Sockeye fishing to close from the Washington/Oregon border to Chief Joseph Dam

July 7, 2017

July 07, 2017

Sockeye fishing to close on upper Columbia River

Action: Close sockeye salmon fishing

Effective date: 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, July 8, 2017

Areas: Columbia River from the Washington/Oregon border upstream to Chief Joseph Dam, Similkameen River, Okanogan River, Chelan River, Wenatchee River

Reason for action: A revised sockeye salmon forecast of approximately 100,000 for the Columbia River is half of the pre-season forecast of 200,000 fish. After subtracting fish already harvested, those destined for Lake Wenatchee, and pre-spawn mortality, all remaining sockeye must be directed toward escapement and hatchery broodstock.

Other angler information: Fishing for summer chinook salmon remains open as specified in the 2017-2018 sport fishing rules pamphlet.

Information contact: Chad Jackson, Region 2 Fish Program Manager, Ephrata, (509) 754-4624, Travis Maitland, District 7 Fish Biologist, Wenatchee, (509) 665-3337 or Ryan Fortier, District 6 Fish Biologist, Twisp, (509) 997-0316

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.