Lake Wenatchee sockeye fishery re-opens Aug. 7

August 4, 2010

Action: Re-open Lake Wenatchee to sockeye salmon fishing.

Effective date/time: Aug. 7, 2010 until further notice. Opens one hour before official sunrise.

Species affected: Sockeye salmon

Daily limit: The daily limit per angler is two sockeye 12 inches in length or greater.

Location: Lake Wenatchee (Chelan Co.)

Reason for action: The 2010 return of sockeye is sufficient to provide for the Lake Wenatchee spawning escapement goal and provide additional sport fishing opportunities.

Other information: Anglers are reminded that selective gear rules (page 19 of the 2010/11 Sportfishing Rules Pamphlet) and night closure will be in effect. Additionally, anglers are required to possess a Columbia River Salmon/Steelhead Endorsement as part of their valid fishing license. Legal angling hours are one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset. Bull trout, steelhead, chinook, and tagged sockeye must be released unharmed without removing the fish from the water.

Tagged sockeye will have one or more holes (round, approximately ΒΌ inch diameter) punched in the tail (caudal fin) of the fish. These fish are part of a study and have been anesthetized; the FDA requires a 21 consumption ban of these fish.

WDFW will closely monitor the fishery, which will continue until the majority of the surplus fish are harvested. Anglers should check for any rule changes on the department's website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regs_seasons.html

Information contact: Art Viola, (509) 665-3337 and Wenatchee District Office (509) 662-0452

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.