Actions: Opens the chinook salmon seasons on the Chelan River and one section of the Wenatchee River one month earlier than currently listed in the Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet.

Effective Date: Aug. 1

Effective Locations:

Wenatchee River: From the confluence of Peshastin Creek

(approximately 1,000 feet above Dryden Dam) to the Icicle River Road

bridge on the west end of Leavenworth.

Chelan River: From the railroad bridge at the mouth to the Chelan PUD

safety barrier below the powerhouse.

General rules and daily limits:

Wenatchee River: Minimum size 12 inches. The daily limit is four hatchery chinook salmon, of which only two may be adult hatchery chinook. Selective gear rules (only unscented artificial flies or lures with one single-point barbless hook, knotless nets, no bait allowed) and night closures are in effect.  In addition, no boats with motors are allowed (Chelan County ordinance 7.20.190 motorboat restrictions). The regulation allowing 2-pole angling on the Columbia River does not apply to the Wenatchee River.

Chelan River: Minimum size 12 inches. Daily limit is eight; up to two may be adult hatchery chinook and up to four may be sockeye.  Release coho and wild adult chinook.  Barbless hooks are required and night closures are in effect.  In addition, no boats with motors are allowed (Chelan County ordinance 7.20.190 motorboat restrictions) The regulation allowing 2-pole angling on the Columbia River does not apply to the Chelan River.

Species affected: Chinook salmon.

Angler Notes: Hatchery summer chinook can be identified by a missing adipose fin with a healed scar in its location.  Anglers are reminded that under statewide regulations they may only retain one daily limit of salmon regardless of the number of waters they fish.

Reason for actions:

Wenatchee River: Hatchery summer chinook returns to the Wenatchee River are predicted to be in excess of spawning escapement needs. The population is not listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The majority of spring chinook and bull trout will have migrated to the upper Wenatchee River, and few steelhead will remain in the mainstem.

Chelan River: Adult chinook salmon released as juveniles from the hatchery rearing facility below the Chelan PUD powerhouse are expected to return in sufficient numbers to provide a fishery and are currently entering the river. The population is not listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

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