The Fishin' Magician: Rules on Lake Wenatchee
Dave Graybill
Here's some great news for those who enjoy fishing for sockeye salmon. There is an expanded bag limit announced for sockeye on Lake Wenatchee. The season started with a bag limit of three, which is one higher than in past years, and now it has been raised to five fish per day.
Early estimates of the number of fish that were to reach Lake Wenatchee were for 30,000 fish, but at least 46,000 have passed over Tumwater Dam, and there may be as many as over 60,000 in this year's run. The needed escapement is only 23,000 fish and the boost in bag limit was made in an effort to remove as many excess hatchery fish as possible. So far only 7,000 have been taken by sport fishers.
Anglers are reminded that this is a selective fishery, with no bait allowed and up to three barbless hooks may be used. The two pole endorsement is not valid for this fishery. Bull trout, steelhead and Chinook must be released immediately and a knotless net mush be used. Also, all sockeye that have a floy tag or have one or more holes punch in their tails must be released.
This fishery is made possible by funds generated through the Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement Stamp.
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