Open Upper Wheeler Reservoir for "Fly Fishing Only"

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Action: Change fishing regulations at Upper Wheeler Reservoir from closed waters to fly fishing only.

Effective dates: May 17, 2014 through Sept. 12, 2014.

Species affected: Trout and all other game fish

Location: Upper Wheeler Reservoir, located approximately 11 miles southwest of the town of Wenatchee (Chelan Co.).

Reason for action: Upper Wheeler Reservoir is owned and operated by the Wenatchee Heights Reclamation District (WHRD) and has been closed to public access. WDFW has made arrangements with WHRD and the Wenatchee Valley Fly Fishers (WVFF) to grant public access to recreational anglers under Fly Fishing Only regulations. The agreement includes fish stocking and a Land Use Agreement by WDFW and site maintenance by the WVFF. While there are currently 15 other Fly Fishing Only waters throughout the state, there are no such waters currently open in Chelan County.

Other Information: Catch and release for Trout species only. Statewide general rules for size and bag limits apply for all other game fish. Fishing from a floating device equipped with a motor is prohibited. Anglers should consult the current sport fishing rules pamphlet for a definition of Fly Fishing Only regulations.

Information contacts: Travis Maitland, District 7 Fish Biologist, (509) 665-3337, Jeff Korth, Region 2 Fish Program Manager, (509) 754-4624.