Close whitefish fishing in select upper Columbia River tributaries

March 9, 2017

Action: Close the Entiat, Methow, Chewuch, and parts of the Similkameen rivers to fishing for whitefish.

Effective date: One hour after official sunset on March 10, 2017.

Species affected: Whitefish.

Locations:

1. Entiat River: From mouth (railroad bridge) to Entiat Falls.

2. Similkameen River: From mouth to Enloe Dam.

3. Methow River: From Gold Creek to falls above Brush Creek.

4. Chewuch River: From mouth (Winthrop, WA) to Pasayten wilderness boundary falls (river mile 34.6).

Reason for action: Allowable impacts to Endangered Species Act listed steelhead have been reached in upper Columbia River whitefish fisheries.

Other information: Whitefish fisheries in the Similkameen River from Enloe Dam to the Canadian border and Sinlahekin Creek from Palmer Lake to Cecile Creek Bridge remain open as described in the current Washington sport fishing rules pamphlet.

Information contacts: Travis Maitland, District 7 Fish Biologist, (509) 665-3337; Ryan Fortier, District 6 Fish Biologist, (509) 997-0316; Jeff Korth, Region 2 Fish Program Manager, (509) 754-4624.

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on definitions and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at 360-902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call toll free 866-880-5431.

Request this information in an alternative format or language at wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/requests-accommodation, 833-885-1012, TTY (711), or CivilRightsTeam@dfw.wa.gov.