June 4, 2003
Action: Close fishing in Icicle River from mouth to 400 feet upstream
Effective date: 12:01 a.m. June 6, 2003 through one hour after sunset July 31, 2003
Species affected: Spring chinook
Location: Icicle River, Chelan County
Reason for action: The current regulation allows fishing for non-native Carson stock spring chinook in Icicle River from 500 feet downstream of the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery rack to the mouth. However, anglers have been anchoring near the mouth and casting and fishing in the Wenatchee River, which is closed to angling, and taking native Wenatchee stock spring chinook which are listed as endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act. This illegal activity has increased over the past four years in spite of efforts to educate anglers and enforce the Wenatchee closure. In 2002, as many as six, and possibly more, of the listed stock were taken in this area. This season has been particularly troublesome to managers charged with protecting endangered Wenatchee spring chinook. Closure of the lower 400 feet of Icicle River would prevent encroachment of anglers into the Wenatchee River and better protect endangered stocks. Angling is still permitted from the hatchery rack downstream to 400 feet from the Icicle River mouth.
Other information: The daily limit is two salmon, minimum size 12 inches. Night closure and non-buoyant lure restriction in effect.
Information contact: Joe Foster (509) 754-4624, or Art Viola (509) 665-3337
Effective date: 12:01 a.m. June 6, 2003 through one hour after sunset July 31, 2003
Species affected: Spring chinook
Location: Icicle River, Chelan County
Reason for action: The current regulation allows fishing for non-native Carson stock spring chinook in Icicle River from 500 feet downstream of the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery rack to the mouth. However, anglers have been anchoring near the mouth and casting and fishing in the Wenatchee River, which is closed to angling, and taking native Wenatchee stock spring chinook which are listed as endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act. This illegal activity has increased over the past four years in spite of efforts to educate anglers and enforce the Wenatchee closure. In 2002, as many as six, and possibly more, of the listed stock were taken in this area. This season has been particularly troublesome to managers charged with protecting endangered Wenatchee spring chinook. Closure of the lower 400 feet of Icicle River would prevent encroachment of anglers into the Wenatchee River and better protect endangered stocks. Angling is still permitted from the hatchery rack downstream to 400 feet from the Icicle River mouth.
Other information: The daily limit is two salmon, minimum size 12 inches. Night closure and non-buoyant lure restriction in effect.
Information contact: Joe Foster (509) 754-4624, or Art Viola (509) 665-3337