Washington’s Lake Wenatchee Sockeye Fishery Opens August 4
OutdoorHub 08.02.12
Action: Lake Wenatchee opens for sockeye salmon fishing.
Effective date: One hour before official sunrise Aug. 4 through Aug. 31, 2012.
Species affected: Sockeye salmon.
Daily limit: The daily limit per angler is three sockeye, 12 inches in length or greater.
Location: Lake Wenatchee (Chelan Co.).
Reason for action: More than 30,000 fish are expected to migrate past Tumwater Dam on the Wenatchee River. At least 7,000 fish are estimated to be available for harvest above the natural spawning escapement goal of 23,000 fish.
Other information: Selective gear rules are in effect (single barbless lures or flies, no bait or scent allowed, knotless nets required). Bull trout, steelhead, and chinook salmon must be released unharmed without removing the fish from the water. Two-pole endorsement is not valid for this fishery. A night closure will be in effect. Legal angling hours are one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset. Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license as well as a Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement (CRSSE).
NOTE: The Lake Wenatchee sockeye fishery may be closed on short notice depending on participation and catch rates. Anglers are advised to check the fishing hotline at 360-902-2500 or WDFW’s website daily.
Important angler note: All sockeye with a floy (anchor) tag attached and/or one or more round ¼ inch in diameter holes punched in the caudal (tail) fin must be released. These fish are essential to ongoing studies being conducted by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Information contact: Travis Maitland, District 7 fish biologist, (509) 665-3337 (Wenatchee District Office); Jeff Korth, Region 2 Fish Program manager (509) 754-4624.
