August 18, 2004
August 17, 2004
Salmon fishing opens in upper Okanogan River and lower Similkameen River
Action: Open summer chinook and sockeye salmon fishing in the upper Okanogan River and the lower Similkameen River. Allow gamefish, except trout, to be retained in the Okanogan River September 1 through September 19.
Effective date: August 19 through Sept. 19, 2004
Species affected: Chinook and sockeye salmon, game fish in the Okanogan River.
Locations: 1) Okanogan River from the Highway 20 bridge in Okanogan to the railroad trestle (bridge) downstream of the Lake Osoyoos Control Dam in Oroville.
2) Similkameen River from the confluence with the Okanogan River upstream to the county road bridge in Oroville.
Reason for action: The upper Columbia River summer chinook and sockeye returns in 2004 are very strong with 25,000 and 75,000 fish passing Wells Dam, respectively, to date. Escapement exceeds hatchery broodstock and wild broodstock spawning needs. There is a harvestable surplus. The stocks are stable, not listed under ESA and the expanded fishery has been deemed by NMFS not likely to have a negative impact on ESA-listed Okanogan basin steelhead.
Other information: Daily limit is six salmon, no more than 2 adults. Release wild coho. Non-buoyant lure restriction and night closure remain in effect.
Information contact: Bob Jateff, District 6 Fish Biologist, Omak (509) 826-7341
Salmon fishing opens in upper Okanogan River and lower Similkameen River
Action: Open summer chinook and sockeye salmon fishing in the upper Okanogan River and the lower Similkameen River. Allow gamefish, except trout, to be retained in the Okanogan River September 1 through September 19.
Effective date: August 19 through Sept. 19, 2004
Species affected: Chinook and sockeye salmon, game fish in the Okanogan River.
Locations: 1) Okanogan River from the Highway 20 bridge in Okanogan to the railroad trestle (bridge) downstream of the Lake Osoyoos Control Dam in Oroville.
2) Similkameen River from the confluence with the Okanogan River upstream to the county road bridge in Oroville.
Reason for action: The upper Columbia River summer chinook and sockeye returns in 2004 are very strong with 25,000 and 75,000 fish passing Wells Dam, respectively, to date. Escapement exceeds hatchery broodstock and wild broodstock spawning needs. There is a harvestable surplus. The stocks are stable, not listed under ESA and the expanded fishery has been deemed by NMFS not likely to have a negative impact on ESA-listed Okanogan basin steelhead.
Other information: Daily limit is six salmon, no more than 2 adults. Release wild coho. Non-buoyant lure restriction and night closure remain in effect.
Information contact: Bob Jateff, District 6 Fish Biologist, Omak (509) 826-7341