Local News

Sockeye retention opens on portions of the Columbia and Okanogan rivers

Jun 28, 2013

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife issued a fishing rule change Thursday.

Action: Allow retention of sockeye salmon from Priest Rapids Dam upstream to Chief Joseph Dam, including a portion of the lower Okanogan River

Effective dates and locations:

July 1, 2013 until further notice from Priest Rapids Dam to Wells Dam

July 16, 2013 until further notice from Wells Dam to Hwy 173 Bridge in Brewster

July 1, 2013 until further notice from Hwy 173 Bridge in Brewster to Chief Joseph Dam

July 1, 2013 until further notice from mouth of Okanogan River upstream to the first Highway 97 Bridge

Species affected: Sockeye salmon

Reason for action: Recent estimates of Okanogan sockeye are predicted to be adequate to allow for an anticipated low level (3,000-4,000) of angler harvest.

Other angler information:

Daily limit six (6) salmon.

No more than (2) adult hatchery chinook salmon and two (2) adult sockeye salmon may be retained in daily limit.

Minimum size for adult chinook salmon is 24 inches.

Minimum size for adult sockeye salmon is 12 inches.

Anglers must stop fishing once adult salmon limit has been harvested.

Barbless hooks required, bait is allowed.

Anglers may fish with two poles with two pole endorsement.

Anglers are reminded that salmon with floy tags and/or one or more holes (round, approximately ¼” in diameter) punched in the tail must be released.

Anglers must have a current Washington fishing license as well as a Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement (CRSSE). Revenue from the CRSSE supports salmon or steelhead seasons on many rivers in the Columbia River system, including enforcing fishery regulations and monitoring the upper Columbia River steelhead 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: Jeff Korth, Region 2 Fish Program Manager, Ephrata, (509) 754-4624, or Travis Maitland, District 7 Fish Biologist, Wenatchee, (509) 665-3337, or Bob Jateff, District 6 Fish Biologist, Twisp, (509) 997-0316

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license. Check the WDFW 2013-2014 “Fishing in Washington” rules pamphlet or the Fishing section of the WDFW webpage at http:www.wa.gov/wdfw for details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing regulations are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500.