Lake Chelan Project Tailrace to open for salmon fishing

September 9, 2011

September 9, 2011
Lake Chelan Project Tailrace to open for salmon fishing

Action: Open the Lake Chelan Project Tailrace for salmon fishing

Effective Date: Sept. 14 through Oct. 15, 2011

Species affected: Chinook salmon

Daily Limit: Six chinook salmon, up to 3 adults may be retained of which only 1 may be a wild adult. Minimum size 12 inches.

Location: Lake Chelan Project (powerhouse) tailrace from the railroad bridge to the Chelan PUD safety barrier below the powerhouse.

Other angler information: No fishing from a floating device allowed. Night closure and anti-snagging rule in effect. No fishing in the Chelan River upstream from the powerhouse tailrace to Lake Chelan. No fishing in the Chelan Co PUD Powerhouse Park swimming area. Fishing along the southwest shoreline (shoreline on the same side of the river as the Chelan Co PUD Powerhouse Park) limited to wading only (no fishing from bank).

All Chinook with a floy (anchor) tag attached and/or with one or more holes (round, approximately 1/4 inch diameter) punched in the caudal (tail) fin must be released, since these fish are essential to ongoing studies being conducted by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license in addition to a Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement Stamp.

Reason for action: Adult chinook salmon released as juveniles from the net pens just below the Chelan PUD powerhouse are expected to return in sufficient numbers to provide a fishery. The population is not listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

Information contacts: Bob Jateff, District 6 Fish Biologist, (509) 997-0316, Jeff Korth, Region 2 Fish Program Manager, (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.