Icicle River to open for coho salmon retention

September 29, 2023

Action: Opens retention of coho salmon.

Effective date: One hour before official sunrise on Oct. 1 through one hour after official sunset on Nov. 30, 2023.

Species affected: Coho salmon.

Locations:

  • Icicle River: From the closure signs located 800 feet upstream of the mouth of the river to 500 feet downstream of the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery Barrier Dam.
  • Icicle River: From the shoreline markers where Cyo Road intersects the Icicle River at the Sleeping Lady Resort to the Icicle Peshastin Irrigation Footbridge (approximately 750 feet upstream from the Snow Lakes trailhead parking area).

Rule: Minimum size is 12 inches. Daily limit is two (2) coho. Release salmon other than coho. Fishing with bait (including scents and flavors) is prohibited. Night closure in effect.

Reason for action: Expected returns of coho to the Icicle River are sufficient to provide for sport angler harvest.

Additional information: 

  • Barbed hooks allowed.
  • Anglers may not use the two-pole endorsement in this fishery.
  • Motorized vessels are not allowed on the Icicle River (Chelan County ordinance 7.20.190 motorboat restrictions).

WDFW will be monitoring the fishery closely and may close the season early if necessary due to excessive incidental catch-and-release impacts to ESA-listed summer steelhead. 

Please check WDFW's website for Fishing Rule Change updates before fishing. You can receive all in-season rules changes as they are announced by signing up for email notification through WDFW Regulation Updates.

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

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. Visit wdfw.wa.gov/fishing-hotlines to find a list of mobile, web, print, or customer service phone options for the latest rule information.

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.