Open Upper Wheeler Reservoir for fly fishing only

April 16, 2015

Action: Change fishing regulations at Upper Wheeler Reservoir from closed waters to fly fishing only.

Effective dates: April 25 through June 30, 2015.

Species affected: Trout and all other game fish.

Location: Upper Wheeler Reservoir, located approximately 11 miles southwest of
the town of Wenatchee (Chelan Co.).

Reason for action: Upper Wheeler Reservoir is owned and operated by the Wenatchee Heights Reclamation District (WHRD) and has been closed to public access. WDFW has made arrangements with WHRD and the Wenatchee Valley Fly Fishers (WVFF) to grant public access to recreational anglers under Fly Fishing Only regulations. The agreement includes fish stocking and a Land Use Agreement by WDFW and site maintenance by the WVFF. A permanent rule proposal allowing "Fly Fishing Only" on Upper Wheeler Reservoir has been adopted by WDFW and will be included in the 2015/2016 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet effective July 1, 2015.

Other Information: Catch and release for Trout species only. Statewide general rules for size and bag limits apply for all other game fish. The use of motors is prohibited. Anglers should consult the current sportfishing rules pamphlet for a definition of Fly Fishing Only regulations.

Information contacts: Travis Maitland, District 7 Fish Biologist, (509) 665-3337, 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.