Salmon fishing opens in upper Okanogan River and lower Similkameen River

August 14, 2007

August 14, 2007

Salmon fishing opens in upper Okanogan River
and lower Similkameen River

Action 1: Open chinook fishing in the Okanogan River and the lower Similkameen River Aug. 15 through Sept. 15.

Action 2: Allow game fish, except trout, to be retained in the Okanogan River (upstream of the highway bridge in Malott) Sept. 1 through Sept. 15.

Effective dates: Aug. 15, 2007 through Sept. 15, 2007.

Species affected: Chinook salmon in the Okanogan and Similkameen Rivers and game fish in the Okanogan River

Location 1: The Okanogan River from the Highway 97 Bridge near the mouth to the Highway 97 Bridge just south of Oroville

Location 2: The Similkameen River from the mouth upstream to the Highway 7 Bridge in Oroville

Reason for action: The upper Columbia River summer chinook return at Wells Dam is adequate to provide necessary escapement goals, along with a harvest fishery.
The stocks are stable and not listed under the ESA.

Other information: Daily limit is six chinook salmon, no more than two adults. All coho and sockeye must be released. Non-buoyant lure restriction and night closure are in effect for all species.

Information contact: Bob Jateff, District Fish Biologist, Omak (509) 826-7341

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.