I went down to the Nisqually yesterday to fish under the I-5 bridge, no fish in sight. Wondering if anyone has had any luck there yet? I know there must be something there because the indians have there nets out on the lower river. Talked to a few guys who had luck at the mouth of the river, but I don't have a boat yet.

The reason you are not having any luck is the sentence after your question.

Still too early. Yeah the indians usually put their nets out this time of year but the take is minimal. Id give it another week or two before giving it any serious consideration, and even then its still a bit early.
Im in no way an expert, but I do fish the nisko often and the earliest Ive ever pulled a king out was Aug 11....and that was work.
Good luck and see you on the river.

RL

i've fished the nisqually all my life so far, and i can tell you it's still a bit early. fish start to show in another week or two, and then the main push comes from mid august to the first week or so of september. then the silvers come after that, then the chums in late december

the indians are pretty bad on this river, and take a good percentage of the fish, though. a few years back at the bridge below the handicap they had nets on both sides, leaving about 5 feet of passable river space

Thanks for the reply, The river is just a few miles away and easier than an hours drive for decent fishing. Sometimes its nice just to have a whole section of river alone, I hate the shoulder to shoulder thing. I saw the crazy mobs of people last labor day and was hoping to beat the rush. When there was a line of 20 cars before the bridge near the handicap access I just turned around and went home.

Dog, I concur with the others on the time frame for the kings. I also have been on this river for quite a fews years. Traditionally, the indians net schedule will begin on the first of July and end on 31 January the following year with nets in on Sunday at noon and out on Wednesday at noon. Mid August I am usually found where you were and/or the gravel bar just upstream from I-5. As the season progresses I generally fish from Muck Creek to upstream of the the long gravel bar located just downstream from the tank crossing bridge on Fort Lewis (many who fish this river know this spot, especially when the chums are hot!!!) This year will be different due to a promotion with the Corps of Engineers. I have transfered from Fort Lewis (lived in Rainier) to Chief Joseph Dam (now living in Okanogan). Currently having a ball with the 20 and 30 pound kings just downstream of the dam. I will also be going for the steelhead in the Okanogan and the Methow this fall. And let's not forget the outstanding fishing in Rufus Woods!!! Even though I'm 5 hours away, I still plan on hitting the Nisqually several times this fall (with the excuse of visiting the folks who live in Yelm!!!) The best of luck to the fishing buddies that I have made on the Nisqually over the years, will see some of you occasionally, and will do occasional posts on the salmon and steelhead fishing in North Central WA.....Tom
One last note. Most of the folks over here have no idea what bottom bouncing is...trolling cut plugs is the name of the game and even the bankies are using herring!!! I guess this will be a learning experience for them!!!