WDFW Fishing Rule Change
Action: Allow the retention of un-clipped chinook as part of the salmon daily limit.
Effective dates: One hour before official sunrise on Aug. 18, 2017, through Sept. 30, 2017.
Location: Entiat River, from the mouth (railroad bridge) to boundary marker(s) located approximately 1,500 feet upstream of the Upper Roaring Creek Road Bridge (immediately downstream of the Entiat National Fish Hatchery).
Reason for action: Summer chinook salmon are not native to the Entiat River. Their presence is the result of smolt releases from the Entiat National Fish Hatchery. Returns of summer chinook salmon (adipose fin-clipped and unclipped) are currently in excess of hatchery broodstock needs. Removal of the mark selective fishery rules will expand harvest opportunities while reducing impacts related to spawning between summer chinook and native spring chinook, which are protected under the federal Endangered Species Act.
Other information:
- The daily salmon limit on the Entiat River is two (2) adult or jack chinook only and may be comprised of adipose fin-clipped or unclipped fish. Check the 2017-2018 sport fishing rules pamphlet for complete details.
- Selective gear rules and night closure is in effect.
- Anglers are reminded they may not fish for or harvest fish in an area with catch in their possession that does not meet the rules in that area (Page 4 of 2017-2018 sport fishing rules pamphlet).
- Anglers are required to possess a Columbia River Salmon/Steelhead Endorsement as part of their valid fishing license.
Information contact: Travis Maitland, District 7 Fish Biologist, Wenatchee, (509) 665-3337 or Chad Jackson, Region 2 Fish Program Manager, Ephrata, (509) 754-4624 ext. 250.