Sockeye Fishing Returns To Lake Wenatchee, Wenatchee River

WASHINGTON — Two popular fishing areas will soon reopen for sockeye salmon, thanks to record returns this year, state wildlife officials announced Monday. More than 23,000 sockeye salmon had already passed over Tumwater Dam by Friday, meeting the state's escapement goal, and thousands more are expected in the coming weeks, according to the state Department of Fish and Wildlife.

“This year’s strong return should offer plenty of sockeye opportunity on Wenatchee Lake and in the Wenatchee River, which is great news for this popular fishery,” said Chad Jackson, WDFW's fish program manager for the north-central region. “We’ll continue monitoring the run to ensure we’re meeting our conservation goals, but things are looking very good for this year’s season.”

The WDFW plans to open the Lake Wenatchee fishery on July 28, welcoming anglers through Aug. 31 to catch up to four sockeye per day, with a minimum size requirement of 12 inches. All bull trout, steelhead and Chinook salmon must be released unharmed and without removing the fish from the water.

Officials said "selective gear rules" will remain in effect, allowing up to three single, barbless hooks per line, with no bait or scent.

The Wenatchee River will be open for sockeye retention between Aug. 1 and Sept. 30, allowing anglers to catch up to four sockeye and two adult hatchery Chinook, for a total of six fish per day. Anglers must release all coho and wild Chinook.

Night closures are in place in both locations.

Learn more about fishing at Lake Wenatchee and the Wenatchee River on the WDFW website.