Idaho Fish Report

Action and rules: Opens retention of coho salmon.

Salmon: Min. size 12". Daily limit 2. Release all salmon other than coho, except release all coho marked with a colored floy (anchor) tag (tags located near dorsal fin). Fishing with bait is prohibited. Night closure in effect.

Effective date: One hour before official sunrise on Nov. 2 through one hour after official sunset on Nov. 30, 2019.

Species affected: Coho salmon. 

Locations:  

1. From the closure signs located 800 feet upstream of the mouth of the river to 500 feet downstream from the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery Barrier Dam.

2. From the shoreline markers where Cyo Road intersects the Icicle River at the Sleeping Lady Resort to the Icicle Peshastin Irrigation Footbridge (approximately 750 feet upstream from the Snow Lakes trailhead parking area).

Reason for action:  An estimated 4,500 coho are expected to return to the Wenatchee River basin this year and will be in excess of spawning escapement goals on the Icicle River and hatchery broodstock needs. The population is not listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).  

Additional information: Barbless hooks optional. Anglers may not use the two-pole endorsement in this fishery.

Motorized vessels are not allowed on the Icicle River (Chelan County ordinance 7.20.190 Motorboat restrictions).

WDFW will be monitoring the fishery closely and may close the season early if necessary due to excessive incidental catch and release impacts to ESA listed summer steelhead. For emergency rule updates, please visit https://fortress.wa.gov/dfw/erules/efishrules/.

Information contact: Travis Maitland, District 7 Fish Biologist, 509-665-3337; Chad Jackson, Region 2 Fish Program Manager, 509-754-4624, ext. 250