Alder Dam is called Alder Lake.  
Alder Lake is stocked with Kokanee, or land locked
salmon, by Tacoma Power who owns and operates the
dam.  Tacoma Power began stocking Alder Lake with
500,000 Kokanee Salmon a year in 1999.  This provided
anglers with an excellent source of fishing opportunities.  
Many of these salmon now spawn in tributaries near the
lake.

Tacoma Power also fully funds the Nisqually Tribe's Clear
Creek Hatchery.  This Nisqually River hatchery produces
4 million chinook smolts and one million coho smolts each
year.

Feel free to give us a call or send us an email.

253-312-8900  253-389-0359

Send us an email to Book your Fishing Adventure!
Your Guide ServiceYour GuideFishing SeasonsCall or Email Today!Salmon PicturesLinksWhere to StayWhat our Customers Have to Say!
Nisqually River behind Alder
Dam creates Alder Lake.  A
great fishery for Kokanee
Salmon in the shadow of Mt.
Rainer.
The Nisqually River near the
mouth of the river.  This is the
I-5 bridge that crosses the
river between Lacey and
Tacoma.
Directions:

From I-5 take Nisqually Exit.  
Turn onto Nisqually Cut-Off
Road.
Waters West Guide Service 388 Geissler Rd Montesano, WA 98563  Since 2003