Fish and Wildlife

Effective tomorrow, May 21, Chinook salmon fishing will open on the Icicle River and is expected to remain open through July 31.

The daily limit is three salmon, with a minimum size of 12 inches.

The area open to fishing is the Icicle River from the closure signs located 800 feet upstream of the mouth to 500 feet downstream of the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery Barrier Dam.

In-season run analyses predict that over 9,000 salmon, 6,000 adults and 3,500 jacks, will return to the Icicle River. Although upper Columbia River spring Chinook have been listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act, the salmon returning to the Icicle River are Carson stock and not listed under the ESA. 

About 1,000 salmon are needed to meet hatchery broodstock. The 2011 return ensures that the hatchery will meet its escapement needs; the remaining fish will be available for harvest.

Night closure will be in effect. Anglers are to release fish with one or more round holes punched in the tail of the fish. 

Anglers must have a current Washington fishing license.