The Fishin' Magician

Friday, July 29

The first of August is just around the corner, and a new fishery will open on the Wenatchee River.

Summer run salmon season opens August 1st, and more and more anglers are taking advantage of this opportunity.

Last year we saw a record return of summer salmon to the upper Columbia River with almost 127,000 fish. The forecast for this year is for 93,000 and over 115,000 have already passed over Bonneville Dam.

The water conditions are much better on the Wenatchee this year, with more fishable water available to anglers and more water that is attractive to these big fish.

The season on the Wenatchee starts on August 1st and runs through September 1st. The river is open from the mouth to the bridge on Icicle River Road.

It is closed 400 feet below the Dryden Dam to Peshastin Creek, and there is a night closure to fishing. This is a selective fishery with no bait allowed and only barbless hooks.

The daily limit is four adult Chinook, only two being hatchery fish. Please release all wild adults immediately and also release all sockeye, steelhead or other game fish.

A popular method of taking summer Chinook on the Wenatchee is with large spoons and spinners or by pulling plugs.