May 21, 2009
Action: Opens salmon fishing on the Icicle River (Chelan County).
Species affected: Chinook salmon.
Effective dates: May 22 through July 31, 2009.
Location: Icicle River, from the closure signs located 800 feet upstream of the mouth to 500 feet downstream of the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery Barrier Dam.
Daily limit: Daily limit two salmon, minimum size 12 inches.
Reason for action: In-season run analyses predict that about 5,000 salmon are currently enroute to the Icicle River. Although upper Columbia River spring chinook have been listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the salmon returning to the Icicle River are not listed under the ESA. About 1,000 salmon are needed to meet hatchery broodstock. The 2009 return ensures that the hatchery will meet its escapement needs; the remaining fish will be available for harvest.
Other Information: Night closure will be in effect. Release fish with one or more holes punched in the tail of the fish (caudal fin). These fish are part of a study and have been anesthetized; the FDA requires a 21 day ban on consumption of these fish.
The 2009 opener is later than previous years due to a delayed salmon run. Listed steelhead spawning activity on the Icicle River also appears to be late. The delayed opener will ensure that the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery will be able to collect the needed salmon for broodstock and that most steelhead have finished spawning and cleared the river prior to the season opener.
Information contact: Art Viola (509) 665-3337, Wenatchee District Office (509) 662-0452
Species affected: Chinook salmon.
Effective dates: May 22 through July 31, 2009.
Location: Icicle River, from the closure signs located 800 feet upstream of the mouth to 500 feet downstream of the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery Barrier Dam.
Daily limit: Daily limit two salmon, minimum size 12 inches.
Reason for action: In-season run analyses predict that about 5,000 salmon are currently enroute to the Icicle River. Although upper Columbia River spring chinook have been listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the salmon returning to the Icicle River are not listed under the ESA. About 1,000 salmon are needed to meet hatchery broodstock. The 2009 return ensures that the hatchery will meet its escapement needs; the remaining fish will be available for harvest.
Other Information: Night closure will be in effect. Release fish with one or more holes punched in the tail of the fish (caudal fin). These fish are part of a study and have been anesthetized; the FDA requires a 21 day ban on consumption of these fish.
The 2009 opener is later than previous years due to a delayed salmon run. Listed steelhead spawning activity on the Icicle River also appears to be late. The delayed opener will ensure that the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery will be able to collect the needed salmon for broodstock and that most steelhead have finished spawning and cleared the river prior to the season opener.
Information contact: Art Viola (509) 665-3337, Wenatchee District Office (509) 662-0452