Chinook fishing has picked up on the main stem Columbia River above Wells Dam, where anglers have been catching some good-sized Chinook in the 20-pound-plus range.
     Anglers also are catching some sockeye running three to five pounds, according to a state Department of Fish and Wildlife report.
     Anglers are reminded that the daily limit is two adult salmon, say fish and wildlife officials.
     Meanwhile, a new section of the river opened from Wells Dam to the Highway 173 bridge in Brewster through Aug 31.
     The section from the Highway 173 bridge in Brewster to the Highway 17 bridge at Bridgeport, including the mouth of the Okanogan River, will remain open until Oct. 15.
     The Methow River has dropped into good fishing shape with fly anglers reporting catches of rainbows to 15 inches and cutthroat to 16 inches, according to the department announcement.
     Larger dry flies and nymphs under strike indicators are both good methods, say department officials.
     Anglers should check the fishing pamphlet closely, as sections of the Methow are closed to all fishing, including the mouth to the Lower Burma Road bridge, the announcement continued.
     Spiny ray anglers can expect good catches of perch in Patterson Lake near Winthrop and bluegill/crappie in Leader Lake near Okanogan. There is no minimum size and daily bag limit on those species in Okanogan County.
     Wildlife viewing includes deer finding irrigated vegetation tastier than dry fare. Cougars sometimes will follow the deer, and black bear are on the prowl for easy pickings, according to the announcement.
     “Be alert to the possible presence of these potentially dangerous wild animals,” advise wildlife officials. “Enjoy them from a distance by giving them a wide berth. Avoid attracting them by keeping campsites tidy and storing food in wildlife-proof containers away from tents.”
     More information about living with cougars can be found at http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/game/cougar/cougar.htm. Information about living with bears can be found at http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/game/blkbear/blkbear.htm.
     Wildlife viewers are reminded to be especially careful with anything that could inadvertently start a wildfire, such as warm motor vehicles parked on dry grass, campfires or stoves, and smoking materials, warn department officials.