Wenatchee River, Lake Opening For Sockeye
THE FOLLOWING ARE A PRESS RELEASE AND RULE CHANGE NOTICES FROM THE WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE
Amid a record return of sockeye salmon to the Columbia River, fishery managers in Washington’s North Central region announced that sockeye fishing will open on Lake Wenatchee and the Wenatchee River in the days ahead.
As of July 22, the escapement goal of 23,000 sockeye passing over Tumwater Dam on the Wenatchee River had already been met, with thousands more expected to be available for harvest, said Chad Jackson, North Central Fish Program Manager with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
“This year’s strong return should offer plenty of sockeye opportunity on Wenatchee Lake and in the Wenatchee River, which is great news for this popular fishery,” Jackson said. “We’ll continue monitoring the run to ensure we’re meeting our conservation goals, but things are looking very good for this year’s season.”
The Lake Wenatchee fishery will open from July 28 through Aug. 31, with a daily limit of four sockeye (minimum size 12 inches). Anglers must 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 barbless hooks per line, no bait or scent allowed, knotless nets required. Two-pole fishing is allowed with a valid two-pole endorsement.
The Wenatchee River will also open for sockeye retention from the mouth to the Icicle Road Bridge from Aug. 1 through Sept. 30, with no more than two adult hatchery Chinook and up to four sockeye (minimum size 12 inches) allowed to be retained as part of the six-fish daily limit. Anglers must release coho and wild adult Chinook. Selective gear rules are in effect, except use of bait/scent is allowed. Two-pole fishing is not allowed in the river fishery.
A night closure is in effect for both Lake Wenatchee and the Wenatchee River.
For more information, visit WDFW’s emergency regulations page at https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/emergency-rules. For additional permanent regulations, see the 2022-23 Washington Sport Fishing pamphlet at https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations.
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Wenatchee River salmon fishery update
Action: Opens sockeye retention.
Effective dates: One hour before official sunrise Monday, Aug. 1 to one hour after official sunset Friday, Sept. 30, 2022.
Species affected: Salmon
Location: Wenatchee River (Chelan Co.), from the mouth to the Icicle Road Bridge.
Rules:
- Min. size 12″. Daily limit 6, including no more than 2 adult hatchery Chinook and no more than 4 sockeye. Release coho and wild adult Chinook.
- Night closure in affect and no motorboats, other than boats with electric trolling motors may be used. (Chelan County ordinance 7.20.190 motorboat restrictions).
- Selective gear rules in effect, except bait is allowed.
- Two-pole endorsement not allowed in this fishery
Reason for action: Based on current sockeye passage analysis at both Tumwater Dam and mainstem Columbia River Dams, WDFW projects a surplus of harvestable sockeye destined for Lake Wenatchee, well above the natural spawning escapement goal of 23,000 fish.
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Lake Wenatchee opens for sockeye
July 25, 2022
Action: Opens sockeye retention.
Effective dates: One hour before official sunrise July 28 to one hour after official sunset Aug. 31, 2022.
Species affected: Sockeye salmon.
Location: Lake Wenatchee (Chelan Co.)
Rules:
- Daily limit 4 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 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 a surplus of harvestable sockeye destined for Lake Wenatchee, well above the natural spawning escapement goal of 23,000 fish.
Additional information: This fishery will be monitored closely and may close on short notice depending upon angler participation and harvest rates. Anglers are advised to check WDFW’s website routinely for updates at https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/emergency-rules.
CORRECTION, 3:35 p.m., July 28, 2022: The initial version of WDFW’s press release on the opening of sockeye fishing in portions of the Wenatchee system incorrectly implied all of the Wenatchee River was opening. In fact, only that portion from the mouth to the Icicle Road Bridge is opening, as correctly stated in WDFW’s rule change notice.
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