Local News

Sockeye fishery opens, salmon limits raised in Okanogan and Similkameen rivers

Jul 15, 2016

Actions: Opens sockeye salmon to retention and raises total salmon limit.

Species affected: Sockeye and chinook salmon

Daily Limit: Daily limit of six (6) salmon, of which two (2) may be adult hatchery chinook and three (3) may be sockeye. Release coho and wild adult chinook.

Locations and seasons:

(1) Okanogan River:

(a) From the mouth to Highway 97 Bridge immediately upstream of the mouth. Effective date: Immediately to Oct.15, 2016

(b) From the Highway 97 Bridge immediately upstream of the mouth to the first Highway 97 bridge downstream of Zosel Dam.

Effective date: Immediately to Sept.15, 2016

(2) Similkameen River: From the mouth to 400 feet below Enloe Dam.

Effective date: Immediately to Sept.15, 2016

Other information: Release all floy (spaghetti) tagged fish. All other permanent rules apply. Previously announced salmon limits and sockeye fisheries above Priest Rapids Dam remain open. Anglers must use barbless hooks when fishing for salmon and must have a current Washington fishing license, as well as a Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement (CRSSE).

Reason for action: The sockeye run has exceeded the pre-season forecast of 102,000 fish returning to the river mouth (currently upgraded to 340,000). Sufficient escapement of fish to meet spawning needs in the Okanogan River has occurred.

Information contacts: Jeff Korth, Region 2 Fish Program Manager, (509) 754-4624 (Ephrata); Travis Maitland, District 5 Fisheries Biologist, (509) 665-3337 (Wenatchee); Ryan Fortier, District 6 Fisheries Biologist, (509) 997-0316 (Twisp).