Steelhead and whitefish fisheries to close on the upper Columbia River, tributaries

March 25, 2015

March 25, 2015

Steelhead and whitefish fisheries to close
on the upper Columbia River, tributaries

Action: Closure of steelhead and whitefish fishing on the upper Columbia River including the Wenatchee, Entiat, Methow, Okanogan, and Similkameen rivers.

Species affected: Steelhead and whitefish.

Effective dates: One hour after official sunset on March 31, 2015.

Locations:

1.) Mainstem Columbia River: From Rock Island Dam upstream to 400 feet below Chief Joseph Dam.

2.) Wenatchee River: From the mouth to the Wenatchee River 400 feet below Tumwater Dam, including the Icicle River from the mouth to 500 feet downstream of the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery Barrier Dam.

3.) Entiat River: From the mouth to approximately ½ mile upstream to a point perpendicular with the intersection of the Entiat River Road and Hedding Street.

4.) Methow River: From the mouth to the confluence of the Chewuch River in Winthrop.

5.) Okanogan River: From the mouth to the Highway 97 Bridge in Oroville.

6.) Similkameen River: From the mouth to 400 feet below Enloe Dam.

Reason for action: The season is closed to minimize impacts to spawning steelhead.

Information contact: Travis Maitland, District 7 Fish Biologist (Wenatchee), (509) 665-3337; Ryan Fortier, Methow-Okanogan District 6 Fish Biologist, (509) 997-0316; Jeff Korth, Region 2 Fish Program Manager (Ephrata), (509) 754-4624, ext. 224.

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.