Fishing to open on Salmon Creek

August 1, 2014

Action: Opens Salmon Creek to fishing

Effective dates: Aug. 2 through Oct. 31, 2014

Species affected: Smallmouth bass, brook trout, adipose-clipped rainbow trout.

Location: Salmon Creek from the Okanogan Irrigation District diversion (7.2 km upstream of the mouth) to Conconully Reservoir Dam.

Reason for action: Salmon Creek has been designated as a recovery stream for steelhead listed for protection under the federal Endangered Species Act. Sufficient water has been procured for Salmon Creek to attract spawning steelhead adults. However, non-native species such as smallmouth bass and eastern brook trout along with residual juvenile hatchery steelhead have increased competition and predation making recovery efforts more difficult.

Daily limits: Smallmouth bass and eastern brook trout - no minimum size, daily limit 10 each. Adipose-clipped rainbow trout - minimum size 10 inches, daily limit 10. All other trout and salmon species must be released. Selective gear rules are in effect.

Other information: For rainbow trout, only fish with a clipped adipose fin and a healed scar at the location of the clipped fin can be retained.

Information contact: Ryan Fortier, District 6 Fish Biologist in Twisp, (509) 997-0316; or Jeff Korth, Region 2 Fish Program Manager in Ephrata, (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.