Upper Columbia river tributaries to close to fishing for salmon and other species

July 17, 2015

Action: Close current seasons and scheduled future fishing seasons for salmon and/or other species in the Wenatchee, Icicle, Okanogan, and the Similkameen Rivers and Lake Wenatchee.

Effective date: July 18, 2015, until further notice.

Species affected: Sockeye and summer chinook salmon; all species in Similkameen River.

Locations:

1) Wenatchee River (Chelan Co.) from the mouth to the Icicle River Road Bridge- current and scheduled salmon seasons closed.

2) Icicle River (Chelan Co.) from the mouth to 500 feet downstream of the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery Barrier Dam - current salmon seasons closed.

3) Lake Wenatchee (Chelan Co.) - closed.

4) Okanogan River from the Hwy 97 bridge immediately upstream of the mouth to Zosel Dam - current salmon seasons closed.

5) Similkameen River from the mouth upstream to Enloe Dam - closed to all fishing.

Reason for action: Water temperatures in the rivers are exceeding the upper limit of tolerance for sockeye and summer chinook survival. The angling and handling of adipose present salmon at these temperatures further reduces survival after release.

Check the fishing hotline at 360-902-2500 or the webpage at https: https://fortress.wa.gov/dfw/erules/efishrules/rules all freshwater.j

Information contacts: Jeff Korth, Region 2 Fish Program Manager, (509) 754-4624, Ryan Fortier, District 6 Fish Biologist, (509) 997-0316, Travis Maitland, District 7 Fish Biologist, (509) 665-3337.

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.