The official word is out, Lake Wenatchee Sockeye will open this Wedensday morning 1 hour before sunrise. Here are the specific rules. WDFW will be on the lake checking hooks, nets and catch cards so have all your ducks in a line…
Rule: Daily limit two (2) sockeye. Minimum size 12 inches. Release all Bull Trout, steelhead, and Chinook salmon unharmed and without removing the fish from the water. Selective gear rules are in effect (up to three single-point barbless hooks per line, no bait or scent allowed, knotless nets required). Two-pole fishing is allowed with a valid two-pole endorsement. Night closure in effect.
Reason for action: Based on current sockeye passage analysis at both Tumwater Dam and mainstem Columbia River Dams, WDFW projects 29,000 total sockeye are destined for Lake Wenatchee. This provides an estimated 6,000 sockeye to be available for harvest above the natural spawning escapement goal of 23,000 fish. This fishery will be monitored closely and may close on short notice depending on angler participation and harvest rates.