Lake Wenatchee Sockeye Fishery To Open

Action: Lake Wenatchee opens for sockeye salmon fishing.

Effective date: July 30, 2015 (one hour before official sunrise).

Species affected: Sockeye salmon.

Daily limit: The daily limit per angler is 4 sockeye, minimum size of 12 inches.

Location: Lake Wenatchee (Chelan Co.).

Reason for action: Based on current passage over Tumwater Dam, at least 30,000 sockeye are projected to enter into Lake Wenatchee. This provides at least 7,000 sockeye for harvest above the natural spawning escapement goal of 23,000 fish.

Other information: Selective gear rules (up to three single-point barbless hooks per line, no bait or scent allowed, and knotless nets required) in effect. Anglers may fish with 2 poles as long as they possess a valid two-pole endorsement. A night closure will be in effect. Legal angling hours are one hour before official sunrise to one hour after official sunset. Bull trout, steelhead, and chinook salmon must be released unharmed without removing the fish from the water.

NOTE: The Lake Wenatchee sockeye fishery may be closed on short notice depending on participation and catch rates. Anglers are advised to check the fishing hotline at 360-902-2500 or WDFW’s website daily (https://fortress.wa.gov/dfw/erules/efishrules/rules_all_freshwater.j).

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 Columbia River fisheries. The endorsement has generated more than $1 million annually for WDFW to maintain and increase fishing opportunities throughout the Columbia River basin.

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