Salmon fishing opens June 12 on Entiat River

June 11, 2009

Actions: Opens salmon fishing on the Entiat River (Chelan County).

Species affected: Spring chinook.

Location: Angling will be allowed from the Alternate Highway 97 Bridge near the mouth of the Entiat River, upstream approximately 6 miles to 800 feet downstream of the Entiat National Fish Hatchery fish ladder entrance.

Effective dates: June 12, through June 30, 2009.

Daily limit: Daily limit two salmon, minimum size 12 inches.

Reason for action: Washington department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) estimates about 2,000-hatchery origin, and between 145-160 natural origin spring chinook are expected to return to the Entiat River in 2009. WDFW believes a selective fishery to remove excess non-endemic hatchery spring chinook is warranted.

Other Information: The Entiat River spring chinook fishery will be regulated as a selective fishery requiring the use of barbless hooks, anti-snagging rules, night closure, and mandatory release of adipose present chinook and all steelhead.

Information contact: Art Viola (509) 665-3337, 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.