Lake Washington opens for one day sockeye fishery

July 12, 2004

Action: Lake Washington opens to fishing for sockeye salmon July 17, 2004.

Effective Date: July 17, 2004

Species affected: Sockeye salmon

Location: Lake Washington waters east of a line extended true south from Webster Point. Closed to fishing within 100 yards either side of Hwy. 520 and I-90 floating bridges, and additionally, closed within 1,000 feet of the Cedar River mouth.

Reason for action: The projected sockeye run is expected to be 385,000 with an escapement goal of 350,000. The projected non-treaty harvestable share is 17,500.

Other information: The salmon bag limit will be two fish (sockeye only) with a minimum size of 15 inches. All other salmon must be immediately released unharmed. Daily fishing hours are from one hour before official sunrise to one hour after official sunset.

Freshwater fishing rules apply. These rules include the requirement that fishers have a current Freshwater or Combination license and catches must be immediately recorded on their Sport Catch Record Card. A Saltwater fishing license is not valid in Lake Washington. Barbed hooks are allowed. Also under freshwater rules, individual anglers may only fish with one rod and must stop fishing once their personal daily limit has been retained.

Catch rates and run size will continue to be updated to determine whether additional fishing opportunity can be provided.

Chinook impacts: Chinook impacts are expected to be minimal. The peak of the chinook abundance in the lake is not expected until after mid-August. Anglers are reminded to release any chinook immediately.

Information contact: Steve Thiesfeld, (360) 902-2715

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.