Salmon fishing opens June 12 on Entiat River

June 11, 2009

Actions: Opens salmon fishing on the Entiat River (Chelan County).

Species affected: Spring chinook.

Location: Angling will be allowed from the Alternate Highway 97 Bridge near the mouth of the Entiat River, upstream approximately 6 miles to 800 feet downstream of the Entiat National Fish Hatchery fish ladder entrance.

Effective dates: June 12, through June 30, 2009.

Daily limit: Daily limit two salmon, minimum size 12 inches.

Reason for action: Washington department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) estimates about 2,000-hatchery origin, and between 145-160 natural origin spring chinook are expected to return to the Entiat River in 2009. WDFW believes a selective fishery to remove excess non-endemic hatchery spring chinook is warranted.

Other Information: The Entiat River spring chinook fishery will be regulated as a selective fishery requiring the use of barbless hooks, anti-snagging rules, night closure, and mandatory release of adipose present chinook and all steelhead.

Information contact: Art Viola (509) 665-3337, Wenatchee District Office (509) 662-0452.

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.