Wenatchee River for Steelhead?

[johng]

Howdy all,

So a friend and I are heading up to another friend's cabin in the Okanagan in a couple weeks and we were thinking of possibly hitting the Wenatchee River on the way for steelies.  Anyone ever fish the Wentachee for steelhead?  Just wondering if anyone has fished the river and what kind of gear worked for ya, etc.

Thanks!

- Jg
 

[jackelope]

Will it be open?
Special reg's apply to the Wenatchee. Make sure to check 1st.

[jackelope]

March 25, 2011




Upper Columbia River above Priest Rapids Dam and tributaries close to steelhead fishing April 1

Action: Close the Columbia River from Priest Rapids Dam to Chief Joseph Dam and the Wenatchee, Icicle, Entiat, Methow, Okanogan, and Similkameen Rivers to steelhead fishing.

Species affected: steelhead

Locations:

Columbia River from Priest Rapids Dam to 400 feet below Chief Joseph Dam.

Wenatchee River from mouth to Icicle River Road Bridge.
Icicle River from mouth to 500 feet downstream of the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery barrier dam.

Entiat River upstream from the Alternate Highway 97 Bridge near the mouth to 800 feet downstream of the Entiat National Fish Hatchery outfall.

Methow River from the mouth to the confluence with the Chewuch River in Winthrop.

Okanogan River from the mouth upstream to the Highway 97 Bridge in Oroville.

Similkameen River from the mouth to 400 feet below Enloe Dam.

Effective Date: 12:01 a.m. April 1, 2011

Reason for action: The steelhead sport fishery that opened by emergency rule on September 8, 2010, will close effective April 1, 2011. This action is necessary to protect spawning steelhead listed for protection under the federal Endangered Species Act. Information contacts: Jeff Korth, Region 2 Fish Program Manager, (509) 754-4624 or Bob Jateff, District 6 Fish Biologist, (509) 997-0316.


https://fortress.wa.gov/dfw/erules/efishrules/erule.jsp?id=1016

[MtnMuley]

No, it will definately not be open for steelies.

[jackelope]

Sounds like it will be open for Chinook.
 

[uplandhunter870]

Sounds like it will be open for Chinook.
 

the icicle is open for chinook i believe, dont quote me check the regs, i dont fish the icicle becuase it tends to be hard hat and kevlar vest style combat fishing.  the wenatchee however is closed waters for everything aside from whitefish in certain stretches right now.

[BurleyDog]

They just announced its going to open for Chinook

seriously

Anyone that can give a newbie (myself) tips I'd appreciate it. PM is fine. Trade good info for Ky Bourbon 

[woodywsu]

Wenatchee is closed for steelhead. Last year they opened it around the end of September for steelies.

[Armadillo]

yes the wenatchee has a fine run of steelhead..no you cant fish for them 

[johng]

Thanks for the replies everyone.  I did see the Weekender Email from WDFW saying it was opening for Chinook.  I will call WDFW to get more clarification for things and have my atlas open while they are talking to me. 

The reason I asked is I did some googling for fishing the Wenatchee and it seemed that there were guides offering guided trips on the river.... mainly fly fishing folks. 

I would like to learn how to fly fish someday but right now I am a gear fisherman...noticed that "Special Gear Rules" are in affect on the river as well.

Cheers and good luck to all as the fishing and hunting seasons start to rev up!  Grouse is almost here... yeehaw. 

- Jg

[uplandhunter870]

that would be sweet if it opens for kings, hopefully i can find some time off

[rotty33]

It is opening for kings Aug. 1.  I live in cashmere and this is the first time in a loong time.  Kind of weird, but cool!!!!!!!