Chinook and sockeye fishing opens in the Okanogan River and lower Similkameen River

June 30, 2009

Action : Open chinook and sockeye fishing in the Okanogan River and the lower Similkameen River.

Effective dates: July 1 through Oct. 15, 2009.

Species affected: Chinook and sockeye.

Location:

(1) July 1, 2009 - Oct 15, 2009 Okanogan River from mouth to Hwy 97 Bridge immediately upstream of mouth

(2) July 1, 2009 - Sept 15, 2009 Okanogan River from Hwy 97 Bridge immediately upstream of mouth to Hwy 97 Bridge in Oroville

(3) July 1, 2009 - Sept 15, 2009 Similkameen River from the mouth to Hwy 7 Bridge in Oroville.

Reason for action: The upper Columbia River summer chinook return at Wells Dam is adequate to provide necessary escapement goals, along with a harvest fishery. The stock is stable and not listed under the ESA. Sockeye salmon returns are predicted to be in excess of needs for wild fish escapement. The stock is not listed under ESA.

Other information: Salmon, minimum size is 12 inches. Daily limit is six salmon, only four of which may be adults, up to two of the adult salmon may be chinook. Coho salmon and steelhead must be released. The Okanogan River from Zosel Dam to first Highway 97 Bridge downstream of the dam will remain closed to all fishing. Anti-snagging rule and night closure are in effect for all species.

Information contacts: Bob Jateff, District Fish Biologist, Twisp (509) 997-0316,
Jeff Korth, Region Two 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.