May 13, 2025
Action: Opens the Icicle River to retention of hatchery spring Chinook.
Effective date: One hour before official sunrise on Friday, May 16, through one hour after official sunset on Monday, June 30, 2025.
Species affected: Chinook salmon.
Locations: Icicle River (Chelan County):
- From the closure signs located 800 feet upstream of the mouth of the river to 500 feet downstream from the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery barrier dam, and
- 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).
Rules:
- Daily limit two hatchery Chinook (adult or jack). Minimum size 12 inches.
- Mandatory retention of hatchery Chinook. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook.
- Night closure is in effect and motorized vessels are not allowed on the Icicle River (Chelan County ordinance 7.20.190 motorboat restrictions).
- Two-pole fishing is not allowed in this fishery.
Reason for action: The spring Chinook run forecasted to return to the Icicle River this year is expected to exceed hatchery broodstock requirements. Fish that exceed broodstock needs at Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery are available for sport angler harvest.
Additional information: This fishery will be monitored closely and could potentially close at any time if the non-treaty harvest share is met or if additional broodstock are needed.
Fishery managers encourage anglers to sign up for Fishing Rule Change email notifications and to check for emergency rules on the WDFW website prior to fishing. Refer to the 2024-25 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for fishing rules.
Information contact: Travis Maitland, North Central region fish biologist, 509-665-3337, or Chad Jackson, North Central region Fish Program manager, 509-754-4624.