Chelan River Opens For Summer Chinook

Chelan River opens for summer Chinook

Action: Opens Chinook seasons.

Effective date: One hour before official sunrise July 16 to one hour after official sunset on Oct. 15, 2020.

Species affected: Salmon.

Location: From the mouth (railroad bridge) Chelan County PUD safety barrier below the powerhouse.

Rule: Salmon daily limit is 6; up to 2 adult hatchery Chinook may be retained. Min. size is 12". Release sockeye, coho, and wild adult Chinook.

Reason for action: The U.S. v Oregon Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) updated the summer Chinook run from a pre-season value of 38,000 to 65,000.  At this updated run size there are more surplus hatchery fish available for harvest. The TAC is comprised of representatives from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, NOAA, and the Treaty Tribes and are responsible for developing pre-season and in-season run forecasts that salmon seasons are based on.

Additional information: The summer Chinook run will be closely monitored and updated by TAC weekly. The season could change or close quickly if necessary. 

Barbed hooks are allowed. 

Information contact:  Ephrata regional office, 509-754-4624, or email TeamEphrata@dfw.wa.gov.