Regional News

Close whitefish fishing in select upper Columbia River tributaries

Mar 09, 2017

Close whitefish fishing in select upper Columbia River tributaries

Action: Close the Entiat, Methow, Chewuch and parts of the Similkameen rivers to fishing for whitefish.

Effective date: One hour after official sunset on March 10, 2017.

Species affected: Whitefish.

Locations:

Entiat River: From mouth (railroad bridge) to Entiat Falls.
Similkameen River: From mouth to Enloe Dam.
Methow River: From Gold Creek to falls above Brush Creek.
Chewuch River: From mouth (Winthrop) to Pasayten wilderness boundary falls (river mile 34.6).

Reason for action: Allowable impacts to steelhead listed under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) have been reached in upper Columbia River whitefish fisheries.

Other information: Whitefish fisheries in the Similkameen River from Enloe Dam to the Canadian border and Sinlahekin Creek from Palmer Lake to Cecile Creek Bridge remain open as described in the current Washington Sport Fishing rules pamphlet.

Information contacts: Travis Maitland, District 7 Fish Biologist, (509) 665-3337; Ryan Fortier, District 6 Fish Biologist, (509) 997-0316; Jeff Korth, Region 2 Fish Program Manager, (509) 754-4624.

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license. Check the WDFW “Fishing in Washington” rules pamphlet for details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing regulations are subject to change. Call the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules or check the WDFW webpage at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/ for details on fishing seasons and regulations. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call (360) 796-3215 or toll free 1-866-880-5431.