Lake Wenatchee Sockeye Opens Wednesday

THE FOLLOWING IS AN EMERGENCY RULE CHANGE NOTICE FROM THE WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE

Lake Wenatchee opens for sockeye 

Action: Opens sockeye retention season.

Effective date: One hour before official sunrise on August 4, 2021, until further notice. 

Species affected: Sockeye salmon. 

Location: Lake Wenatchee (Chelan Co.) 

Rule: Daily limit two (2) sockeye. Minimum size 12 inches. Release all Bull Trout, steelhead, and Chinook salmon unharmed and without removing the fish from the water. Selective gear rules are in effect (up to three single-point barbless hooks per line, no bait or scent allowed, knotless nets required). Two-pole fishing is allowed with a valid two-pole endorsement. Night closure in effect. 

Reason for action: Based on current sockeye passage analysis at both Tumwater Dam and mainstem Columbia River Dams, WDFW projects 29,000 total sockeye are destined for Lake Wenatchee. This provides an estimated 6,000 sockeye to be available for harvest above the natural spawning escapement goal of 23,000 fish. This fishery will be monitored closely and may close on short notice depending on angler participation and harvest rates.  

Additional information: Anglers are advised to routinely check WDFW’s emergency rules website for updates (https://fortress.wa.gov/dfw/erules/efishrules/.   

Editor’s note: For more details on how to fishy for Lake Wenatchee sockeye, see this article.