Lake Washington Sockeye

[skidynastar33]

It would be interesting to know how much the system could actually hold. Lake Wenatchee escarpment is 35000. I don't see how 350000 fish could spawn in the river system.

[GEARHEAD]

The tribes net near the mouth of the Cedar every year, I recently lived across from Gene Coulon, and would see them in there netting from midnight to whenever, would be nice if everybody else could get a few too. I thought the Bolt decision was pretty much a 50/50 deal but that just doesn't seem to be the thing these days.

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

Exactly. Why should the Tribes net fish introduced by the White Man? That whole fishery is Non Native as it comes.

[huntnphool]

Up to 40k, hoping they really start showing in high numbers, we need another 160k

[Dan-o]

Up to 40k, hoping they really start showing in high numbers, we need another 160k

I wish.

I love the Lake Washington Sockeye fishery.   It's the only combat fishery I participate in......   I don't know why I like it so much....

When is the hatchery supposed to really kick in?

[bearpaw]

Maybe someone already addressed this, I didn't read all the posts! 

Can you catch and release in these closed fisheries until they open to keep the fish?

[huntnphool]

Maybe someone already addressed this, I didn't read all the posts! 

Can you catch and release in these closed fisheries until they open to keep the fish?

 No, be sure to release any accidentally caught while trolling for trout too!

[CP]

Maybe someone already addressed this, I didn't read all the posts! 

Can you catch and release in these closed fisheries until they open to keep the fish?

 No, be sure to release any accidentally caught while trolling for trout too!

Any sockeye under 15" is legally a KOKANEE and may be retained.

[huntnphool]

 



WDFW FISHING RULE CHANGE   
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091
http://wdfw.wa.gov

 July 15, 2016

Lake Wenatchee sockeye fishery opens July 20

Action: Lake Wenatchee opens for sockeye salmon fishing.

Effective date/time: July 20 (one hour before official sunrise) until further notice.

Species affected: Sockeye salmon

Daily limit: The daily limit per angler is 6 sockeye, 12 inches in length or greater.

Location:  Lake Wenatchee (Chelan County)

Reason for action: Based on current sockeye passage analysis at both Tumwater Dam and mainstem Columbia River Dams, at least 60,000 total sockeye are projected to be destined for Lake Wenatchee. This provides an estimated 37,000 sockeye to be available for harvest above the natural spawning escapement goal of 23,000 fish.

Other information: Selective gear rules are in effect (up to three single barbless hooks per line, no bait or scent allowed, knotless nets required). A night closure will be in effect. Anglers may fish with 2 poles as long as they possess a valid two-pole endorsement. Legal angling hours are one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset.  Bull trout, steelhead, and chinook salmon must be released unharmed without removing the fish from the water.

NOTE: The Lake Wenatchee sockeye fishery may close on short notice depending on participation and catch rates. Anglers are advised to check the fishing hotline at 360-902-2500 or WDFW's website daily at https://fortress.wa.gov/dfw/erules/efishrules/rules_all_freshwater.j.

Anglers are required to possess a Columbia River Salmon/Steelhead Endorsement as part of their valid fishing license and catch record card. Revenue from the endorsement supports salmon or steelhead seasons in the Columbia Basin, including enforcement and monitoring the upper Columbia River 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 (Wenatchee District Office).  Jeff Korth, Region 2 Fish Program Manager (509) 754-4624.

 

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call (360)796-3215 or toll free 1-866-880-5431.
Persons with disabilities who need to receive this information in an alternative format or who need reasonable accommodations to participate in WDFW-sponsored public meetings or other activities may contact Dolores Noyes by phone (360-902-2349), TTY (360-902-2207), or email (dolores.noyes@dfw.wa.gov). For more information, see http://wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/reasonable_request.html.

[bullfisher]

My family has been paying for these fisheries for generations, when am i a native?
I wish someone would would have the now how and stones to fight the native bureaucracy.

[hunthard]

That's what I have been saying, I was born here in Washington, I am just as "native" as anybody else.

[huntnphool]

Could this be the year?

http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/counts/sockeye/

[Mfowl]

Could this be the year?

http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/counts/sockeye/

It would sure be nice but.....

[WAcoueshunter]

Could this be the year?

http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/counts/sockeye/

We can dream!

Year to date we are way ahead of the last couple years, although still a drop in the bucket.  Pre season forecast is only 77k, for whatever that's worth. 

[huntnphool]

Could this be the year?

http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/counts/sockeye/

We can dream!

Year to date we are way ahead of the last couple years, although still a drop in the bucket.  Pre season forecast is only 77k, for whatever that's worth.

 I bet it gets up to about 150k this year, twice their forecast.