Chinook Open On Icicle River On Wednesday May 20th & Wenatchee River On Saturday May 23rd

Spring chinook mark-selective fishery to open on the Wenatchee and Icicle Rivers

Actions: Open salmon fishing on the Wenatchee and Icicle Rivers (Chelan County).

Effective dates:

(1) Wenatchee River: May 23, 2015, until further notice.

(2) Icicle River: May 20, 2015 through July 31, 2015.

Effective locations:

(1) Wenatchee River: From the Washington State Parks footbridge at Confluence Park (just upstream from the confluence with the Columbia River) to 400 feet below Dryden Dam.

(2) Wenatchee River: From the confluence with Peshastin Creek and from that point to a line perpendicular with the river on the opposite river bank (approximately 1,000 feet above Dryden Dam). Then to the confluence with the Icicle River and from that point to a line perpendicular with the Wenatchee River to the marker on the opposite river bank.

(3) 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.

Daily limit: Two adipose-fin-clipped chinook salmon, (adult or jack) minimum size 12 inches.

Note: Anglers are reminded that under statewide regulations they may only retain a daily limit of salmon, regardless of the number of waters they fish in.

Species affected: Chinook salmon.

GENERAL RULES: Hatchery spring chinook are identified by a missing adipose fin with a healed scar in its location.

(1) Wenatchee River: One line with up to two single point barbless hooks, bait allowed, knotless nets, and night closure in effect.

Adipose present spring chinook must be released unharmed and cannot be removed from the water prior to release.

Release all spring chinook with one or more round 1/4 inch diameter holes punched in the caudal (tail) fin.

Motorized vessels are not allowed on the Wenatchee River (Chelan County ordinance 7.20.190 Motorboat restrictions).

Two pole endorsement does not apply to this fishery.

(2) Icicle River: No gear restrictions. A night closure is in effect.

Adipose present spring chinook must be released unharmed and cannot be removed from the water prior to release.

Release all spring chinook with one or more round 1/4 inch diameter holes punched in the caudal (tail) fin.

Two pole endorsement does not apply to this fishery.

Reason for action: Hatchery-origin spring chinook in excess of desired escapement are forecast to return to the Wenatchee River. The fishery will reduce the number of excess hatchery-origin spring chinook and consequently increase the proportion of natural-origin spring chinook on the spawning grounds. Higher proportions of naturally produced spawners are expected to improve genetic integrity and stock recruitment through perpetuation of spring chinook stocks with the greatest natural-origin lineage. In-season run analysis has predicted that about 6,000 Carson stock and 2,900 hatchery reared Chiwawa River spring chinook salmon are currently en route to the Wenatchee River. Carson stock chinook salmon returning to the Icicle River are a non-endemic stock returning to Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery, and are not listed under the ESA.

Other Information: Anglers should be aware that fishing rules are subject to change and that rivers can close at any time due to impacts on natural origin spring chinook. Anglers are required to possess a Columbia River Salmon/Steelhead Endorsement as part of their valid fishing license. Revenue from the endorsement supports salmon or steelhead seasons on many rivers in the Columbia River system, including enforcing fishery regulations and monitoring the upper Columbia River spring chinook fisheries.

Information contact: Travis Maitland, District 7 Fish Biologist, (509) 665-3337, Jeff Korth, Region 2 Fish Program Manager, (509) 754-4624