OLYMPIA – The state is opening some parts of the Okanogan, Similkameen and Columbia rivers to salmon fishing.
     Fishing for Chinook and sockeye salmon opened today, July 1, in the Okanogan and lower Similkameen rivers, the state Department of Fish and Wildlife announced.
     The Okanogan River is open from the mouth to the U.S. Highway 97 bridge immediately upstream from the mouth until Oct. 15.
     The river is open from the bridge near the mouth to the U.S. Highway 97 bridge in Oroville until Sept. 15.
     On the Similkameen, the season lasts until Sept. 15 from the mouth to the county Highway 7 bridge in Oroville.
     “The upper Columbia River summer Chinook return at Wells Dam is adequate to provide necessary escapement goals, along with a harvest fishery,” the department said. “The stock is stable and not listed under the federal Endangered Species Act.
     “Sockeye salmon returns are predicted to be in excess of needs for wild fish escapement,” the announcement continued. “The stock is not listed under ESA.”
     Salmon must be larger than 12 inches. The daily limit is six salmon, only four of which may be adults, and up to two of the adult salmon may be Chinook. Coho salmon and steelhead must be released.
     The Okanogan River from Zosel Dam to the first U.S. Highway 97 Bridge downstream from the dam will remain closed to all fishing.
     An anti-snagging rule and night closure are in effect for all species.
     The state announced other changes:
     - Sockeye salmon retention is allowed on the upper Columbia River above Priest Rapids Dam.
     The change runs from July 1 to Oct 15 on the Columbia River from Priest Rapids Dam to Wells Dam, from July 16 to Aug 31 on the Columbia River from Wells Dam to the state Highway 173 bridge in Brewster and from July 1 to Oct 15 on the Columbia River from the state Highway 173 bridge in Brewster to the state Highway 17 bridge in Bridgeport.
     “Sockeye salmon returns above Priest Rapids Dam are predicted to be in excess of needs for wild fish escapement to the spawning grounds,” the department’s announcement said. “The population is not listed under the federal Endangered Species Act.”
     Minimum size is 12 inches and the daily limit is six salmon, only four of which may be adults, and up to two of the adult salmon may be Chinook. All coho and steelhead must be released.
     Anglers also must release any Chinook with an anchor (floy) tag attached in the dorsal fin area.
     - Game fish retention will be allowed in the upper Okanogan River from the Malott bridge upstream to the U.S. Highway 97 bridge in Oroville from Sept. 1-15.
     The change provides additional recreational fishing opportunity while the river is open for salmon fishing.
     Night closure and anti-snagging rules are in effect for all species, and the Okanogan River from Zosel Dam to the first U.S. Highway 97 bridge downstream of the dam will remain closed to all fishing.
     Game fishing is open under statewide size and daily limits, except release all trout is required. Game fish are defined on Page 31 of the 2009-10 “Fishing in Washington” rule pamphlet, http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/regs/fishregs.htm.
     The pamphlet also outlines licensing and other requirements.


- Prepared by Omak Chronicle staff