Salmon Fishing Opens on Washington’s Icicle River
OutdoorHub 05.17.12
Actions: Opens salmon fishing on the Icicle River (Chelan County).
Daily limit: Daily limit two salmon, minimum size 12 inches.
Species affected: Spring chinook salmon.
Location: Icicle River, from the closure signs located 800 feet upstream of the mouth to 500 feet downstream of the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery Barrier Dam.
Effective dates: May 19, 2012 through July 31, 2012.
Reason for action: In-season run analysis has predicted that about 7,000 salmon are currently enroute to the Icicle River. Although upper Columbia River spring Chinook have been listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the salmon returning to the Icicle River are a non-endemic stock returning to Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery, and are not listed under the ESA. About 1,000 salmon are needed to meet hatchery broodstock. The 2012 return ensures that the hatchery will meet its escapement needs; the remaining fish will be available for harvest. Steelhead have also finished spawning and cleared the river prior to the season.
Other Information: Night closure will be in effect. No gear restrictions are in effect. The regulation allowing two-pole angling on the Columbia River DOES NOT APPLY to the Icicle River.
Information contact: Travis Maitland, District 7 Fish Biologist, (509) 665-3337, Jeff Korth, Region 2 Fish Program Manager, (509) 754-4624.
