Spring chinook mark selective fishery opens on the Icicle River

May 15, 2013

May 14, 2013

Spring chinook mark selective
fishery opens on the Icicle River

Actions: Anglers will be able to fish for and retain adipose fin clipped adult and jack spring chinook salmon on the Icicle River (Chelan County).

Effective dates: May 18 through July 31, 2013.

Daily limit: Daily limit two adipose fin clipped spring chinook (adult or jack), minimum size 12 inches.

Species affected: Spring chinook salmon.

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.

Reason for action: In-season run analysis has predicted that about 4,000 salmon are expected to return 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 a non-endemic stock returning to Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery, and are not listed under the ESA. About 1,400 salmon are needed to meet hatchery broodstock. The 2013 return ensures that the hatchery will meet its escapement needs; the remaining fish will be available for harvest by both the recreational and tribal fisheries. Steelhead have likely finished spawning and cleared the river prior to the season. Only adipose clipped spring chinook may be harvested to conserve any unclipped upper Wenatchee spring chinook that may have strayed into the Icicle River.

Other Information: Night closure will be in effect. No gear restrictions are in effect. The regulation allowing 2-pole angling on the Columbia River is not in effect on the Icicle River. The Columbia River barbless hook regulation does not apply to the Icicle River.

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license as well as a Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement (CRSSE). Revenue from the CRSSE supports salmon or steelhead seasons on many rivers in the Columbia River system, including enforcing fishery regulations and monitoring the upper Columbia River steelhead fisheries. The endorsement has generated more than $1 million annually for WDFW to maintain and increase fishing opportunities throughout the Columbia River basin.

Information contact: Travis Maitland, District 7 Fish Biologist, (509) 665-3337, Jeff Korth, Region 2 Fish Program Manager, (509) 754-4624 x 224.

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.