Summer Chinook Mark Selective Fishery To Open In The Entiat River

Action: Anglers will be able to fish for and retain adipose fin-clipped adult and jack summer chinook salmon in the lower mainstem Entiat River beginning July 25, 2014.

Effective date: July 25 through Sept. 30, 2014.

Location: Upstream from the Alternate Highway 97 Bridge near the mouth of the Entiat River to the upper Roaring Creek Road Bridge, immediately downstream of the Entiat National Fish Hatchery.

Daily limit: Two hatchery chinook salmon, (adult or jack) minimum size 12 inches. Anglers are reminded that under statewide regulations they may only retain one daily limit of salmon regardless of the number of waters they fish in.

Species affected: Chinook salmon.

General Rules: Hatchery summer chinook are identified by a missing adipose fin with a healed scar in its location. All other fish must be released. Selective gear rules (single barbless lures or flies, knotless nets, no bait allowed). In addition, no boats with motors (Chelan Co ordinance 7.20.190 Motorboat restrictions) and a night closure are in effect. The regulation allowing two-pole angling on the Columbia River does not apply to the Entiat River.

Reason for action: Hatchery summer chinook returning to the Entiat River are predicted to be in excess of hatchery brood stock needs. The population is not listed under the Endangered Species Act. The majority of spring chinook and bull trout will have migrated to the upper reaches of the Entiat River, and few steelhead will be present during this fishery.

Anglers are required to possess a Columbia River Salmon/Steelhead Endorsement as part of their valid fishing license. Revenue from the endorsement supports salmon or steelhead seasons on many rivers in the Columbia River system, including enforcing fishery regulations and monitoring the upper Columbia River spring chinook fisheries.

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

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call (360)796-3215 or toll free 1-866-880-5431.