OLYMPIA - The state Department of Fish and Wildlife has opened salmon fishing on the Icicle River near Leavenworth.
     Daily limit is two Chinook salmon with a minimum size of 12 inches.
     The affected area is on the Icicle River from the closure signs 800 feet upstream of the mouth to 500 feet downstream of the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery rack.
     Effective dates are May 15 through July 31, 2008.
     In-season run analyses predict that about 7,000 salmon are en route to the Icicle River, according to the department. Although upper Columbia River spring Chinook have been listed as endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act, salmon returning to the Icicle River are not listed under the act.
     About 1,000 salmon are needed to meet hatchery brood stock requirements. The 2008 return suggests the hatchery will meet its escapement needs; the remaining fish will be available for harvest, according to the state.
     Night closure and non-buoyant lure restrictions will be in effect.
     More information is available from Art Viola, 665-3337, or the department's Wenatchee district office, 662-0452.