Sockeye fishing to open at Lake Wenatchee

WENATCHEE – Amid a record return of sockeye salmon to the Columbia River, sockeye fishing in Lake Wenatchee and the Wenatchee River is opening.

As of July 22, more than 23,000 sockeye passed over Tumwater Dam on the Wenatchee River, state Department of Fish and Wildlife North-Central Fish Program Manager Chad Jackson said.

Fishing in Lake Wenatchee will be open from July 28 through Aug. 31, with a daily limit of four sockeye (minimum size 12 inches). Anglers must release all bull trout, steelhead, and Chinook salmon unharmed and without removing the fish from the water. Selective gear rules are in effect – up to three single barbless hooks per line, no bait or scent allowed, knotless nets required. Two-pole fishing is allowed with a valid two-pole endorsement."

"This year's strong return should offer plenty of sockeye opportunity on Wenatchee Lake and in the Wenatchee River, which is great news for this popular fishery," Jackson said. "Things are looking very good for this year's season."

The Wenatchee River will open for sockeye from Aug. 1 through Sept. 30, with no more than two adult hatchery Chinook and up to four sockeye (minimum size 12 inches) allowed to be retained as part of the six-fish daily limit.

Fishermen must release Coho and wild adult Chinook. Selective gear rules are in effect, except use of bait is allowed.

A night closure is in effect for both Lake Wenatchee and the Wenatchee River.