June 7, 2023
Action: Opens retention of hatchery spring Chinook salmon.
Effective date: One hour before official sunrise on Friday, June 9 to one hour after official sunset on Thursday, June 30, 2023.
Species affected: Chinook salmon.
Location: Wenatchee River (Chelan Co.) from the Hwy. 2 Bridge crossing the Wenatchee River in Leavenworth to the upstream point of the confluence with the Icicle River and from that point to a line perpendicular with the Wenatchee River to the opposite riverbank (adjacent to the Leavenworth Golf Course).
Rules:
- Daily limit 3 hatchery Chinook. Minimum size 12”. Release all other salmon.
- Mandatory retention of hatchery Chinook (must keep first 3 legally landed hatchery Chinook).
- Selective Gear Rules in effect, except bait is allowed (up to 3 single point barbless hooks per line and knotless net are required).
- Night closure in effect.
- Motorized vessels are not allowed on the Wenatchee River (Chelan Co. ordinance 7.20.190).
- Two pole fishing is not allowed.
Reason for action: In-season run size forecasts indicate sufficient numbers of both hatchery and wild spring Chinook are available to expand recreational harvest opportunities while remaining within Endangered Species Act (ESA) impact rates on wild fish.
Additional information: Daily limits are not waterbody specific. If you are fishing in both the Wenatchee River and Icicle River, your daily limit is 3 Chinook total for the day, not 3 from each area.
This fishery will be monitored closely and could potentially close at any time if ESA impacts rates are met, the non-treaty harvest share is met, and/or if additional broodstock are needed. Anglers are advised to check the WDFW website for updates.
Information contact: Travis Maitland, District 7 Fish Biologist, 509-665-3337 or Chad Jackson, Region 2 Fish Program manager, 509-754-4624.