Sockeye retention will be allowed above Priest Rapids on Columbia River, selected tributaries starting July 1

June 25, 2010

Action: Anglers will be able to retain adult sockeye salmon in the mainstem Columbia River above Priest Rapids Dam and in the Okanogan and Similkameen Rivers beginning July 1, 2010.

Rule: Daily limit 6 salmon. Up to 3 adult chinook, of which only one wild adult chinook may be retained. Sockeye minimum size 12 inches. All coho and steelhead must be released. Release all sockeye and chinook with floy (anchor) tag attached. There is an anti-snagging and night closure in effect for Rocky Reach Dam to Turtle Rock and the Okanogan and Similkameen Rivers.

Effective dates and locations:

(1) July 1 - Aug 31, 2010, Columbia River from Priest Rapids Dam to Wanapum Dam.

(2) July 1 - Oct 15, 2010, Columbia River from Wanapum Dam to Wells Dam.

(3) July 16 - Aug 31, 2010, Columbia River from Wells Dam to Hwy 173 Bridge in Brewster.

(4) July 1, 2010 - Oct 15, 2010, Columbia River from Hwy 173 Bridge in Brewster to Hwy 17 Bridge in Bridgeport.

(5) July 1, 2010 - Oct 15, 2010, Okanogan River from the mouth to Hwy 97 Bridge immediately upstream of mouth.

(6) July 1, 2010 - Sept 15, 2010, Okanogan River from Hwy 97 Bridge immediately upstream of mouth to Hwy 97 Bridge crossing at Oroville.

(7) July 1, 2010 - Sept 15, Similkameen River from the mouth to Enloe Dam.

Species affected: Sockeye salmon

Reason for action: Sockeye salmon returns above Priest Rapids Dam are predicted to be well in excess of needs for wild fish escapement to the spawning grounds. The population is not listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

Information contact: Bob Jateff, District 6 Fish Biologist, Twisp, (509) 997-0316; Art Viola, District 5 Fish Biologist, Wenatchee, (509) 665-3337; Jeff Korth, Region 2 Fish Program Manager, Ephrata, (509) 754-4624

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. Visit wdfw.wa.gov/fishing-hotlines to find a list of mobile, web, print, or customer service phone options for the latest rule information.

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.